Picture Book: The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights
Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Tim Ladwig
Summary: This book begins with a paragraph explaining that much of
the African American people’s struggle for freedom has been founded on biblical
values and emboldened in a belief in God’s presence and desire for justice.
The
text then begins, “I am the Lord your God.” What follows are key moments and
figures in chronological African-American history, some very specific and some
more general, along with declarations of God’s presence with them. For
instance:
I was with Harriet Tubman when she fled slavery.
As she led others out of bondage,
I was the star guiding them north.
Jesus’ words
known as the Beatitudes are a running border at the bottom of each page and on
the end papers, offering a newer context for these familiar sayings than in Jesus' time. The book ends with a
promise from God to be with “your offspring, standing on the side of justice.”
Hanna’s Comments: Today is
Independence Day here in The States so this book seems particularly
appropriate. The illustrations are marvelous. When reading this book to a group
of children or adults, be sure to point out my 2 favorite illustrations.
One
has MLK’s image in the reflecting pool on the DC mall as 2 young girls (1
white, 1 black) hug with joy. My other favorite is on the title page. There you
find a collection of key figures gathered together apparently in prayer. After reading
the entire book, go back to this picture and have children identify the characters
that they can, such as a slave, a soldier, Ruby Bridges, Marian Anderson, and
others.
Don’t let the fact that your church has no African-American members
keep you from sharing this incredible book that declares God’s presence in
crucial times in history.
Original Publisher & Date: Eerdmans,
2010
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 8 and
up, 3rd and up
Formats other than Book: None
at present
Scripture Connections: The Beatitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:3-12)
Idea(s) for Application: Read
this book when teaching a group of tweens, teens, or adults in your faith family about the
Beatitudes.
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