Stories of the Spirit of Justice - by Jemar Tisby (Hardcover)

About the Book

New York Times bestselling author Jemar Tisby explores the true and inspirational stories of people of faith throughout history who fought against racism and persevered, inspiring young readers to continue with hope and strength today.

Book Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Jemar Tisby collects the true, impactful stories of figures from across history--from the well-known to those often forgotten--who resisted racism and created a legacy of hope and perseverance. Each short biography is paired with an illustration to help inspire young readers to continue to work toward justice today.

We are living in the civil rights movement of our day. But the challenges of the present call us to remember the past. Throughout American history, there has always been a resilient group of people who, motivated by their faith, resisted oppression and pushed for greater equality and liberty for all. From well-known figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman, to those time has nearly forgotten, all these people tapped into an abiding spirit of justice to pursue the dignity of all people.

Stories of the Spirit of Justice is the companion book for young readers ages 8-12 to Jemar Tisby's The Spirit of Justice and tells the story of the justice movement through short biographies of the figures who did the work. With illustrations depicting the people profiled and practical tips connecting readers to the continued fight for justice, this is essential reading for everyone who still dreams of a land where all are truly free.

Stories of the Spirit of Justice:

• covers the colonial era to the present day
• includes inspiring takeaways from each person's life and a bibliography for further reading
• roots each story in the historical moment, with descriptions of the state of justice in different eras in American history
• can be used by families and church or school groups to start meaningful conversations with kids

Review Quotes

In this standout companion to his adult book The Spirit of Justice (2024), historian and theologian Tisby highlights over 40 Black individuals from colonial times to present day who have experienced racism and undertook the fight for racial justice in America. Divided into time periods, it offers historical background on the transatlantic slave trade, enslavement, the abolitionist movement during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the Jim Crow era, and the civil rights movement. Each time period includes short biographies of notable Black individuals, as well as lesser-known activists who were standouts for their lasting impact, like Prathia Hall, who coined the phrase 'I have a dream' before MLK Jr. did, and Anna Arnold Hedgeman and Dorothy Height, who helped plan the 1963 March on Washington. Readers will be gratified to see familiar names and curious to research those they don't know. Including black-and-white profile illustrations and back matter notes and bibliography, this will be a great conversation starter on how to continue the fight for racial justice that these Black leaders started, often despite great hardship.--Booklist

An exploration of the lives of Black people throughout American history who were inspired, guided, and fortified by their Christian faith as they challenged injustice. This comprehensive book spans centuries, beginning in 1625 with William, who may have been 'the first child born to an African couple in British-settled North America, ' and ending with modern-day figures such as Brenda Salter McNeil, a university professor, pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church, and author of Becoming Brave: Finding the Courage To Pursue Racial Justice Now. The eight chronological sections include an attractive full-page portrait of each subject, followed by short biographies that highlight their achievements and the role of Christianity in their lives. The activists include both well-known names, like Phillis Wheatley, Benjamin Banneker, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Shirley Chisholm, and Toni Morrison, and those who will be new (and equally fascinating) to many readers. Tisby provides helpful context for the biographical sketches, describing how racial segregation and the institution of slavery took hold in the U.S. He uses accessible language that presents his subjects in a humanizing way and effectively illustrates the challenging conditions they endured, but he doesn't make their situations seem completely hopeless. Readers are encouraged to reflect on how they believe they would have acted in various situations. A strong sense of justice and defiance shines through, showing that there is always hope, even when it seems like things will never get better. Informative and engaging. (author's note, bibliography, source notes) (Nonfiction. 9-14) -- Kirkus Reviews--Kirkus Reviews