A Speech for Today

It’s MLK Day here in The States so today I’ve chosen to feature another beautiful book by Kadir Nelson. You’ll likely recognize the text from MLK’s remarkable speech.

Picture Book: I Have a Dream

Author: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

Summary: The text of this picture book is the last portion of Dr. King’s speech given in Washington DC on August 28, 1963. A few of the darker passages have been left out. Here are some of the passages that are familiar and most loved by me. 

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. 

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and he sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. 

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. 

I have a dream that one day... little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. 

With this faith we will be able to work together, pray together, struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. 

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning: My country, 'tis of thee... And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. 

Let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire... from the curvaceous slopes of California. 

But not only that: Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain in Georgia...Lookout Mountain in Tennesee...Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississsippi. 

From every mountainside, let freedom ring. 

... we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the Negro spiritual: 

Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.

Hanna’s Comments: The full text of Dr. King's speech is in the back of this book. If your faith family isn't spending time learning about the scriptural foundations of doing social justice, ask yourself why. Stories of God's desires for justice abound in our holy scriptures. Jesus had a habit of stepping over social barriers to talk with those who were marginalized. In the present political climate, we need to be teaching our children what faithful justice work looks like, encouraging our teens to find their vocations in such work, and exhorting our adults to step out of their comfort zones when human rights are being threatened or pushed aside. At the very least, all should be taught how to be intolerant of hatred and racism. Such positions are not love and therefore not scriptural. Whoever does not love, does not know God because God is love. 1 John 4:8.

Original Publisher & Date: Schwartz, 2012

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet, A cd comes with this book. You can watch the speech on Youtube [here].

Scripture Connections: This portion of Dr. King’s speech has Isaiah 40:4-5a as a part of the text. Connect it with any scripture about inclusion or social justice issues such as "What does The Lord require of us but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God." Micah 6:8 and 1 John 4:8 (see above) as well as Bible stories where the marginalized are included.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family when giving a lesson on God’s love for diversity or God's requirement that we do justice. 

PBT Redux #11 The Story of Ruby Bridges

School is about to start here in Alabama so I’m reposting my favorite “Back to School” PBT book. This true story is about a hero, a young Christian hero, who prays her way through a very difficult school year. Ruby Bridges is a name I wish American children knew as well as they know many sports stars and entertainers. Read this book to the kids in your faith family as they start school and talk about how prayer can ground them in difficult times.

Picture Book: The Story of Ruby Bridges 
Author: Robert Coles
Illustrator: George Ford
Summary: Ruby Bridges, 6-year-old hero of the Civil Rights Movement, daily faced an angry mob as she single-handedly integrated an elementary school in New Orleans. Facing this mob with courage, dignity, and her unyielding faith, every morning Ruby prayed for those who verbally abused her as she walked to school.
Hanna’s Comments: The author, a well-known child psychiatrist, regularly spent time with Ruby Bridges during her school integration ordeal. There is much material about Ruby Bridges, (interviews, documentaries, video dramas including a Disney film, a famous Norman Rockwell painting…) as well as other picture books. This book was chosen for PBT because it is a first-hand account, and it emphasizes Ruby’s resilience and faith.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1995
Age and Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet, see my comments above about other resources
Scripture Connections: The Lord is my strength and my shield (Psalm 28:7); pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44); Christ welcomes the little children (Matthew 19:14); I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a children’s lesson on intercessory prayer, facing fear & other difficulties with faith and prayer, or Contemporary Christian Heroes.

Lunch Counter Resistance

Picture Book: Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up                                               by Sitting Down

Author: Andrea Davis Pinkney

Illustrator: Brian Pinkney 

Summary: This historic story is beautifully rendered in verse. Civil rights issues are cleverly explored metaphorically through lunch counter items (a doughnut, coffee, & cream). 

On February 1, 1960, four college students sat down at a lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. When they were ignored, they politely refused to leave and stayed until Woolworth’s closed. 

News spread and more students joined them the next day. Still ignored, they did homework. 

Lunch counter protests began in several southern towns. 

