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Is it always good to be
first? You might think so: you often get the best seat, the
newest things, the nicest choice in a bunch of choices. But
think about this: sometimes, being first is really hard.
Sometimes, it's downright scary.
Take, for instance, Ruby
Bridges. When she was just six years old, she became the
first black child to attend what had once been an all-white
school. She put on a brave face and marched into the school
building but afterward, Ruby's dad lost his job and her
grandparents lost their farm because she just wanted to go
to school. Still, Ruby continued going day after day after
day.
Being first might be a big
honor, as it was for Barbara Jordan, "the first African
American elected to the Texas state senate after
Reconstruction, and the first African American woman elected
to the... House of Representatives." And then there's
Shirley Chisolm, who was the first Black woman elected to
Congress and the first black woman to try to be a Democratic
candidate for the office of President.
The first American athlete
to compete in the Olympics while wearing a hijab was Ibtihaj
Muhammad. Ella Fitzgerald was the first African American to
win Grammy Awards. Phillis Wheatley was America's first
black published poet. Ava DuVernay was the first black woman
to direct a film with $100 million budget. Basketballer
Sheryl Swoopes was the first black female player to land a
major shoe sponsorship. And though she's not the last in
this book of firsts, Michelle Obama was America's first
black First Lady.
Sometimes, the
easiest-to-learn lessons come in the smallest of doses.
That's certainly the case inside Brave. Black. First
Indeed, this book leaps
into its subject matter with no introduction, just
biography, which is something young readers might appreciate
since it won't overwhelm them with too much information. No,
author Cheryl Willis Hudson gives them just enough to teach
but also enough to keep them curious with a nice balance of
biographies. Women from all walks of life, from many periods
of history, all age groups, and with accomplishments in a
variety of fields are represented, and Hudson includes tales
of adversity as well as those of triumph. That, and
draws-them-in artwork by Erin K. Ropbinson, makes this book
accessible and meaningful for kids ages eight-to-12, and for
boy readers as well as for girls.
Brave. Black. First.
is perfect if your child enjoys quick reads that are easily
browsed and flipped-through. It's likewise great for the kid
who loves inspirational biographies, so step right up.
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