For Kids: Inspire Little Hearts with the Biography of Fannie Lou Hamer, A Courageous Woman of Color
* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. This blog post includes affiliate links. View my affiliate disclosure here.
KIDS OF FAITH · CHILDREN’S BIOGRAPHIES · Civil rights
Do Great Things for God: Fannie Lou Hamer
The courageous woman who marched for dignity
Written by K.A. Ellis, Illustrated by Shin Maeng,
Published by The Good Book Co.
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Read the true story of Fannie Lou Hamer, a Civil Rights activist who courageously stood up for the vulnerable and contended for the rights of unborn children.
Living in Mississippi, "Mother Hamer" left school at six and was subjected to the racist "Jim Crow" laws. She and her friends marched for the right to vote and became known as "the Freedom Fighters." Fannie was imprisoned and beaten but eventually was able to speak to the Houses of Congress in Washington, D.C. Having won the vote, Mother Hamer helped bring people out of poverty and stood up for the right of unborn children to be born and to be loved.
This beautifully illustrated children's biography of Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) features engaging illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos. It is part of a series called Do Great Things For God, which is designed to show kids that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
My Thoughts:
I’ve shared time and again how beloved the Do Great Things for God series is in our home and this newest addition is yet another wonderful book! My daughter (aged 5) already loves this series and was delighted to discover Fannie Lou Hamer’s story.
This children’s biography is easy to read and understand, not shying away from the harsh realities Mrs. Hamer faced when standing up for her rights and those of the Black people in the south during the Civil Rights Movements. From freedom marches to pursuing the right to vote and speeches in Washington D.C. to freedom gardens and standing up for the unborn, this brave woman is truly a hero of our time.
The context and the way history is presented is age appropriate and easy to understand. Fannie’s perseverance and faith in the face of adversity are inspirational and her stand on equality and the value of human life is admirable. I loved the incredible picture this book depicts of a woman who’s personal faith and convictions helped pave the way towards change.
As always, I further enjoyed the timeline of Fannie’s life in the back of the book as well as the resources that are available, making this a wonderful addition for any child’s library as well as a great school or homeschool resource!