Angry white people poured drinks down their backs and flung food in their faces, but they didn’t respond. 

“Practicing peace while others show hatred was tougher than any school test.” The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was formed; their slogan became, “We are all leaders.”

Other groups began to oppose segregated libraries, buses, parks, and pools. Some were arrested, but they didn’t resist, instead some sang. 

Eventually many businesses integrated just to stay open. In 1964, The Civil Rights Act banned segregation in public places. 

Hanna’s Comments: This book has a treasure trove of supplemental material at the end. There’s a timeline, a photo of the original 4 students, and more info. and references. My favorite is the “right recipe” for integration, 10 pieces of practical advice that could benefit us all.

As Black History Month ends here in the States, I wanted to highlight this important book to help you delve into faith-based resistance in your congregations. I also wanted to give you a link to a disturbing report that I heard from NPR this week about the low percentage of children’s books that feature characters of color. Check it out [here]. This data is troubling, but you’ll find a much higher percentage on this website. At PBT, I make a point of featuring picture books that highlight non-white characters, diversity, and 1960s civil rights history since I worship mere blocks from where some of the most vivid atrocities occurred.

Original Publisher & Date: Little, Brown, & Co., 2010

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 7 and up, 2^nd and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Like a polluted fountain is a righteous person who gives way before the wicked (Proverbs 25:26); What does the Lord require of you but to do justice (Micah 6:8); Jesus said to a disciple, “Put your sword back into place.” (Matthew 26:52); Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God (Romans 12:2)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a lesson for children, youth, or adults on Jesus’ nonviolence and/or the Christian church’s modern methods for doing justice and resisting injustice.  

PBT Redux Series #8 - Ruth and the Green Book

To continue my series in which I post again some of the best PBT books published in this century, I chose a story from American history that I believe the whole world should know. This picture book will offer another opportunity to explore how spiritual values can be tied to important historical phenomena. This book also reminds Americans how things used to be here. I believe remembering our history (especially our mistakes) is especially important politically and spiritually.

My impetus for posting this particular book today is an announcement I heard on Central Alabama's public radio WBHM. A play has opened in Birmingham that explores the relationship between black people and Jewish people during segregation. Highlighted in this drama is The Green Book, the title of the play and a publication for African Americans who were traveling through the segregated south. The WBHM article explains that The Green Book was inspired by a similar book published for Jews. Here's the story I heard and details about the play if you'd like to learn more. Below is my previous PBT post describing a fabulous picture book which tells the importance of The Green Book through the eyes of a young girl. 

Picture Book: Ruth and the Green Book

Author: Calvin Alexander Ramsey with Gwen Strauss

Illustrator: Floyd Cooper

Summary: Ruth is excited because she and her parents are driving from Chicago to Alabama to visit her grandmother. It’s the 1950s so before the trip, Ruth’s mother spends days cooking meals knowing there will be few restaurants willing to serve Negros. After being rejected from various gas stations, hotels, and restaurants, Ruth’s family spends the night it their car. Eventually they learn to look for Esso stations where they will be welcomed. At one Esso, they purchase The Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide to places that would welcome black travelers. Ruth learns to use the book and is so happy to experience the hospitality of fellow African Americans.

Hanna’s Comments: I am a passionate advocate of the spiritual practice of hospitality so I especially loved the part of this story where Ruth’s family is welcomed into a “tourist home.” These were homes listed in The Green Book where travelers were warmly welcomed, in this case for no charge and a fun night’s sleep. In the back of the book, find The History of The Negro Motorist Green Book. 2014 was the 50^th anniversary of the Civil Rights Bill which outlawed Jim Crow Laws and therefore also the anniversary of the last edition of The Green Book. Thank goodness, this book is now a relic of the last century and no longer necessary for black individuals to comfortably travel for long distances. It is my prayer that families in our country will never have to travel in fear, surrounded by hatred.

