Civil Rights Then and Now: A Timeline of the Fight for Equality in America

by Kristina Brooke Daniele

Take a crash course in the social justice issues that keep the United States from realizing its promise of equality!

This civil right book for kids is simultaneously a guide for parents and educators who worry about broaching the topics of racism, discrimination, and prejudice. Civil Rights Then and Now: A Timeline of the Fight for Equality in America presents the reader with facts, biographies, and landmark supreme court cases in an easily digestible manner and within a historical context. The minor editorializing helps to guide readers to understand the events that have shaped the United States and then challenges them to become advocates for change. Included in this book are vocabulary lists, questions for comprehension and discussion, and even essay/journaling prompts.

This information-packed social justice book and civil rights timeline introduces readers to a selection of many critical civil rights movement events in black history. From the embarrassing origins of Slavery to the modern struggle against systemic and overt oppression, this book will spark conversations about subjects that we can no longer afford to ignore.

Genres: Childrens, Nonfiction

83 pages, Paperback

Published October 26, 2018

About the author

Kristina Brooke Daniele (pronounced Dan-YELL-ee) is a homeschooling mom, education consultant, former classroom teacher, freelance writer, and serial entrepreneur. As an English teacher at Harry S Truman High School in The Bronx, New York, Kristina worked to increase the literacy skills of high schoolers who were often ignored by the system. Rather than rote memorization, Kristina engaged them in discussions of the real world and worlds within literature, preferring to aim for a holistic approach rather than just on their test scores. Her experience in the classroom informed her decision to homeschool her daughter. Both motivate her to continue to produce material that centers Black people within American History rather than as a footnote.

Kristina resides in Arizona with her husband and daughter. When she is not working her dream job, her nose is in a book or she is enjoying time with her family and close friends.

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES!! This is the book you’ve been looking for to teach your kids about racism. Too many of the kid books about racism seem to be “but then MLK came along and now we all love each other!” Or some version of that with a happy ending that doesn’t make people uncomfortable. This book doesn’t gloss over the ugly stuff, but does keep it age appropriate. It also does an excellent job covering current events (up to 2018), and makes it clear that we’re not finished with the fight for civil rights.

The ideal age for this book is probably 4th-8th grade. I’m reading it with my 1st grader, but it’s taking forever because she needs so much explanation of vocabulary and background history that an older child would already know. On the other end of the age spectrum, I learned some new things while reading and I have a graduate degree.

Excellent content, clearly written, a perfect foundation for talking about racism as a family. All of the stars.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book about civil rights history and present day issues. The illustrations are dynamic. The definitions assist in the learning for young people while helping adults with the words needed to explain. Definitely a book that needs to be read in every household and school.

[Amber Reifsneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading. The author does a fantastic job of giving the facts and an overview of American History especially things that history books may leave out.

[Deborah Greenleaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

I got this book for my kid he loved it I said he did not know most of this stuff

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good instructional book on civil rights for young people.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. It's not just for kids. It's an important timeline of civil rights cases and events in the history of this country.

[Jayln Hoormann]

This book can draw you in just by the beautiful illustration on the cover of what times were like back then vs. now. The exposition of this informative book begins with a brief introduction and a how to use the book section which is extremely helpful. This book shows a lot of person vs. society based off of what people had to endure and eventually overcome. This is a must read for everyone!