Reading Level: Grades 3-5
Grades 3-5
Scraps of Time: Abby Takes a Stand, 1960
Book — Fiction. By Patricia McKissack. 2006. 112 pages.
Historical fiction about the lunch counter sit-ins for ages 9+.
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Historical fiction about the lunch counter sit-ins for ages 9+.
We Shall Overcome: A Song That Changed the World
Book — Non-fiction. By Stuart Stotts. Illustrated by Terrance Cummings. 2010. and a CD. 64 pages.
History of the song from the Civil Rights Movement and other struggles, "We Shall Overcome."
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History of the song from the Civil Rights Movement and other struggles, "We Shall Overcome."
Rachel Carson: Preserving a Sense of Wonder
Book — Non-fiction. By Thomas Locker and Joseph Bruchac. 2009. 32 pages.
The life of environmental activist Rachel Carson for upper elementary.
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The life of environmental activist Rachel Carson for upper elementary.
Nettie’s Trip South
Book — Fiction. By Ann Turner and Ronald Himler. 1995. 32 pages.
Based on the diary of the author's great-grandmother, this is a poignant and compelling look at slavery through the eyes of a young girl.
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Based on the diary of the author's great-grandmother, this is a poignant and compelling look at slavery through the eyes of a young girl.
The Friendship
Book — Fiction. By Mildred Taylor. 1998. 56 pages.
Cassie witnesses a Black man address a white storekeeper by his first name.
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Cassie witnesses a Black man address a white storekeeper by his first name.
ABC’s of Organizing Poster
Poster. By Ricardo Levins-Morales.
Tips and tactics of organizing.
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Tips and tactics of organizing.
A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson
Book — Non-fiction. By Michelle Y. Green. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. 2004. 128 pages.
A biography on one of only three women to play baseball in the Negro Leagues.
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A biography on one of only three women to play baseball in the Negro Leagues.
Willa Cather: A Biography
Book — Non-fiction. By Milton Meltzer. 2008. 160 pages.
An account of Willa Cather's accomplishments and personality written for upper elementary/middle school readers.
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An account of Willa Cather's accomplishments and personality written for upper elementary/middle school readers.
Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins
Picture book. By Carole Boston Weatherford. 2007. 32 pages.
Historical fiction in an upper elementary picture book about the Greensboro sit-ins.
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Historical fiction in an upper elementary picture book about the Greensboro sit-ins.
I and I: Bob Marley
Picture book. By Tony Medina. Illustrations by Jesse Joshua Watson. 2009. 48 pages.
The life of Bob Marley told through poems and illustrations.
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The life of Bob Marley told through poems and illustrations.
Kids at Work: Lewis Hine and the Crusade Against Child Labor
Book — Non-fiction. By Russell Freedman. 1998. 112 pages.
Child labor through images and essays, for middle school and above.
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Child labor through images and essays, for middle school and above.
Ella Jenkins and a Union of Friends Pulling Together
Audio CD. By Ella Jenkins and friends. 1999. 47 minutes and 18-page booklet.
Labor songs for children ages 4–12.
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Labor songs for children ages 4–12.
The Bobbin Girl
Picture book. By Emily Arnold McCully. 1996. 36 pages.
Historical fiction for upper elementary based on a true story about the Lowell textile workers.
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Historical fiction for upper elementary based on a true story about the Lowell textile workers.
The Streets are Free
Picture book. By Karusa. Illustrated by Monica Doppert. 1985 (reissued 2008). 48 pages.
A group of children organize to convince the mayor that they need a playground.
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A group of children organize to convince the mayor that they need a playground.
Bread and Roses
Song. Reprinted from Labor Notes 2007.
Links issues of economic security and quality of life, also addresses the role of women in the struggle for justice.
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Links issues of economic security and quality of life, also addresses the role of women in the struggle for justice.
Pink y Say
Picture book. By Patricia Polacco. 2003. 48 pages.
In Spanish, the narrative of two young boys who meet and help each other during the Civil War for upper elementary.
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In Spanish, the narrative of two young boys who meet and help each other during the Civil War for upper elementary.
The Story of Stuff Project
Film. By Annie Leonard. 2009. 21 minutes.
Series of short films on environmental and economic issues that make complicated issues easy to understand for middle school to adult viewers.
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Series of short films on environmental and economic issues that make complicated issues easy to understand for middle school to adult viewers.
Union Makes Us Strong
Song. By David Rovics. 2010.
The benefits of a union told through historic examples in a ballad.
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The benefits of a union told through historic examples in a ballad.
Heroes of the Environment: True Stories of People Who Are Helping to Protect Our Planet
Book — Non-fiction. By Harriet Rohmer. 2009. 109 pages.
Presents the true stories of 12 people across North America who are challenging environmental devastation. Written for middle school readers.
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Presents the true stories of 12 people across North America who are challenging environmental devastation. Written for middle school readers.
Which Side Are You On?: The Story of a Song
Picture book. By George Ella Lyon. Artwork by Christopher Cardinale. 2011. 40 pages.
This children's book tells the story of a classic union song written in 1931 and the harsh conditions under which it was written.
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This children's book tells the story of a classic union song written in 1931 and the harsh conditions under which it was written.
The Porcupine Year
Book — Fiction. By Louise Erdrich. 2010. 224 pages.
The third in a series of novels for middle and high school students about an Ojibwe family in the mid-19th century. The story parallels the time of the widely-read Little House on the Prairie.
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The third in a series of novels for middle and high school students about an Ojibwe family in the mid-19th century. The story parallels the time of the widely-read Little House on the Prairie.
Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down
Picture book. By Andrea Davis Pinkney. Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. 2010.
A picture book about the 1960 Woolworth sit-ins.
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A picture book about the 1960 Woolworth sit-ins.
The Great Migration: Journey to the North
Picture book. By Eloise Greenfield. Illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. 2011. 32 pages.
A picture book that introduces the historic story of the Great Migration to young readers.
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A picture book that introduces the historic story of the Great Migration to young readers.
Ruby Bridges
Film. Directed by Euzhan Palcy. 1998. 96 minutes.
The true story of Ruby Bridges, the six-year-old girl who helped to integrate the all-white schools in New Orleans.
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The true story of Ruby Bridges, the six-year-old girl who helped to integrate the all-white schools in New Orleans.