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Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis
A glimpse into the boyhood of Civil Rights leader John Lewis.
John wants to be a preacher when he grows up—a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm’s flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice.
John wants to be a preacher when he grows up—a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm’s flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 2016
7 people are currently reading
832 people want to read
About the author
Jabari Asim
35 books350 followers
Praise for Only The Strong
"Jabari Asim is such an elegant writer that you won't realize how smoothly he drew you in until you're halfway through this book. Humane and humorous, compassionate and willing to get a little rough, this describes both the writer and the novel. Only The Strong does for St. Louis what Edward P. Jones has done for Washington D.C., Raymond Chandler for Los Angeles---marked it as place on the literary map where you'll want to stay for a long while. A riveting novel." --Victor LaValle, author of The Devil in Silver
“Only the Strong is a lushly atmospheric and passionately written piece of work, bursting with colorful characters that shine on every page.” ---Bernice L. McFadden, author of Gathering of Waters
"Only the Strong effortlessly transmits Jabari Asim’s profound affection for this book's charismatic and varied characters. This is a vivid, revelatory portrait of 1970s America in the disheartened aftermath of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death." —Rafael Yglesias, author of The Wisdom of Perversity
"There's an eerie timeliness to the publication of this fictional study of Saint Louis black communities of the 1970s. Only the Strong reminds me of Chester Himes’ Harlem entertainments—in its deceptively light handling of desperately serious subject matter. Jabari Asim is a writer to watch, and to listen to closely, in these difficult times." —Madison Smartt Bell, author of All Souls’ Rising and Zig Zag Wanderer
"It is like stepping into a time capsule of my old neighborhood in the 1970s...to read about Gateway City, Jabari Asim’s fascinating rendition of St. Louis, as an adult brings back memories of time and place, and also admiration for his storytelling." —Susan Straight, author of Between Heaven and Here and A Million Nightingales
Praise for A Taste Of Honey
"A Taste of Honey has the power of memoir and the poetry of fiction. Suddenly, it is 1968 once more, with all of the hope and violence and seismic change that rocked the cities that summer. It's all here and it's all beautifully rendered. This books is a gem."
—Chris Bohjalian, author of Secrets of Eden
"Jabari Asim has written a brilliant coming-of-age tale filled with compelling characters navigating race relations in 1968, navigating familial and neighborhood demands, and triumphantly reaffirming what it means to be human. A lovely, lyrical collection of connected stories that will leave readers breathless and ecstatic with passion and joy."
—Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Yellow Moon
"Offering the bitter with the sweet, Jabari Asim's first collection of stories, A Taste Of Honey, serves up a multilayered dish. Asim ranges through and across a Midwestern African American community in the wake of the civil rights movement and the social changes of the last forty years, writing from the inside out and unforgettably bringing to life a world that still is too seldom seen in American fiction."
—John Keene, author of Annotations
"Jabari Asim's rich short stories read like a novel . . . full of people we love getting to know—Rose, Gabriel, Pristine, Ed, Reuben, and Guts. I particularly loved the male characters in these pages . . . men who live by their brains and their brawn, shelter their children, their community. They embrace their wives. They love hard, laugh deep, and cry inside."
—Denise Nicholas, author of Freshwater Road
"Asim successfully delves into politics, domestic violence, racial identity, young love, and more in this humorous and poignant collection..."
