Every February, we recognize and celebrate the positive and influential impact African-Americans have had on the formation of our country and the world. In honor of Black History Month, FACS students studied the lives of many leaders and prominent figures
in the black community through various traditional and project-based classroom instruction.
One of the month-long highlights included weekly activities featured by The FACS Charles Coscia Library as a way to encourage students to ask questions and learn more about history through the perspective of these leaders and figures.
The Charles C. Coscia Library celebrates Black History Month with the display of prominent persons throughout American history and the positive change they have had on our world. Students had fun reading and guessing answers to questions in the Who Am I? series.
Reading Biographies for Black History Month
Along with these displays, Carrie McDaniel, Director of Library Services, shares several books students read during elementary library classes, highlighting different biographies for Black History Month.
"Although each story is different, they share a common theme: determination and perserverance," Miss McDaniel shared. "I hope they inspire you as much as they did the students and me!"
The following were a few of her favorites and are available to be checked out by FACS families in the library.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Age Range: Grades 3 and up
Have you ever thought that you were unable to learn something new? Next time you have that thought, remember Mary Walker who was 114 years old when she learned to read! Born as a slave, Mary dreamed of the day she would be free and able to learn to read. However, after Mary was freed at the age of 15, circumstances prevented her from having that opportunity. When Mary was later given a Bible, she promised herself she would learn to read the words in it. Although Mary continued to endure many hardships throughout her life, she did not let any of these difficulties stop her from eventually fulfilling her dream of reading. I truly admire the way that Mary never gave up and went on to accomplish even more in her life well past the age of 100!
Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Deloris and Roslyn Jordan
Age Range: SrK and up
Michael loved to play basketball with his brothers but was disappointed that he wasn’t taller. When his mom suggested putting salt in his shoes, Michael didn't know what to think! After months of patiently waiting, praying, and practicing basketball, Michael realized his height didn’t matter, but his determination and confidence did! I love that this book was written by Michael’s mother and sister. In the book, his mom talks about how she prayed over all of her children every night.
Flying Free: How Bessie Coleman’s Dreams Took Flight by Karyn Parsons
Age Range: SrK and up
Bessie Coleman knew she wanted to do something great in her life. When her brother came home from World War I telling stories of female pilots from France, Bessie knew what she wanted to do! There was just one problem: Bessie could not become a pilot in the United States because she was a black female. This didn’t stop Bessie—she went to France to learn to fly! I love the way that Bessie was willing to go to great lengths to follow her dreams—even learning French to apply to flight school in France!
Other short biographies, Librarian McDaniel approved!
Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker
George Crum and the Saratoga Chip by Gaylia Taylor
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan’s Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal by Karyn Parson
Swish!: The Slam-Dunking, Alley-Ooping, High-Flying Harlem Globetrotters by Suzanne Slade
Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton
All of these titles are available for check-out by our FACS families from the Charles Coscia Library on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email cmcdaniel@facsmemphis.org to request a title to be sent home with your student.