Week 5 Assignment 3

Lillian's Right to Vote: A Celebration for the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by Jonah Winter


Twenty-fifteen is the fiftieth anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and there is a new generation of children who are not familiar with what African-Americans had to endure many, many years ago. This book is told through the eyes of 100-year old Lillian and what generations of her family had to endure over their lifetime in regards to voting and civil rights. According Booklist, this book is told on a level that is simple enough for young children to grasps, and a great starting book for introducing civil rights and the voting process for African-Americans for many years. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was initially signed on August 6, 1965, the release of these books are perfect timing to gently push a little history on younger children.




Since many young children know nothing about segregation during the early days, I would also recommend the following two children's books: White Water by Michael S. Bandy and Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Integration of Huntsville, Alabama by Hester Bass. White Water tells a child's perspective of dealing with segregation in the deep south when he encounters a water fountain that is labeled "White Only". The author tells what he endured as a child growing up in the deep south during the 1950s. Through vivid pictures and written through the eyes of a young child, today's children can get an idea on what Michael feels and how he deals with knowing he is unable to drink from the fountain because the color of his skin. Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Intergration of Huntsville, Alabama speaks on a small town working as one to integrate schools without all the violence and hate they we are accustomed to hearing about. This book concentrated on how children deal with racial discrimination, bullying, but also peace and love. All books are recommended for children from kindergarten through fourth or fifth grade; however, I believe these titles are best suited for first through third graders.