—Publishers Weekly
"With his debut work of fiction, the Guggenheim Fellow proves himself to be a promising storyteller." -Library Journal
"This fiction rings true." -Kirkus Reviews
More about Jabari Asim
He is the author of What Obama Means . . . For Our Culture, Our Politics, Our Future,, The N Word
"Jabari Asim is such an elegant writer that you won't realize how smoothly he drew you in until you're halfway through this book. Humane and humorous, compassionate and willing to get a little rough, this describes both the writer and the novel. Only The Strong does for St. Louis what Edward P. Jones has done for Washington D.C., Raymond Chandler for Los Angeles---marked it as place on the literary map where you'll want to stay for a long while. A riveting novel." --Victor LaValle, author of The Devil in Silver
“Only the Strong is a lushly atmospheric and passionately written piece of work, bursting with colorful characters that shine on every page.” ---Bernice L. McFadden, author of Gathering of Waters
"Only the Strong effortlessly transmits Jabari Asim’s profound affection for this book's charismatic and varied characters. This is a vivid, revelatory portrait of 1970s America in the disheartened aftermath of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death." —Rafael Yglesias, author of The Wisdom of Perversity
"There's an eerie timeliness to the publication of this fictional study of Saint Louis black communities of the 1970s. Only the Strong reminds me of Chester Himes’ Harlem entertainments—in its deceptively light handling of desperately serious subject matter. Jabari Asim is a writer to watch, and to listen to closely, in these difficult times." —Madison Smartt Bell, author of All Souls’ Rising and Zig Zag Wanderer
"It is like stepping into a time capsule of my old neighborhood in the 1970s...to read about Gateway City, Jabari Asim’s fascinating rendition of St. Louis, as an adult brings back memories of time and place, and also admiration for his storytelling." —Susan Straight, author of Between Heaven and Here and A Million Nightingales
Praise for A Taste Of Honey
"A Taste of Honey has the power of memoir and the poetry of fiction. Suddenly, it is 1968 once more, with all of the hope and violence and seismic change that rocked the cities that summer. It's all here and it's all beautifully rendered. This books is a gem."
—Chris Bohjalian, author of Secrets of Eden
"Jabari Asim has written a brilliant coming-of-age tale filled with compelling characters navigating race relations in 1968, navigating familial and neighborhood demands, and triumphantly reaffirming what it means to be human. A lovely, lyrical collection of connected stories that will leave readers breathless and ecstatic with passion and joy."
—Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Yellow Moon
"Offering the bitter with the sweet, Jabari Asim's first collection of stories, A Taste Of Honey, serves up a multilayered dish. Asim ranges through and across a Midwestern African American community in the wake of the civil rights movement and the social changes of the last forty years, writing from the inside out and unforgettably bringing to life a world that still is too seldom seen in American fiction."
—John Keene, author of Annotations
"Jabari Asim's rich short stories read like a novel . . . full of people we love getting to know—Rose, Gabriel, Pristine, Ed, Reuben, and Guts. I particularly loved the male characters in these pages . . . men who live by their brains and their brawn, shelter their children, their community. They embrace their wives. They love hard, laugh deep, and cry inside."
—Denise Nicholas, author of Freshwater Road
"Asim successfully delves into politics, domestic violence, racial identity, young love, and more in this humorous and poignant collection..."
—Publishers Weekly
"With his debut work of fiction, the Guggenheim Fellow proves himself to be a promising storyteller." -Library Journal
"This fiction rings true." -Kirkus Reviews
More about Jabari Asim
He is the author of What Obama Means . . . For Our Culture, Our Politics, Our Future,, The N Word
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
February 12, 2021
Picture book biography about the childhood of Congressman John Lewis, written by Jabari Asim and illustrated by E. B. Lewis.
John wanted to be a preacher from early childhood. He loved going to church and singing. He lived on a farm and was responsible for taking care of the chicken. John took this job seriously. He also would practice preaching to them and they seemed to be a willing audience.
The book is for age 5-8. It is a funny story with great illustrations of farm life.
Black History Month Read
John wanted to be a preacher from early childhood. He loved going to church and singing. He lived on a farm and was responsible for taking care of the chicken. John took this job seriously. He also would practice preaching to them and they seemed to be a willing audience.
The book is for age 5-8. It is a funny story with great illustrations of farm life.
Black History Month Read
August 12, 2020
In Memory of John Lewis
I hardly knew him. I didn’t know that he was a Freedom Rider, but I knew that e was a Civil-Rights leader. I had never read anything by him. But every time I heard him speak onTV, I was impressed by his kindness, his honesty, and everything he had to say. He would have made a great president. There was much to admire in this man. He will be missed.
