Reading with children can improve their language, literacy, and social-emotional skills, increasing their knowledge of the world around them.

She Persisted

By Chelsea Clinton

We are Reading:  

Its title inspired by Senator Elizabeth Warren’s 2017 refusal to be silenced in the Senate, this book celebrates thirteen American women who persevered in the face of adversity. With vivid images, the reader is reminded that no matter what stands in their way, they should never give up on their dreams.
Featuring the stories of the lives of Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Clara Lemlich, Nellie Bly, Virginia Apgar, Maria Tallchief, Claudette Colvin, Ruby Bridges, Margaret Chase Smith, Sally Ride, Florence Griffith Joyner, Oprah Winfrey, Sonia Sotomayor and one special cameo, this compelling book shows the reader that persistence is power.

Family Connections:

As children learn to read, they begin to make connections. These connections might be with elements of their own lives or with things they have learned about the world around them. In this way, they are thinking beyond the text, which helps them better understand the books they are reading.
A quote from each woman featured in the book is provided. Explain that a quote is the word(s) someone said, using their exact words. Quotes are often used in these stories to share something inspiring about the person. Re-read a few of the quotes in the book and share one example that felt especially powerful to you.
Discuss: (1) What does the quote mean? (2) Why do you like or not like the quote? (3) How do you relate to the quote? Talk about the importance of quotes and share other quotes from outside the book. These can include quotes from family members, famous people, a movie, a poem or song.

We are Listening to:

She Persisted

We are making curriculum connections:

Civics for All: Roles of the Individual,Civic Participation & Justice

DEI Focus: Persistence can lead to powerful change, so follow your dreams and never give up.

SEL Theme: Persistence & Resilience

Students of the Month: In recognition of students who: Keep trying even when something is hard and stay optimistic.

Key Words:

Discuss and define these words prior to reading the book. Do not focus on retention of all the words; instead make sure they understand the words enough to follow the story and remind children of their meanings as they come up in the book.

● judge
● strikes
● media
● equal
● free speech
● opportunities
● taunting
● freedom
● persisted
● impossible
● integrate
● protesters
● voice

One Book, One School Community…

“The idea is that… (a community) that opens the same book does it in greater harmony.” -Mary McGrory, 2002