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Keep Moving Forward, Henry!: An Inspiring Story of Perseverance in the Face of Racism
"Keep Moving Forward, Henry" is a children's book that is a great read-aloud based on the true story of Henry Luvert, one of the first African Americans to serve as a firefighter in 1981 in the small college town of Eugene, Oregon. This beautifully illustrated story for children 7-12 years old, shows Henry's strength and determination in achieving his goals against all the obstacles of hate and bigotry placed in his path.
This book is a wonderful, age-appropriate way to introduce some of the issues of racial disparity and struggle in our American past. Giving young children early exposure to a subject that's hard to understand, it will ultimately leave children feeling good about Henry's resilience and willingness to find new doors of opportunity when other doors were closed shut.
This book is a great way for children to see that they can achieve success in spite of obstacles. This inspiring story will lead to amazing discussions around the frustrations of injustice and the importance of treating people with fairness and respect. It is a great way to start conversations about race relations, activism, overcoming obstacles, bravery, and making a positive contribution to society. This powerful story will be a wonderful addition to any classroom curriculum dealing with themes of racism, overcoming obstacles, empathy, civil rights, and Black History Month.
Anyone interested in equality and equity will be proud of the questions and conversations that will spark from reading this moving and powerful story, Keep Moving Forward, Henry. The conversations will become priceless gems as children's empathy and compassion become ignited for the greater good of humankind. Learn more about the author at www.ayannamurray.com
This book is a wonderful, age-appropriate way to introduce some of the issues of racial disparity and struggle in our American past. Giving young children early exposure to a subject that's hard to understand, it will ultimately leave children feeling good about Henry's resilience and willingness to find new doors of opportunity when other doors were closed shut.
This book is a great way for children to see that they can achieve success in spite of obstacles. This inspiring story will lead to amazing discussions around the frustrations of injustice and the importance of treating people with fairness and respect. It is a great way to start conversations about race relations, activism, overcoming obstacles, bravery, and making a positive contribution to society. This powerful story will be a wonderful addition to any classroom curriculum dealing with themes of racism, overcoming obstacles, empathy, civil rights, and Black History Month.
Anyone interested in equality and equity will be proud of the questions and conversations that will spark from reading this moving and powerful story, Keep Moving Forward, Henry. The conversations will become priceless gems as children's empathy and compassion become ignited for the greater good of humankind. Learn more about the author at www.ayannamurray.com
42 pages, Hardcover
Published April 24, 2021
About the author
Ayanna Murray
13 books1 followerAyanna Murray is a graduate of the University of Oregon with a Bachelor's of Art in Education and a Masters in "Mothering" four teenage children. With over a decade of serving as a homeschool educator, Ayanna loves encouraging children and parents to reach their highest potential.
It was her greatest honor to collaborate with her daughters (Anaya Murray as co-author and Jayda Murray as illustrator) on her first published work, "Little Bear Learns To Share" which comes with a coloring book and school readiness activity workbook.
She absolutely loves history and will be releasing many non-fiction and historical fiction children's books in the future. It was her privilege and delight to write, "Keep Moving Forward, Henry!" with an accompanying activity workbook which is based on the true experiences of her father as one of the first African American firemen in her hometown. She hopes to inspire empathy, compassion, and the willingness to converse about difficult subjects like discrimination and racism.
Ayanna is an avid reader and journaler so it comes as no surprise that she has published a series of journals that are great to capture your next great idea or just your grocery list!
As an author, she hopes to inspire little people as well as adults to keep learning about the world around them and to realize that although we are different, we all have much more in common. She is a true believer that every voice matters and should be heard.
Follow her on any of the social media links below to stay updated on new releases and events.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BooksbyAyann...
Instagram: Ayanluv
Twitter: @AyannaMurray
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AyannaMurray
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayannamur...
Learn more about Ayanna at www.ayannamurray.com
It was her greatest honor to collaborate with her daughters (Anaya Murray as co-author and Jayda Murray as illustrator) on her first published work, "Little Bear Learns To Share" which comes with a coloring book and school readiness activity workbook.
She absolutely loves history and will be releasing many non-fiction and historical fiction children's books in the future. It was her privilege and delight to write, "Keep Moving Forward, Henry!" with an accompanying activity workbook which is based on the true experiences of her father as one of the first African American firemen in her hometown. She hopes to inspire empathy, compassion, and the willingness to converse about difficult subjects like discrimination and racism.