When he was a child his family were sharecroppers. They had hens, and he actually preached to them, and when he preached, they would be quiet and listen. He wanted to be a preacher, but I am glad that he became a Civil Rights leader instead, and that he was in congress.
I hardly knew him. I didn’t know that he was a Freedom Rider, but I knew that e was a Civil-Rights leader. I had never read anything by him. But every time I heard him speak onTV, I was impressed by his kindness, his honesty, and everything he had to say. He would have made a great president. There was much to admire in this man. He will be missed.
When he was a child his family were sharecroppers. They had hens, and he actually preached to them, and when he preached, they would be quiet and listen. He wanted to be a preacher, but I am glad that he became a Civil Rights leader instead, and that he was in congress.
November 26, 2018
At the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on the corner where the civil rights marchers would've been lined up in 1965 to begin their march, now sits the Selma Interpretive Center. It is a National Park Service site, staffed by a park ranger. Inside are exhibits and photos and quotes helping to explain what led up to Bloody Sunday and its aftermath.
Yesterday, before leaving the building to walk the bridge, I glanced around the very small gift shop and saw nothing to tempt my buying eye. After walking across the bridge and back, then walking to the church that was the starting point of the Selma-to-Montgomery marches, and before getting in the car to leave, I wandered back to the gift shop. Immediately, this children’s book, its title and the sweet illustration on the cover, caught my eye.
The book was propped on an easel and was the only copy in the shop; I don’t know how I missed it the first time. I snatched it up, barely looked inside, and promptly bought it. I felt as if it had to have been written for me. (If you’ve read my review of John Lewis's Walking with the Wind, you know why.) As I unpacked last night, I felt excited about owning the book and read it before going to sleep.
The art is a beautiful watercolor wash and the prose is lovely. I’d hoped the book would include the story of the very young John wishing for an incubator from the Sears catalog, which it doesn’t. But that's okay, as the flow to the story would’ve been different, and it’s pretty perfect as is.
Yesterday, before leaving the building to walk the bridge, I glanced around the very small gift shop and saw nothing to tempt my buying eye. After walking across the bridge and back, then walking to the church that was the starting point of the Selma-to-Montgomery marches, and before getting in the car to leave, I wandered back to the gift shop. Immediately, this children’s book, its title and the sweet illustration on the cover, caught my eye.
The book was propped on an easel and was the only copy in the shop; I don’t know how I missed it the first time. I snatched it up, barely looked inside, and promptly bought it. I felt as if it had to have been written for me. (If you’ve read my review of John Lewis's Walking with the Wind, you know why.) As I unpacked last night, I felt excited about owning the book and read it before going to sleep.
The art is a beautiful watercolor wash and the prose is lovely. I’d hoped the book would include the story of the very young John wishing for an incubator from the Sears catalog, which it doesn’t. But that's okay, as the flow to the story would’ve been different, and it’s pretty perfect as is.
February 9, 2017
E.B. Lewis's expressive watercolors are always beautiful and add emotion to any story, including this one about the young life of John Lewis and his attachment to the chickens on the farm he grew up on.
July 11, 2019
The pictures in this book are beautiful. Nice introduction to young John Lewis.
October 15, 2017
First sentence: Little John Lewis loved the spring. He loved it not only because it was the time when the whole planet came alive, but also because it was the season of the chicks. Winter was too cold to bring them safely into the world, and summer was too hot. Spring was just right.
Premise/plot: This is a picture book biography of a young John Lewis. As a boy, he was in charge of the chickens on the family farm--about sixty. One of the things he loved to do was to preach to the chickens.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this picture book biography. I'd read the three volume graphic novel biography series, March, and was intrigued by his preaching to chickens as a young boy. I thought it was a well written story. There aren't an abundance of picture books sharing--showing--how faith impacts lives in the day-to-day. This one definitely does.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
Premise/plot: This is a picture book biography of a young John Lewis. As a boy, he was in charge of the chickens on the family farm--about sixty. One of the things he loved to do was to preach to the chickens.