Original Publisher & Date: Scholastic, 2010

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1^st and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Treat the stranger as the native among you (Leviticus 19:34); the Good Samaritan parable (Luke 10:30-37); seek to show hospitality (Romans 12:13); do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:2); show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this picture book in a lesson or sermon on how scripture, like The Green Book, can be a comfort, a safety net, and a guide. Also, consider that the author of The Green Book might have been inspired by God’s desires for humans to be safe and hospitable in all situations.

PBT Redux Series #7 - When Marian Sang

Today I feature a beautiful story about an important moment in American history. This book is the 7^th in my PBT Redux series in which I again offer a gem from my previous postings. A treasure that no one should miss, this version of Marian Anderson's story offers much potential for ministry and conversation in homes and schools where spiritual values can be tied to important historical achievements.

Picture Book: When Marian Sang

Author: Pam Munoz Ryan

Illustrator: Brian Selznick

Summary: This is the true story of Marian Anderson’s rise to world-wide fame as an opera singer and civil rights symbol. It highlights the events leading to the historic 1939 concert at The Lincoln Memorial where 75,000 people witnessed a glorious act of civil rights. The Daughters of the American Revolution would not allow Anderson to sing in Constitution Hall, despite her success in Europe. Instead she sang My Country, 'Tis of Thee for the world at the feet of the author of the Emancipation Proclamation. The story begins with her childhood in which many are astonished by the 8-year-old's striking contralto voice. As she faces the segregation and prejudice of her time, her talent and determined passion shine through. The book ends, after the famous concert, as Marian realizes her dream of performing on the stage of The Metropolitan Opera. 

Hanna’s Comments: Although racial discrimination is an important part of this story, the book also highlights Marian Anderson's discovery, at an early age, of her God-given talent and her vocation. The author deftly explains the perseverance and courage necessary for Marian to succeed so early, at such a high level, and within a segregated United States. See the author's historical note in the back for more details. The story beautifully connects with the Parable of the Talents in the New Testament. I have written a lesson for elementary-aged children that does just that. Contact me at hannaschock@bellsouth.net if you are interested in purchasing it for $4. A video demonstration of me reading this book to a group of children during Sunday school can be found at Other Resources by Hanna tab above.  

Original Publisher & Date: Scholastic, 2002

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, A video of the 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert is on the internet.

Scripture Connections: Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30); diversity in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12); What does God require of you but to do justice... (Micah 6:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a lesson for children or teens on valuing God-given talents or realizing vocations. OR Use this book to explore how social injustice can prevent God's children from using their talents for good.

Words from MLK, Jr.

Picture Book: Martin’s Big Words

Author: Doreen Rappaport

Illustrator: Bryan Collier

Summary: This big picture book begins explaining the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. by considering his confusion when exposed to “White Only” signs. 

His mother reassures her son with, “You are as good as anyone.” At church, MLK, Jr. is exposed to big words, through his father’s preaching and the Bible. 

Martin hopes to learn these big words when he grows up. Some of his words (and big ideas) are highlighted in this book. As an adult, Martin studies Ghandi’s Indian movement and learns more big words about saying ‘love’ when others say ‘hate.’ 

When Rosa Park’s courage begins the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Martin walks and talks with those who protest. 

He is convinced that “love is the key to the world’s problems” even when he is threatened and his home is bombed. 

Other milestones include his speech at The March on Washington and winning The Nobel Peace Prize. 

The book spans to his death in Memphis.

Hanna’s Comments: I like this biography of MLK, Jr. because it’s big, so it’s easy to share. Many ideas are simple and it emphasizes the influence of church. 

The illustrations are also very striking. Important Dates in MLK’s life are listed in the back as well as Additional Books and Websites. There are many excellent books about Dr. King. Some are for older children, like the one I featured at PBT [here] and in my new eBook, 25 Books about Justice. Access a sample of that eBook via a tab above. Other books focus on specific events in his life such as Kadir Nelson’s illustration of King’s I Have a Dream speech. It’s recommended for age 7 and up. [Here's] Amazon’s page for purchasing that book.

