She Persisted: Coretta Scott King
Inspiring true story of the civil rights legend.
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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 She Persisted: Coretta Scott King, by Kelly Starling Lyons, is an inspiring biography showcasing the intellect, drive, gifts, and success of a Black woman often overshadowed by the work and life of her husband. Coretta's early years are formative, and Lyons gives young readers a detailed, age-appropriate look at the racism and inequality Black people in America faced, specifically in those years. The information is historical but provides great opportunities to talk about racism as it exists today. An important perspective is that Coretta already saw herself as more than a silent support of her husband's work for equality. She knew that she was a partner, a force all her own. She stood with her husband but not in his shadow, and after his assassination, she took on the civil rights work herself. At the end of the book there are resources to learn more about King and her work, and a list of ways readers can persist in their own communities.
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What's the Story?
In SHE PERSISTED: CORETTA SCOTT KING, author Kelly Starling Lyons shows the impact that civil rights leader and activist Coretta Scott King had on America, and the way that her work continues to this day. Before she met and married the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., she was an accomplished academic and community voice. The early years she spent away from her family while trying to get an education had an impact on her life, putting her in the forefront of the civil rights movement and cementing her lifelong work and inspiring generations of leaders.
Is It Any Good?
This essential biography of a talented Black woman whose work was pivotal to the civil rights movement in America is packed with information and motivation for young readers. In SHE PERSISTED: CORETTA SCOTT KING, author Kelly Starling Lyons describes the racism and systemic barriers that Black people in America have been working to overcome. Coretta is shown as the talented, driven woman she was, and Lyons highlights her great skill and perseverance both as a young child trying to get an education and an adult woman fighting for her rights. The information is detailed but age appropriate, helping readers empathize and think about how they can be involved in their own ways. At the end of the book, the ideas for persisting are specific yet open-ended, giving readers a lot to think about in their own lives and communities.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ways racism exists in subtle and overt ways, like what Coretta saw happening in She Persisted: Coretta Scott King. What have you seen happen in your community? What have you read or heard about?
Sometimes it feels like problems are too big for one person to make a difference. What small steps can you take to address racism and inequality?
What other books have you read about strong women? What are some of your favorites?
Book Details
- Authors: Kelly Starling Lyons, Chelsea Clinton
- Illustrators: Alexandra Boiger, Gillian Flint
- Genre: Biography
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Philomel
- Publication date: January 4, 2022
- Number of pages: 80
- Available on: Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: April 1, 2022
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