Like the ministers he heard in church, John wanted to preach, so he gathered his chickens in the yard. John stretched his arms above his flock and let the words pour forth. The chickens nodded and dipped their beaks as if they agreed. They swayed to the rhythm of his voice.
"Blessed are the peacemakers," he'd say when they fought over their morning meal.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness," he would tell a hen who didn't want to share, "for they shall be satisfied."
My thoughts: I enjoyed this picture book biography. I'd read the three volume graphic novel biography series, March, and was intrigued by his preaching to chickens as a young boy. I thought it was a well written story. There aren't an abundance of picture books sharing--showing--how faith impacts lives in the day-to-day. This one definitely does.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
November 17, 2017
A great short on the beginning of a Legend in the Making
September 6, 2017
I had never heard of John Lewis until I read this book, which focuses on his childhood growing up on a farm in southern Alabama. John had the makings of a preacher from an early age, and liked to preach to the chickens he was in charge of. Information at the back of the book tells about his life after he grew up. I had no idea he was so active in so many civil rights events. Asim mentions here that this story is based on events described in Lewis' autobiography, which I put on my reading list after finishing this story. I love E.B. Lewis' soft illustrations, and my favorite is the last one, a magnificent picture of John Lewis, hands raised, with a heavenly light shining on him, dispelling the darkness behind him, as the chickens look on and listen. Beautiful. If you've never heard of this man, or even if you have, you've got to read this book. Recommended.
February 13, 2021
This is a fun and informative look at the childhood of civil rights activits had Congressman John Lewis. Focusing on a period in his life when he was growing up on his family's farm, readers get a chance to see where his amazing oratorical skills started. He was responsible for caring for the family's chickens, and he fell into the role of minister and preacher for the chicks. He would practice what he experienecd while in church with his family as he kept the flock of chickens safe.
The beautifual watercolor illustrations and text perfectly capture the tone and voice of Lewis throughout the book.
The beautifual watercolor illustrations and text perfectly capture the tone and voice of Lewis throughout the book.
May 25, 2017
Before he became a civil rights leader, John Lewis dreamed of being a preacher when he grew up. As a child, his church was his family's farm, and his congregation was a flock of chickens.
CHICKENS is a sweet, charming, and affecting book about a little boy's care and concern for these humble and overlooked birds. Like any person who bonds with an animal, he recognizes each bird and her personality individually and has a name for each one. There's gentle humor, such as when John quotes the Bible to hens who are squabbling or being greedy.
There's a wonderful scene in which young John comes to the rescue of a hen for whom a farm visitor wants to barter (presumably to eat). The scene concludes that John "learned to speak up for those who can't speak for themselves" that day. Fantastic!
PREACHING TO THE CHICKENS is a valuable and beautifully done picture book that is a great humane education resource. It weaves advocacy for human beings together with compassion for animals in a way that is inclusive of all readers.
The only concern I have is when young John "baptizes" some baby chicks, he holds one under the water a bit too long, and she nearly dies. (After John prays over her, she gradually revives.) He didn't hurt the chick on purpose, of course, but this is an example of how we can harm others when we are misguided or ignorant of their needs. This scene could be a good discussion starter for kids.
CHICKENS is a sweet, charming, and affecting book about a little boy's care and concern for these humble and overlooked birds. Like any person who bonds with an animal, he recognizes each bird and her personality individually and has a name for each one. There's gentle humor, such as when John quotes the Bible to hens who are squabbling or being greedy.
There's a wonderful scene in which young John comes to the rescue of a hen for whom a farm visitor wants to barter (presumably to eat). The scene concludes that John "learned to speak up for those who can't speak for themselves" that day. Fantastic!
PREACHING TO THE CHICKENS is a valuable and beautifully done picture book that is a great humane education resource. It weaves advocacy for human beings together with compassion for animals in a way that is inclusive of all readers.
The only concern I have is when young John "baptizes" some baby chicks, he holds one under the water a bit too long, and she nearly dies. (After John prays over her, she gradually revives.) He didn't hurt the chick on purpose, of course, but this is an example of how we can harm others when we are misguided or ignorant of their needs. This scene could be a good discussion starter for kids.
January 9, 2017
I loved this book for a several reasons - I love chickens, E.B. Lewis's illustrations, and the fact that Jabari Asim authored this book because I loved Fifty Cents and a Dream. I also love this book because it is my first Goodreads book of 2017!
July 5, 2017
Preaching to the Chickens is a sweet and funny snippet from the childhood of John Lewis who "dreamed of being a preacher, moving crowds to action with the power of his sermons," and later became a prominent civil rights leader. But even as a small child John Lewis "was a doer, ... and instead of just dreaming, he practiced with a captive audience: the chickens on his family farm."
I knew close to nothing about John Lewis before reading this picturebook, but the author's note at the end of the book helpfully provides some historical background and thus adds meaning to this seemingly trivial anecdote form John Lewis's childhood.
Yet the best part of Preaching to the Chickens is E.B. Lewis's breathtaking watercolor and gouache illustrations that masterfully play with light and shadow:
I knew close to nothing about John Lewis before reading this picturebook, but the author's note at the end of the book helpfully provides some historical background and thus adds meaning to this seemingly trivial anecdote form John Lewis's childhood.
Yet the best part of Preaching to the Chickens is E.B. Lewis's breathtaking watercolor and gouache illustrations that masterfully play with light and shadow:
August 30, 2020
A beautifully written and illustrated book for young people (of all ages) about the young John Lewis.
March 30, 2024
A cute book about John Lewis’s childhood in Alabama. He grew up to be to be in the forefront of he civil rights movement in the south. He was a congressman.
July 21, 2020
A fitting book to read today after mourning John Lewis's death just a few days ago. An inspirational leader for all--even his chickens!
May 16, 2024
I loved learning about John Lewis!
I find it wonderfully mesmerizing.
I find it wonderfully mesmerizing.
October 4, 2016
Richie’s Picks: PREACHING TO THE CHICKENS: THE STORY OF YOUNG JOHN LEWIS by Jabari Asim and E.B. Lewis, ill., Nancy Paulsen Books, October 2016, 32p., ISBN: 978-0-399-16856-7
“When I look out over this diverse crowd and survey the guests on this platform, it seemed to realize what Otis Redding sang about and what Martin Luther King Jr. preached about. This moment in our history has been a long time coming, but a change has come.”
--John Lewis speaking at the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, 2013
Congressman John Lewis is the last remaining living speaker from the March on Washington, where Reverend King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
John Lewis has long been a hero of mine, and there are simply not enough books about him for young children. For older kids, I’ve booktalked Ann Bausum’s FREEDOM RIDERS: JOHN LEWIS AND JIM ZWERG ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. And I look forward to reading the newly-released third book in the exceptional graphic novel trilogy, MARCH, co-authored by John Lewis. But those picture books for older readers, describing Lewis’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, are not for little kids.
This one is perfect for them.
“John even baptized the chicks, bathing them in water from an old syrup can. But Li’l Pullet had stayed under too long and appeared to have drowned. John prayed over her and laid her in the sun. After a while, she began to breathe again and soon was up on her feet.
“‘He can heal the sick,’ John declared, ‘and raise the dead. Li’l Pullet, can I get a witness?’
“‘Peep, peep, peep,’ said Li’l Pullet.
John knew she meant ‘amen.’”
PREACHING TO THE CHICKENS is a wonderful introduction to the man who put his life on the line as he helped change America for the better. Among the many tales Congressman Lewis recounts in WALKING WITH THE WIND: A MEMOIR OF THE MOVEMENT, are his childhood exploits involving the family’s chicken flock after his parents put him in charge of their care. Author Jabari Asim has utilized Congressman Lewis’s tale of preaching to the chickens to craft this heartwarming picture book.
Illustrator E.B. Lewis has a distinctive style. Among his many books, he illustrated EACH KINDNESS and THE OTHER SIDE, two long-time favorites of mine, which I’ll use any excuse to mention and recommend. Here in PREACHING TO THE CHICKENS, his watercolor and gouache illustrations vividly capture the chickens, the lush Southern foliage, the dusty barnyard, and the young barnyard preacher.
Over the course of the past fifty-plus years, John Lewis has altered American history. I am always happy to catch him speaking on the Sunday morning news shows or debating on the floor in the House. And I can’t help but grin, seeing him in this book as a little boy, sharing the Good News with the hens and the chicks.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“When I look out over this diverse crowd and survey the guests on this platform, it seemed to realize what Otis Redding sang about and what Martin Luther King Jr. preached about. This moment in our history has been a long time coming, but a change has come.”
--John Lewis speaking at the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, 2013
Congressman John Lewis is the last remaining living speaker from the March on Washington, where Reverend King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
John Lewis has long been a hero of mine, and there are simply not enough books about him for young children. For older kids, I’ve booktalked Ann Bausum’s FREEDOM RIDERS: JOHN LEWIS AND JIM ZWERG ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. And I look forward to reading the newly-released third book in the exceptional graphic novel trilogy, MARCH, co-authored by John Lewis. But those picture books for older readers, describing Lewis’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, are not for little kids.
This one is perfect for them.
“John even baptized the chicks, bathing them in water from an old syrup can. But Li’l Pullet had stayed under too long and appeared to have drowned. John prayed over her and laid her in the sun. After a while, she began to breathe again and soon was up on her feet.
“‘He can heal the sick,’ John declared, ‘and raise the dead. Li’l Pullet, can I get a witness?’
“‘Peep, peep, peep,’ said Li’l Pullet.
John knew she meant ‘amen.’”
PREACHING TO THE CHICKENS is a wonderful introduction to the man who put his life on the line as he helped change America for the better. Among the many tales Congressman Lewis recounts in WALKING WITH THE WIND: A MEMOIR OF THE MOVEMENT, are his childhood exploits involving the family’s chicken flock after his parents put him in charge of their care. Author Jabari Asim has utilized Congressman Lewis’s tale of preaching to the chickens to craft this heartwarming picture book.
Illustrator E.B. Lewis has a distinctive style. Among his many books, he illustrated EACH KINDNESS and THE OTHER SIDE, two long-time favorites of mine, which I’ll use any excuse to mention and recommend. Here in PREACHING TO THE CHICKENS, his watercolor and gouache illustrations vividly capture the chickens, the lush Southern foliage, the dusty barnyard, and the young barnyard preacher.
Over the course of the past fifty-plus years, John Lewis has altered American history. I am always happy to catch him speaking on the Sunday morning news shows or debating on the floor in the House. And I can’t help but grin, seeing him in this book as a little boy, sharing the Good News with the hens and the chicks.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
April 13, 2017
This beautiful picture book captures the charm, intelligence, and kindness of John Lewis evident in his chicken preaching and, later, in his voting rights marching and truth speaking legacy.
February 28, 2017
Beautiful illustrations are the highlight of this slice of John Lewis's childhood.
February 25, 2017
Beautiful pictures. Good story about a man in history whose name I have heard, but whose story I did not know. While his actions could be considered funny from one perspective, I found them quite sweet and a good example of starting young to find and live one's dream.
November 22, 2016
Many young readers will be fascinated to learn about the formative years of John Lewis, one of the original Freedom Riders and now a Congressman from Georgia. Although the story only hints of his future greatness, its very simplicity is what will entice readers who may shake their heads at how devoted this boy was to the family chickens and how he shared with them the message that mattered so much to him. Readers will see much of the man that is to come in his gentle actions and the loving way he treated those fowls. They will also recognize how powerful his gift for persuasion and argumentation must have been if he sometimes succeeded in keeping his parents from selling those chickens, essentially a cash crop necessary for their livelihood. The text is stirring, relying on small moments with those chickens during which young John preaches to his flock, and they seem to respond just as someone might echo a preacher whose message from the pulpit moved them to their own utterances. The stunningly beautiful watercolor and gouache illustrations lavish much attention on those chickens and the gentle, nurturing posture of Lewis as well as his preaching stance. While it would have been helpful to provide additional information about Lewis in the back matter as well as resources to learn more, the Author's Note includes some background information about this man who should be considered a national treasure while also highlighting anecdotes taken from Lewis's own autobiography that found their way into this account. In addition to his memoir, Walking with the Wind, I'd also suggest the three graphic novels, March 1, 2, 3 that give detail to his civil rights work. This picture book might provide an interesting introduction to the man and to the civil rights movement as well as offering inspiration for taking actions while young that will serve to prepare oneself for the future. I liked the notion that John Lewis wasn't willing to wait to preach; instead, he gathered the flock he had available around him, and preached to them.
November 7, 2016
A look at the formative years John Lewis spent living on his family's farm, tending the chickens. Memories are woven together with Bible verses for vignettes in which Lewis is shown doing early work on behalf of others as foreshadowing for his important work involving the Civil Rights movement and as a congressman.
The writing is stellar and the watercolor and gouache artwork complements the tone of the story very well.
There is an author's note following the story, though it mostly focuses on the author's inspiration for writing this story. I was hoping for some resources for further exploration of John Lewis' legendary life, but the back matter wasn't as plentiful as I predicted it might be.
Overall, highly recommended as an introduction to an important man. Grades 2-5.
The writing is stellar and the watercolor and gouache artwork complements the tone of the story very well.
There is an author's note following the story, though it mostly focuses on the author's inspiration for writing this story. I was hoping for some resources for further exploration of John Lewis' legendary life, but the back matter wasn't as plentiful as I predicted it might be.
Overall, highly recommended as an introduction to an important man. Grades 2-5.
November 20, 2016
If you're looking for a book to introduce John Lewis to your children, pick up this one. It is a gorgeously illustrated picture book biography of the man, concentrating on his time taking care of his family's flock of chickens. You see shadows of the man he will become. A short author's note at the end explains the inspiration.
October 17, 2016
Warm, gentle, and genuine voice. Features early life of important but neglected historical figure. Author note tells the story of who the boy in the story grew up to be. Love how the text weaves early experiences as influences for adult life. Dialogue sparkles.
October 6, 2016
Wonderful, inspirational story from John Lewis's childhood beautifully complemented with E.B. Lewis's always stunning watercolor illustrations.
February 4, 2017
It’s wonderful when someone takes a small piece of someone’s life and makes it bigger than life, probably because of who the person became later. This is a story by Jabari Asim, that many have praised because it shows the seeds of the best traits of John Lewis. There was hard work to be done on his farm in South Carolina, and John was in charge of the chickens, all sixty! He appears to be their ally, sharing advice to praise the day, saving one from a fall in a well, telling others about the lessons of the Bible. He wanted to be a preacher like the one he listened to every Sunday, and he practiced with those chickens. He shared the Beatitudes with them to help them live better: “Blessed are the peacemakers” he’d say when they fought over their meal. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” were the words for a hen who would not share. John grew up with lessons to tell others, and lessons to live by. And it started with his thoughts when caring for his flock, this time of chickens. E.B. White helps infuse the love and kindness in this story with his gorgeous paintings. My favorite line when John argued with a trader so he could keep his hens: “John learned to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves.”
November 22, 2023
Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis is an illustrated biography written by Jabari Asim and illustrated by E.B. Lewis. It shows a snipped of Congressman and Freedom Fighter John Lewis’s childhood as a young boy. The targeted reading age is ages 5-8 years old and I was able to read this in ebook format from the kindle store. This book is a charming and sweet telling of how even as a child, John Lewis “was a doer, […] and instead of just dreaming, he practiced with a captive audience: the chickens on his family farm.” We get to see traits of a future civil rights leader in action: compromise, when a trader wanted to trade flour, sugar, and cooking oil for one of his family’s hens and John Lewis was able to convince his parents to trade eggs and seeds instead. Another would be compassion for those in need, like when he saved one of the hens that fell into a well. I think these are wonderful lessons for children to learn, and the author’s note at the end that explains more of the historical background of why John Lewis is such a prolific person could inspire children to want to create change when they grow up too. I can see this book being taught during Black History Month. E.B Lewis’s stunning impressionistic watercolor paintings create a wistful and dreamy atmosphere, emphasizing that we’re looking into someone’s past.
