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That Is My Dream! – A Picture Book Read Aloud
This picture book read aloud follows an African-American boy through his day, highlighting the realities of segregation and racial prejudice. The boy dreams of a different life, one full of freedom and hope, inspired by Langston Hughes’s poem ‘Dream Variation’. The book beautifully illustrates the power of dreams and the importance of fighting for a better future.
The story begins with the boy waking up in his small, cramped room. His mother tells him to hurry up, as they have a long day ahead of them. The boy reluctantly gets dressed and joins his mother for breakfast. The food is simple, but the boy is thankful for it. He knows that many others are not as fortunate.
As the boy walks to school, he sees the signs that mark the boundaries of the white and black neighborhoods. He knows that he is not allowed to cross over to the white side. He is reminded of the limitations placed on him because of the color of his skin.
At school, the boy faces further discrimination. He is given the worst assignments and the least attention from his teachers. He feels like he is being held back, not given the same opportunities as the white students.
As the day wears on, the boy feels increasingly frustrated and discouraged. He longs for a better life, a life where he can be free from prejudice and discrimination. He dreams of a world where he can be judged by his character, not by the color of his skin.
The boy’s dreams are inspired by Langston Hughes’s poem ‘Dream Variation’. The poem speaks to the power of hope and the importance of holding onto one’s dreams, even in the face of adversity. The boy finds comfort in the poem’s words, knowing that he is not alone in his struggle.
The book ends with the boy still dreaming of a better future. He knows that the fight for equality will be long and difficult, but he is determined to keep fighting. He believes that one day, his dream will come true.
‘That Is My Dream!’ is a powerful and moving story that captures the realities of segregation and racial prejudice. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can prevail. The book is a must-read for children and adults alike.
Discussion Questions
- What are some of the challenges that the boy faces in the story?
- How does the boy’s dream of a different life help him to cope with the difficult realities he faces?
- What message do you think the author is trying to convey through this story?
- What are some things that we can do to fight for a more just and equitable society?
Activities
- Have students create their own dream variations, inspired by Langston Hughes’s poem.
- Discuss the importance of fighting for equality and justice.
- Read other books that explore the themes of segregation and racial prejudice.
Related Books
- ‘The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963’ by Christopher Paul Curtis
- ‘Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry’ by Mildred D. Taylor
- ‘Brown Girl Dreaming’ by Jacqueline Woodson