Picture Book: With Books
& Bricks: How Booker T. Washington Built a School
Author: Suzanne
Slade
Illustrator: Nicole Tadgell
Summary:
Born a slave, Booker T. Washington was determined to learn to read so he taught
himself. He was determined to go to school so he walked. He begged rides so he could attend the nearest school for black students, 500 miles away. He wanted to teach other
African-Americans who were ready to learn so he began a school in Tuskegee, AL.
The cover of this book shows Mr. Washington looking at a hole in the roof of the
small shed where this school began. Because he wanted more rooms for the dozens, and later
hundreds, of eager students of color, he taught them to build. As more students
arrived, more buildings were built. The result was the prestigious Tuskegee
Institute, now Tuskegee University. In the back of this book you’ll find More about Booker and an Author’s Note.
Hanna’s Comments: As an educator and a life-long Alabamian, I’m a big fan of
Booker T. Washington. While I was homeschooling, I took my son and his friends
to see Tuskegee. I was struck by the beauty, the legacy, and the treasure of this
institution. What Mr. Washington was able to accomplish at that place and time
is a testimony to his God-given determination, ingenuity, and passions for
learning, teaching, and building. This book beautifully tells the story of the
early influences on his remarkable achievements. Consider him a hero and inspiration for the youth of any faith family or classroom.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Albert Whitman & Co., 2014
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 7 and up, 2nd and up
# of Pages: 32
Available in Spanish? Not at present
Formats other than Book: Tablet, There are several short
videos about Booker T. Washington on YouTube and elsewhere.
PBT Category: Fresh
off the Press
PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, action, America,
aspirations/dreams, beginnings/morning, call/calling/vocation, challenges,
change, commitment, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, difficulties,
disabilities/handicaps/limitations, education/learning/school, freedom,
gifts/giftedness/talents, God’s will, golden rule/great commandment, heroes,
hope, image of God, journeys/migrations/pilgrimage/quests, labor/work,
leadership/servant leadership, legacies, mentors/teachers, North America,
nurturing, passion, patience, perseverance, pleasing God/the Shema, power,
problems/problem solving, purpose, race relations/racism, slavery/slaves,
social justice, steadfastness, time/timing/over time, transformation, wisdom
Scripture Connections: Just as you did it to one of the least of these
who are members of my family, you did it to me (Matthew 25); as each has
received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied
grace (1 Peter 4:10)
Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in a homeschool or private school
situation when talking about heroes, such as Booker T. Washington, who choose
to use their God-given passions and gifts for the lifting up of those who are
suffering or persecuted.
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