August 27, 2020
(Grades K-3)
Civil Rights Leader and activist, and Congressman John Lewis, grew up on a farm in Georgia where he attended church with his family regularly. On the farm John's job, as a young boy, was caring for the chickens: 60 Rhode Island Reds. Everyday he rose early to feed them and add fresh straw to their nests. He also talked to the chickens and he also practiced peaching his bible verses like "Blessed are the peacemakers,' while the chickens fought over their morning meal.
When others came to the farm and wanted to barter baking goods for a few chickens, John convinced his parents to trade seeds and eggs instead. He was very protective of his chickens. He even baptized them and when he preached some would often cluck back at him. His siblings soon referred to John as : "the preacher"
This was a lovely and inspiring story about hard work, faith and caring for all living things. The watercolor illustrations were so well done and the message of empathy: speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves shows the compassion and spirit of one young boy.
Highly recommended - 5 stars
Civil Rights Leader and activist, and Congressman John Lewis, grew up on a farm in Georgia where he attended church with his family regularly. On the farm John's job, as a young boy, was caring for the chickens: 60 Rhode Island Reds. Everyday he rose early to feed them and add fresh straw to their nests. He also talked to the chickens and he also practiced peaching his bible verses like "Blessed are the peacemakers,' while the chickens fought over their morning meal.
When others came to the farm and wanted to barter baking goods for a few chickens, John convinced his parents to trade seeds and eggs instead. He was very protective of his chickens. He even baptized them and when he preached some would often cluck back at him. His siblings soon referred to John as : "the preacher"
This was a lovely and inspiring story about hard work, faith and caring for all living things. The watercolor illustrations were so well done and the message of empathy: speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves shows the compassion and spirit of one young boy.
Highly recommended - 5 stars
December 2, 2020
Preaching to the Chickens (2016) caught my eye because of its funny title but is recommended by CBCH (2019) as a story of young civil rights leader John Lewis life written by Jabari Asim and illustrated by E.B. Lewis. The book is a New York’s Time best illustrator book. The text grade level is K-3 with a reading level of 5-8. I listened to a read-aloud of the text on YouTube. Vocabulary incudes farm, work, trusting, huge, hitch, mule, cotton and stirring.
CBCH (2019) states that “an effective nonfiction book must animate its subject-infuse it with life” (p. 284) and this text does this with beautiful brown oil paintings capturing the realism of Johns farm particularly the barn and his family enjoying church service, and where John conducted henhouse services.
The story tells of Mr. Lewis valuing life-all life and finding his voice by learning how to speak up. The theme is one of determination which would follow Mr. Lewis through his years determined to fight for equality for all.
CBCH (2019) states that “an effective nonfiction book must animate its subject-infuse it with life” (p. 284) and this text does this with beautiful brown oil paintings capturing the realism of Johns farm particularly the barn and his family enjoying church service, and where John conducted henhouse services.
The story tells of Mr. Lewis valuing life-all life and finding his voice by learning how to speak up. The theme is one of determination which would follow Mr. Lewis through his years determined to fight for equality for all.
December 2, 2016
Georgia congressman John Lewis, a prominent member of the civil rights movement in the 1960's, originally trained to be a minister. When he was a little boy he treated his family's chickens as a congregation, tending to them lovingly, baptizing them, and preaching to them of God's love. He even convinced his family to let them live, instead of being eaten: "The chickens stayed on the farm, and John learned to speak up for those who can't speak for themselves." This picture book biography captures the spirit of a young John Lewis, by showing a snapshot of him in childhood, playing a child's game that would stand him in good stead for his important work ahead. Writing as if he were a witness to the sounds and sights of rural Alabama, the author tells the story simply and eloquently. Gorgeous watercolor illustrations are full of light and feeling. Includes an author's note citing the inspiration for the story.
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