Original Publisher & Date: Hyperion, 2001

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up

Formats other than Book: Audio

Scripture Connections: Let justice roll down like waters… (Amos 5:24); …do justice, love kindness… (Micah 6:8); greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13); let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14); a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:18); or use scriptures that MLK used in his speeches

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or teens in your faith family or at a private school or homeschool to emphasize how Martin’s faith inspired his courageous work for social justice.  

The Beatitudes: A Newer Context

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, 3^rd 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.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 336

Picture Book: We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song

Author: Debbie Levy

Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton 

Summary:  Inspiring the African-American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s is just one component of this song’s rich history. The lyrics serve as part of the illustrations to the story of the song. The book begins by explaining how American slaves sang to soothe their suffering and to declare that they were human beings. It goes on to explain that once slavery ended black people in America were not really free. Believing their circumstances could get better, they still sang and they began protesting. A church song, I Will Overcome, was adapted and heard by Martin Luther King, Jr. who took the song as he worked for civil rights. Many important events of the Civil Rights Movement are mentioned here, including the sit-ins and the march in Washington D.C. I had not known of the Freedom Singers, who traveled all over America singing in places such as high schools, concert halls, and even jails. The book goes on to explain how the song traveled to South Africa to fuel the movement against apartheid. It traveled to other places in the world, wherever people longed for a better life and wanted to sing their determination. The book culminates in 2008 when this song was very present as Barak Obama was elected president of the United States.  

Update! There is new book about this song illustrated by Bryan Collis. It has many historical references to the Civil Rights Movement of the mid 1900s and contemporary political protests.

Hanna’s Comments: This weekend marks the 50^th anniversary of the Civil Rights March from Selma, AL to Montgomery, AL, just down the highway from my home. Surely this song was sung many times as they walked. I salute them today with this small offering of a book that celebrates their work. Even as a middle class white woman, I know I have been richly blessed by the courage, efforts, and sacrifices of those marchers. I especially thank them for the spiritual context that many of them gave to their struggle. In the back of this book, there is an informative timeline, noting important milestones in the life of this song. Also, you’ll find a list of sources, suggestions for further reading, and links to recordings of the song.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Jump at the Sun, 2013

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1^st and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present for this book, but you’ll find many videos of this song being sung on-line.

PBT Category: Song Book, Post 2K  

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abilities, abuse/abuse of power, action, America, art, aspiration/dreams, bravery/courage, brokenness, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, challenges, change, choir/music/singing/songs, civil rights, commitment, confidence, cruelty, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, encouragement, equality/inequality, exclusion/inclusion, faith/faithfulness, freedom, heroes, hope, injustice, integration, intolerance, justice, leadership/servant leadership, non-violence/peaceful resistance, passion, patience, perseverance, power, prayer, race relations/racism, rebellion, segregation, sin, slavery/slaves, social justice, steadfastness, strength/strength in God, unity 

Scripture Connections: Seek the Lord and the Lord’s strength… (1 Chronicles 16:11); ask what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8); suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character… (Romans 5:3-5); blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial (James 1:12);  

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children who are learning about modern religious heroes or how music, as a tool in worship or elsewhere, can inspire work for social justice and political change. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 322

Picture Book: Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories

Author & Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Summary: This story begins with a group of turtles living near a pond. King Yertle the Turtle becomes quite unsatisfied as he sits on his stone perch. If he could sit higher, he would better see all that he ruled. So he commands that 9 of his turtles create a tower throne for him to sit on. After climbing atop them and seeing further, Yertle believes that he is king of all that he can see. When Mack, the turtle on the bottom, complains, Yertle shushes him and commands a tower of 100 turtles. Atop all those turtles, Yertle again claims to be the king of all he sees. He is King of the Air and King of the Trees among other things far and wide. Mack complains again, explaining that he and his fellow turtles are hurting and hungry. He warns that their shells might crack and asserts that turtles should have rights. Yertle shushes Mack again and then sees the moon rise. A thing that is higher than Yertle won’t do so he demands a tower of thousands of turtles. Mack gets angry and lets out a burp which knocks Yertle off his perch and into the mud. And there he stays, King only of the Mud. Seuss wraps up this fable in this way: “…the turtles are free. As turtles, and maybe all creatures, should be.”

Hanna’s Comments: The 3 stories in this collection are about greed, vanity, and pride, which are some of the 7 Deadly Sins listed in Proverbs 6:16-19. This story could be about greed or pride. Whenever you talk with children about vices, it is important to offer them details about how they should think and live instead. Don’t assume they know. For this book, you should spend some time on the concept of humility which is often confusing and crops up often in our Holy Scriptures. My concept of humility is not about being powerless, passive, or put upon. Instead it is about knowing my place where God is concerned. I’m not in charge, thankfully. And I’m no better than anyone else. Children will understand this. Then talk about what being humble looks like. Be specific. Describe circumstances that your children will likely experience and find examples in your faith community, perhaps those who are servant leaders. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 1950

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up

# of Pages: 96

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Tablet, audio, There is a video on youtube.com. Random House has created a website full of Dr. Seuss activities and information. Here’s the link: www.seussville.com.

PBT Category: Classic

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, civil rights, consequences/punishment, cruelty, dependence/interdependence, freedom, greed/selfishness, humility, injustice, power, pride, victims

Scripture Connections: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom (Proverbs 11:2); everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 16:5); those who exalt themselves will be humbled… (Luke 14:11); God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a lesson for children on pride or greed. Also, for adult or youth programming, consider checking out The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss by James W. Kemp.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 276

Picture Book: Goin’ Someplace Special

Author: Patricia McKissack

Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney

Summary: In a southern American town in the 1950’s, Tricia Ann is being allowed to go to “Someplace Special” alone for the first time. She called it this because it was her favorite place in the world. “Be particular and remember everything I told you,” her grandmother says. Then she adds, “And no matter what, hold yo’ head up and act like you b’long to somebody.” On the bus she sits in the back in the “colored section.” She goes to Peace Fountain and dances around. She tumbles onto a nearby bench, but then she notices it is marked, “For Whites Only.” Outside a fancy hotel, she gets swept inside by a crowd greeting a star. As she gets her first glimpse of the grand lobby, she is shooed away by someone saying, “No colored people are allowed!” This is all so upsetting that she runs to the ruins at the Mission Church to cry, missing her grandmother and thinking of turning back. Instead she meets Blooming Mary, who takes care of the gardens and encourages Tricia Ann to think of what her grandmother would want her to do. She knows her grandmother would want her to go on to “Someplace Special.” She has one last difficult encounter with a white girl her age before arriving at “Someplace Special,” a place her grandmother calls “a doorway to freedom.” As she enters, she sees chiseled in stone at the top of the building, “PUBLIC LIBRARY: ALL ARE WELCOME.”  

Hanna’s Comments: The Author’s Note in the back explains that this is a fictionalized version of events in her childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. Here she personalizes the racism that she faced, and explains that her parents had fortified her with enough love, respect, and pride that she was able to face these situations. She explains that the treacherous journey to the library was worth the effort for there she felt welcome and able to read and check out many books, learning that “reading is the doorway to freedom.”

Publisher & Date of Publication: Atheneum Books, 2001

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation, 

America, anger, armor, belonging, bravery/courage, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, challenges, civil rights, confidence, conformity, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, emotions/feelings, encouragement, equality/inequality, evil, exclusion/inclusion, fear, freedom, golden rule, grandparents, gratitude/thanksgiving, injustice, insecurity, integration, intolerance, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, justice, language/literacy/reading, the law/rules/10 commandments, North America, obstacles, perseverance, prejudice, pride, race relations/racism, risking, satisfaction, segregation, self-control, self-discovery, sin, victims

Scripture Connections: You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32); For you were called to freedom (Galatians 5:13)

Idea(s) for Application:  Use this book when teaching children in your faith community a lesson on the importance of freedom and its relationship to knowledge. Also, this is a journey story with obstacles, suffering, and doubts. In spite of these, Tricia Ann perseveres. There are many journey stories in the Holy Scriptures that could be connected to this story.