Ayanna is an avid reader and journaler so it comes as no surprise that she has published a series of journals that are great to capture your next great idea or just your grocery list!
As an author, she hopes to inspire little people as well as adults to keep learning about the world around them and to realize that although we are different, we all have much more in common. She is a true believer that every voice matters and should be heard.
Follow her on any of the social media links below to stay updated on new releases and events.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BooksbyAyann...
Instagram: Ayanluv
Twitter: @AyannaMurray
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AyannaMurray
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayannamur...
Learn more about Ayanna at www.ayannamurray.com
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
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December 13, 2025Keep Moving Forward, Henry!: An Inspiring Story of Perseverance in the Face of Racism
Murray, A. (2021). Keep Moving Forward, Henry!: An Inspiring Story of Perseverance in the Face of Racism. WorthyKids.
Genre and Format: Picture book biography; narrative nonfiction.
Keep Moving Forward, Henry! tells the story of Henry, a young African American boy who faces racism and obstacles but perseveres with courage and determination. The book highlights resilience, self-confidence, and the importance of standing up for oneself, inspiring readers to overcome challenges and pursue their goals.
Format and Illustrations: The book features vibrant, expressive illustrations that depict Henry’s experiences and emotions. Lyrical text paired with visual storytelling makes complex social issues accessible and engaging for early elementary students.
Content Area / Curriculum Tie-Ins:
- Social Studies: Racism, civil rights, social justice, perseverance
- ELA: Biography, sequencing, character traits, cause and effect
- Writing: Personal narratives, reflective writing, persuasive pieces on fairness
- STEM: Problem-solving, critical thinking, resilience in challenging situations
- Social-Emotional Learning: Perseverance, courage, empathy, self-confidence, advocacy
- Ethics/Civic Education: Standing up against injustice, responsibility, respect for others
Murray, A. (2021). Keep Moving Forward, Henry!: An Inspiring Story of Perseverance in the Face of Racism. WorthyKids.
Genre and Format: Picture book biography; narrative nonfiction.
Keep Moving Forward, Henry! tells the story of Henry, a young African American boy who faces racism and obstacles but perseveres with courage and determination. The book highlights resilience, self-confidence, and the importance of standing up for oneself, inspiring readers to overcome challenges and pursue their goals.
Format and Illustrations: The book features vibrant, expressive illustrations that depict Henry’s experiences and emotions. Lyrical text paired with visual storytelling makes complex social issues accessible and engaging for early elementary students.
Content Area / Curriculum Tie-Ins:
- Social Studies: Racism, civil rights, social justice, perseverance
- ELA: Biography, sequencing, character traits, cause and effect
- Writing: Personal narratives, reflective writing, persuasive pieces on fairness
- STEM: Problem-solving, critical thinking, resilience in challenging situations
- Social-Emotional Learning: Perseverance, courage, empathy, self-confidence, advocacy
- Ethics/Civic Education: Standing up against injustice, responsibility, respect for others
March 26, 2021
Story of Resilence
Often times we do not know the stories of our local heroes and the challenges they faced as they pursued their goals. Ayanna Murray shares brilliantly her father's story. Children need to hear how to overcome any obstacle and challenge while maintaining integrity, respect and honor. Henry's story reminds us that we are more gifted and skilled when we remember who we are and those who will follow in our footsteps. Share this story of hope and belief with your child.
Often times we do not know the stories of our local heroes and the challenges they faced as they pursued their goals. Ayanna Murray shares brilliantly her father's story. Children need to hear how to overcome any obstacle and challenge while maintaining integrity, respect and honor. Henry's story reminds us that we are more gifted and skilled when we remember who we are and those who will follow in our footsteps. Share this story of hope and belief with your child.
May 12, 2021
Thrillling and maddening in equal measures to read this hometown story about African American firefighter Henry Luvert (the author's father), the prejudice he faced as a fireman and dispatcher in Eugene, Oregon in the 1980's, and his strength and resilience. I look forward to sharing this read with the children in my life, and have already recommended to fellow teachers, parents, and friends. Perfect for beginning conversations. Love the details about firefighting, too. Ready for the next installment!
March 22, 2021
Inspiring story
This is an inspiring story about Henry and his perseverance in the face of discrimination. Through this children’s picture book we get a glimpse of this man and a part of his life story that can still teach lessons.
This is an inspiring story about Henry and his perseverance in the face of discrimination. Through this children’s picture book we get a glimpse of this man and a part of his life story that can still teach lessons.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews