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Do Great Things For God
Fannie Lou Hamer: The Courageous Woman Who Marched for Dignity
Inspiring children's biography of Fannie Lou Hamer, a Civil Rights activist who stood up for the vulnerable and contended for the rights of unborn children.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.
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.
- GenresPicture BooksHistory
Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
30 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Ellis
7 books4 followersK.A. Ellis is a theological ethicist, author, researcher, and professor whose life has taken her from Broadway stages to the frontlines of the global persecuted church.
Ellis brings the instincts of both worlds to everything she writes. A classically trained actress (Yale School of Drama) with television and national touring theatre credits, Ellis spent years honing the craft of telling true stories before turning her full attention to theology and research. She holds graduate degrees from Yale University, Westminster Theological Seminary, and an PhD from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies.
From 2019 to 2026, Ellis served as founding Director of the Edmiston Center for Christian Endurance Studies, a global research initiative focused on Christians who suffer for their faith. Her particular focus has been Soviet and post-Soviet societies — places where the church was pressed underground and where the practice of holding fast became a matter of life and death. She trains leaders, builds networks, and works to amplify indigenous voices in the world’s most restricted regions.
She is married to theologian and author Dr. Carl F. Ellis, Jr., and she writes at K.A. Ellis on Substack.
Ellis brings the instincts of both worlds to everything she writes. A classically trained actress (Yale School of Drama) with television and national touring theatre credits, Ellis spent years honing the craft of telling true stories before turning her full attention to theology and research. She holds graduate degrees from Yale University, Westminster Theological Seminary, and an PhD from the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies.
From 2019 to 2026, Ellis served as founding Director of the Edmiston Center for Christian Endurance Studies, a global research initiative focused on Christians who suffer for their faith. Her particular focus has been Soviet and post-Soviet societies — places where the church was pressed underground and where the practice of holding fast became a matter of life and death. She trains leaders, builds networks, and works to amplify indigenous voices in the world’s most restricted regions.
She is married to theologian and author Dr. Carl F. Ellis, Jr., and she writes at K.A. Ellis on Substack.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 22, 2024
This richly illustrated picture book is ideal for kids ages 6+. In telling the true story of a woman who courageously stood on her faith to inspire change, it succeeds in testifying to the next generation of the wonderful works of God accomplished through His faithful people. Though it covers some challenging topics in our nation’s history, it does so in a way that is appropriate for the intended audience and leaves room for trusted adults to expound upon. I loved the focus on fellowship with the body, standing up for what’s right, and finding on behalf of the unborn.
January 29, 2024
I have greatly enjoyed the Do Great Things for God series so far, and this is another wonderful installment. K.A. Ellis shares Fannie Lou Hamer's powerful story in a way that is age-appropriate for young children, and the illustrations from Shin Maeng are both realistic and stylistic, capturing recognizable likenesses and conveying themes about oppression and faith. This inspiring picture book biography explores how Hamer's faith in Jesus inspired her activism during the Civil Rights Movement, and the story shows how she marched for voting rights, made speeches, fought hunger through community farming, and advocated for pro-life causes. At the end of the book, there is a photograph of Hamer, along with a key Bible verse, discussion questions, and a timeline.
This book is honest about harsh realities while still being appropriate for a young elementary audience. This book covers multiple heavy topics, such as segregation, poverty, violence, and police brutality, and Ellis also briefly mentions that because of ways that hateful people harmed her, Hamer was unable to have biological children and adopted kids with her husband instead. Ellis covers all of these issues briefly and with gentle, kid-friendly language, highlighting the ways that Hamer's Christian faith sustained her and shaped her commitment to upholding human dignity.
However, because this book deals with so many complex topics, I think this would be even stronger if there was a note for parents at the end. Because I am knowledge about this historical period and have read about Fannie Lou Hamer's life before, I was able to mentally fill in some of the gaps in this simplified version for children, but adults who are less familiar with the topic may feel unprepared to answer children's questions. Although they can certainly do their own research, I think that a brief, adult-level overview of the story at the end would make this book even better. Also, older kids and adults might also enjoy Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, a longer, more in-depth picture book biography by Carole Boston Weatherford.
Fannie Lou Hamer: The Courageous Woman Who Marched for Dignity is an excellent book that introduces an inspiring Civil Rights figure to young children. This book shares her story in a brief, simple way that draws out multiple important themes about her faith and activism, and the text and illustrations work together beautifully to tell this powerful story. Although this book might be too much for some sensitive kids to handle, it is appropriate for the intended age range, and it is a great way for parents to start teaching their kids about difficult historical topics.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is honest about harsh realities while still being appropriate for a young elementary audience. This book covers multiple heavy topics, such as segregation, poverty, violence, and police brutality, and Ellis also briefly mentions that because of ways that hateful people harmed her, Hamer was unable to have biological children and adopted kids with her husband instead. Ellis covers all of these issues briefly and with gentle, kid-friendly language, highlighting the ways that Hamer's Christian faith sustained her and shaped her commitment to upholding human dignity.
However, because this book deals with so many complex topics, I think this would be even stronger if there was a note for parents at the end. Because I am knowledge about this historical period and have read about Fannie Lou Hamer's life before, I was able to mentally fill in some of the gaps in this simplified version for children, but adults who are less familiar with the topic may feel unprepared to answer children's questions. Although they can certainly do their own research, I think that a brief, adult-level overview of the story at the end would make this book even better. Also, older kids and adults might also enjoy Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, a longer, more in-depth picture book biography by Carole Boston Weatherford.
Fannie Lou Hamer: The Courageous Woman Who Marched for Dignity is an excellent book that introduces an inspiring Civil Rights figure to young children. This book shares her story in a brief, simple way that draws out multiple important themes about her faith and activism, and the text and illustrations work together beautifully to tell this powerful story. Although this book might be too much for some sensitive kids to handle, it is appropriate for the intended age range, and it is a great way for parents to start teaching their kids about difficult historical topics.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2024
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!
* 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 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!
* 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.
November 15, 2025
As humans, we are born to crave heroes, role models to which we can aspire. From the media to magazines to movies, we are assaulted with examples to emulate. But spiritual heroines can prove more difficult to discover. You never know what’s in a person until you tip them over and see what spills out. The Goodbook for Children’s Do Great Things for God series is an invitation to a literary tea party of godly women! Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) embodied Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Each charmingly illustrated mini-biography includes a photograph, memory verse, timeline, map, discussion questions, and interactive worksheet pages for use at home or classroom, and each heroine reminds readers of all ages that God makes a way for those He calls. This collection of small books with big hearts is the perfect way to bring the Hebrews 11 “hall of faith” to your bookshelf.
November 7, 2024
A picture book biography of Christian civil rights campaigner, Fannie Lou Hamer. Who worked for voting rights in the American South and also community building/poverty relief efforts.
I've read another picture book biography of Fannie Lou Hamer, but I liked this a touch better. I liked how this talked about her faith and her work in a variety of areas revolving around human rights. The other book I read didn't talk about her work on anything but voting rights. The art style in this was super unique; I felt like it fit the topic and was able to convey extra emotion through the elements it used. The book does mention Fannie being beat and incarcerated by police officers unjustly and that this meant she couldn't have children, so be careful the kids you hand this to and make sure they can understand the context.
I've read another picture book biography of Fannie Lou Hamer, but I liked this a touch better. I liked how this talked about her faith and her work in a variety of areas revolving around human rights. The other book I read didn't talk about her work on anything but voting rights. The art style in this was super unique; I felt like it fit the topic and was able to convey extra emotion through the elements it used. The book does mention Fannie being beat and incarcerated by police officers unjustly and that this meant she couldn't have children, so be careful the kids you hand this to and make sure they can understand the context.
February 16, 2024
How can a woman change the nation? The latest in the Do Great Things for God series, Fannie Lou Hamer’s biography introduces your children to the courageous woman who marched for dignity.
Inspiring and Hopeful
Inspiring and hopeful, this book shares the incredible story of Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and work. Her faith in God is at the forefront as she marches for the right to vote and proclaims that every baby deserves the chance to be born and be loved.
World-Changing Faith
Featuring bold and beautiful illustrations by Shin Maeng, this book will engage and encourage your children. Let them see the story of a woman who had a world-changing faith in her Savior.
I received a media copy of Fannie Lou Hamer and this is my honest review.
Inspiring and Hopeful
Inspiring and hopeful, this book shares the incredible story of Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and work. Her faith in God is at the forefront as she marches for the right to vote and proclaims that every baby deserves the chance to be born and be loved.
World-Changing Faith
Featuring bold and beautiful illustrations by Shin Maeng, this book will engage and encourage your children. Let them see the story of a woman who had a world-changing faith in her Savior.
I received a media copy of Fannie Lou Hamer and this is my honest review.
January 14, 2024
Told with beautiful illustrations, this book tells the story of Fannie Lou Hamer’s fight for freedom and for life for the unborn. The book deals with many hard topics and does not shy away from the harsh reality of racial injustice. However, the author does a wonderful job of sharing the things that Fannie Lou Hamer faced in a way that is child-friendly and inspiring. I love that there is interactive material available in the back of the book! Highly recommend!
March 20, 2024
Amazing. Fannie spent her whole life advocating, protecting, and providing for the lives of others. Her faith and passion shines through her testimony. She never stopped seeking the good of those around her and is an incredible role model to look up to. As a homeschooling mama, I LOVE the additional information at the end to go deeper with each biography in the Do Great Things for God series! I'm learning so much too through these story books!
June 1, 2024
What a great lady! A wonderful introduction to the life of Fannie Lou Hamer for parents and children.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews