- Title: These Hands
- Author: Margaret H. Mason
- Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper
- Reviewed at Nativity by:
This beautifully illustrated picture book recounts the racial discrimination and injustice present in our American society in the 1950’s and 60’s. This intergeneration story is told by a grandfather to his grandson and has a positive message of changes that have enabled black Americans to have more opportunities now than in the pre-civil rights era. The story is appropriate for 4-8 year olds and concludes with an author’s note about the historical background for the telling of These Hands.
Possible activities to do with children following the reading of the book
“Yes I Can” Writing Piece: Invite students to write about four things they can do with their hands, using the same parallel structure as the book: “Look at the hands…” and ending with “…—yes I can”.
Protest Sign Creation: Discuss the pages showing people holding signs. Have students create their own slogans on paper signs, imagining what they would stand up for.
Hand-Based Artwork: Similar to the hand-painting activities used for The Kissing Hand, have students trace or paint their hands and write down actions their hands can do, reflecting on the book’s message about the power of hands.
Classroom Discussion Topics: Explore why the grandfather’s hands were restricted, what the phrase “Yes I can” means, and why the last image shows Joseph baking bread.