Classroom Guide
One Million Men and Me
Written By Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrated by Peter Ambush
Description:
The Million Man March was a movement like no other. It brought black men together for a day of inspiration and empowerment and it captured the attention of media across the U.S. and the world. Now, this heartwarming picture book shares the story of the March in a new light. In One Million Men and Me (Just Us Books, $16.95), experience the strength, unity, determination and legacy of that powerful day through the eyes of a little girl who was with her daddy the day black men made history.
- Just Us Books
Themes:
Father-daughter relationships; empowerment; men’s movement; black history
Pre-Reading Questions:
Look at the cover. What do you think the story is about?
Have you ever heard of the Million Man March? If not, guess what it is. If so, tell what you’ve heard.
Have you ever gone someplace special with your dad or a father-figure? What was that day like? What smells, sights, tastes, do you remember?
Discussion Questions:
What was the day like for Nia? How do you know?
How did Nia’s father react to what he saw? Do you think this day will change him? Why?
What do you think Nia wished for when she looked at the Reflecting Pool?
Why did the men go to the Million Man March?
How would you feel if you were at a historic gathering like Nia?
Why did men take their children?
Why was the Million Man March important?
What were the most special moments for Nia?
How did Nia get to the March? How did others?
Look at the expressions on Nia’s face/
Why did the illustrator portray the men in royal African clothes? Is that really how they dressed? How do you feel looking at that picture?
The last photo shows a wide-eyed Nia leaning in to her dad’s chest. What do you think she’s thinking about on the way home?
Read the Author’s Note. What did you learn about the March that wasn’t in the story? What did you learn about the author? Why was it important for her to write this book? When did the March take place?
Define the following words:
Responsibility
Purpose
Peace
March on Washington
Unity
Art:
A. Have kids create collages that express why men were going to the march. Ask them to incorporate their interpretation of words like freedom, justice, purpose, prayer.
B. Children can make signs like the ones some men held at the March. They should write slogans that are important to them.
Writing Topics for Students:
A. Write about the most special day you spent with your father or a father-figure.
B. Interview someone who attended the Million Man March. Write a story about that person’s experience.
C. Look at the book and choose one of the men in the illustrations to write about. Why did he come to the March? What was his experience?
D. Imagine what the bus trip home was like for the men who went. What did they talk about? Did they sing songs/
Comparison: Give your students information about the March on Washington. Have them compare that event to the Million Man March. How were the events similar? How were they different?
Music: Freedom songs were sung in the civil rights movement and some sang them on the way to the Million Man March. Teach your students a couple of freedom songs. Ask them to write or talk about what they mean.
Photo: Show children photos from the Million Man March on sites like http:/
Listening: Nia listened to the sounds of the men at the March and heard everything from slaps of hello to the boom of laughter. Open the window of the classroom and ask students to listen to the sounds outside. Encourage them to describe/
About the Author: For Pittsburgh native, Kelly Starling Lyons, the love of writing started as a child. Her grandparents read her stories after school and her mom made up tales with her younger brother and her as the stars. Lyons started her writing career as a journalist who specialized in feature stories about relationships, family, personal struggles and communities of color. Now a freelance writer and children’s book author, she lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and daughter. Her mission is to transform moments, memories and history into stories of discovery.
About the Illustrator: Peter Ambush is a fine artist and an accomplished illustrator. He was born in Frederick, MD and attended the Maryland Institute College of Art where he earned a B.A. in Fine Arts, specializing in illustration and graphic design. His professional experience includes 11 years with the Star Ledger newspaper in Newark, NJ. He has illustrated book jackets and works as a freelance artist and teacher. Ambush lives with his wife and daughter in Stroudsburg, PA.