Parents' Guide to

She Persisted: Coretta Scott King

Painting of Coretta Scott King held by three children.

Common Sense Media Review

Carrie Kingsley By Carrie Kingsley , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Inspiring true story of the civil rights legend.

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What's the Story?

In SHE PERSISTED: CORETTA SCOTT KING, author Kelly Starling Lyons shows the impact that civil rights leader and activist Coretta Scott King had on America, and the way that her work continues to this day. Before she met and married the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., she was an accomplished academic and community voice. The early years she spent away from her family while trying to get an education had an impact on her life, putting her in the forefront of the civil rights movement and cementing her lifelong work and inspiring generations of leaders.

Is It Any Good?

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This essential biography of a talented Black woman whose work was pivotal to the civil rights movement in America is packed with information and motivation for young readers. In SHE PERSISTED: CORETTA SCOTT KING, author Kelly Starling Lyons describes the racism and systemic barriers that Black people in America have been working to overcome. Coretta is shown as the talented, driven woman she was, and Lyons highlights her great skill and perseverance both as a young child trying to get an education and an adult woman fighting for her rights. The information is detailed but age appropriate, helping readers empathize and think about how they can be involved in their own ways. At the end of the book, the ideas for persisting are specific yet open-ended, giving readers a lot to think about in their own lives and communities.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the ways racism exists in subtle and overt ways, like what Coretta saw happening in She Persisted: Coretta Scott King. What have you seen happen in your community? What have you read or heard about?

  • Sometimes it feels like problems are too big for one person to make a difference. What small steps can you take to address racism and inequality?

  • What other books have you read about strong women? What are some of your favorites?

Book Details

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