Frederick Douglass for Children

There are lots of good books about Frederick Douglass to share with young learners as well as the young at heart.  Books that teach about famous African Americans are wonderful conversation starters.  I have used books with children as young as Kindergarten and had some inspiring lessons.  Choose carefully for the kind of experience you want young learners to have.  Here are a few things I look at when choosing an appropriate book.

For young children illustrations are important.  For non and beginning readers it is important to have good illustrations that help tell the story and spark interest.  For very young children choose books that are not too lengthy and have a clear message about the importance of the figure's life.  If my only choices for books are lengthy ones but the illustrations are good, I may read parts of the book and story tell the rest.  Familiarize yourself with the book ahead of time if this is the case.  

 For children a little older, timelines are helpful in giving children idea of when events happened.  Illustrated timelines add another layer o dfeeper understanding for visual learners. 

 

 Books that offer activities connect children to history and give a hands on approach to learning about the life and times of famous African Americans. 

Books that have a combination of illustrations and actual photographs help children understand that these are real people. 
These are tips I use frequently when working with a variety of Elementary students.  I have had some really engaging lessons when I chose my books carefully. 
Frederick Douglass was a fascinating figure in our country's history and children are never to young to learn about important leaders.  Celebrate Frederick Douglass' 200th birthday with a good book!

Frederick Douglass Coloring Book  by Gary Zaboly   Dover Coloring Book
National Geographic Kids Frederick Douglass  by Barbara Kramer
Frederick Douglass for Kids  His Life and Times with 21 Activities  by Nancy I.  Sanders
Lincoln and Douglass  an American Friendship  by Nikki Giovanni
A Picture Book of Frederick Douglass by David A. Adler
Frederick Douglass The Lion Who Wrote History  by Walter Dean Myers