It’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here in the states. To honor
this man and the strides we have made in Birmingham, my church, First United
Methodist, and Saint John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, worshiped
together yesterday. The music and message were so inspiring. I was especially
moved when MLK’s I Have a Dream speech
was recited by various congregants from both churches.
We have come a long way in downtown Birmingham and in my
church where African American children and adults are beloved members and
involved in planning and worship. Dr. King once said, “it is appalling that the
most segregated hour of Christian America is eleven o’clock on Sunday morning.”
If only he could have been present to witness the love and joy in our sanctuary
yesterday and in the reception afterwards where we enjoyed one another.
Today’s books are offered in memory of Dr. King who I believe would
have enjoyed reading them to his children.
The
illustrations here are dazzling! You feel like you are riding beside them and
you see some highlights of American geographical beauty. Children will
especially love to hear that when it got really hot, the men rode in just their
underwear! Be careful not to assume only African American children would enjoy
this story, and please don’t set it aside because it is not February,
Black History Month. You’ll find a Note from the Author who is amazed that he
didn’t know more of this story since he is a student and teacher of history. He
explains that the book is fiction but based on historical record.
The
theological connections here are obvious. Both men say “Hallelujah!” when touching
down safely and when lifting off the dirt of particularly racist locales. This
flight could easily be connected to Biblical stories such as the journeys of the
Israelites in the Wilderness, Jesus & his disciples, or Paul and other
missionaries.
Picture Book: The Hallelujah Flight
Author: Phil
Bildner
Illustrator:
John Holyfield
Original Publisher & Date: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2010
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
The other book I offer today has significantly more text, reads
at a much higher level, and would be perfect for a private school or homeschool
that is studying Christian perseverance or American heroes.
I confess I had not heard of Howard Thurman until I was in my
40s despite the influence he had on so many Christian theologians and
ministers, including Dr. King who he mentored.
Here we read Howard Thurmon’s life as having a continual thirst for knowledge,
intellectual achievement, and opportunity. Despite living in segregated Daytona,
Florida where there was one school for African Americans and it went only
through 7th grade, Howard did become highly educated. His
intelligence and passion for learning encouraged those who met him to facilitate
his education. He became an influential theologian, minister, advocate for
civil rights, and Dean of the Chapel at both Howard University and Boston
College.
The most pivotal moment in this story occurs when Howard’s
dreams are almost derailed by an unexpected expense at a railroad station while
he was traveling out of town to attend a private high school. An African
American bystander in overalls gives Howard the coins he needs to continue his
journey.
Like the PBT book above, this book is a testament to the value
of a spiritual journey and the support of community. In the story you’ll find
phrases from Howard’s mother and grandmother that offer much in
the way of theological discussion. They are:
God
will take care.
Make
a way, dear Lord, make a way.
God
had made a way.
Picture Book: Howard Thurman’s Great Hope
Author: Kai
Jackson Issa
Illustrator:
Arthur L. Dawson
Original Publisher & Date: Lee and Low Books, 2008
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 7 and up, 2 and up
Formats other than Book: None at present
No comments:
Post a Comment