I Am John Lewis: Ordinary People Change the World
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that I Am John Lewis is part of the Ordinary People Change the World series, by author Brad Meltzer and illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos, which introduces notable modern and historical figures as engaging, pint-sized cartoon kids who go on to accomplish great things. Spotlighting the civil rights leader and congressional representative who was himself an early supporter of the series, the appealing narrative and lively illustrations take him from his country childhood through the challenges and victories of the civil rights movement. Often beaten or brutalized, he stays true to his training in nonviolence, inspiring others to join him in causing what he called "good trouble" and bringing about change. Racial injustice and people willing to do something about it are strong themes in a story that emphasizes believing in something so deeply "you'll figure out how to make a way of no way."
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What's the Story?
I AM JOHN LEWIS first finds its hero as a little Black kid growing up in the South, who teaches himself to read the Bible and practices his preaching skills with the chickens. Before long, he notices that Black people seem to get a lot of mistreatment and discrimination, and that while his parents advise keeping quiet and not making waves, his grandmother is a bit less inclined to take guff from racists. When he visits relatives in New York State and sees Black and White people living and working side by side with no drama over skin color, he realizes things don't have to be the way they are back home. Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and others, he embraces nonviolent protest and "good trouble" as a way to change things for the better, inspiring others to join him, and persevering even when beaten by police and others intent on stopping the Voting Rights March from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. The hard-won Voting Rights Act was just the beginning, as Lewis realized "to change the laws, I needed to make the laws," and was elected to the first of several terms in the U.S. Congress.
Is It Any Good?
Brad Meltzer and Chris Eliopoulos' engaging, kid-friendly bio follows the famed civil rights leader from his days as a small boy preaching to chickens to his long career making "good trouble." A fine addition to the Ordinary People Change the World series, I Am John Lewis offers an appealing introduction to its subject and his times, particularly the racial discrimination faced by Black people in the South in the mid 20th century. Little cartoon kid Lewis suffers much adversity and many beatings, but has faith, embraces nonviolence, and inspires thousands to join his cause and accomplish what once seemed impossible. It's an inspiring introduction to the topic, and the authors offer suggestions for more reading to learn more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the civil rights movement of the 20th century, a central theme of I Am John Lewis. What do you know about this era, and the experiences of people who lived (and often struggled) at the time? Are there any stories that really help you understand it?
Have you ever seen something happening that you thought was wrong, and tried to stop it? What did you do, and how did it go?
The Ordinary People Change the World series features famous living and historic people as little kids. Are there any famous people, past or present, you wish you knew when they were your age because you think you might like each other?
Book Details
- Author: Brad Meltzer
- Illustrator: Christopher Eliopoulos
- Genre: Biography
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-control, Teamwork
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Rocky Pond Books
- Publication date: January 17, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 5 - 9
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: January 25, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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I Am Harriet Tubman: Ordinary People Change the World
Courage, doing the right thing are themes in thrilling bio.
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Let the Children March
Powerful art amplifies inspiring civil rights protest tale.
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The Story of Ruby Bridges: A Biography Book for New Readers
Fact-filled history of kid civil rights pioneer.
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Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis
Fun, charming look at civil rights leader's childhood.
For kids who love biographies and civil rights books
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