GRADE 4
What Do You Do With a Voice Like That? The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan written by Chris Barton; illustrated by Ekua Holmes
AT A GLANCE As a child in Texas, Barbara Jordan had a strong voice—and she knew how to use it to communicate clearly and inspire audiences. During the 1960s, Barbara used her voice to carve a path as a lawyer straight into politics. Barbara’s intelligence, eloquence, and determination led her to be elected to serve in the Texas state Congress and then the United States Congress. As a public servant, she fought for equality and justice, using her voice to speak up for those who did not have one. Genre/Text Type: Biography/Picture Book Strategy Focus: Make Inferences Social-Emotional Focus: Social Awareness INTRODUCE THE BOOK Display the front cover to students. Explain that in this is a biography of Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who was a hero to many Americans. In the 1960s–1970s, she laid the groundwork for women and African Americans to hold positions in the state and federal government. Ask: Why do you think the title of this book highlights Barbara Jordan’s voice? How might someone who is a powerful speaker affect the lives of others? Let’s read to find out! DURING READING As you read the book, pause to discuss the questions below. Encourage students to turn and talk with partners or share their thinking with the whole group. pp. 4–7 Even when she was young, Barbara Jordan had a “big, bold, booming, crisp, clear, confident voice.” What are some of the ways she used her voice as a young woman? How do you think she might use it when she is older? (key ideas and details, make predictions) pp. 8–15 Barbara keeps studying and starts to use her voice to make a difference. How does Barbara’s education in law school help her as she gets involved in politics? (connect events) pp. 16–21 Once she is elected, Barbara gets to know her colleagues in the Texas state Senate. Why do you think Barbara spends time with her colleagues outside of work? How do you think this helps her when she advocates for changes in the government? (make inferences) pp. 22–30 Barbara defends the U.S. Constitution during a difficult time in the government. How does what she said on television affect national events? What does the phrase “She shone like a bright light in a dark place” mean? (connect events, make inferences) pp. 31–39 Barbara works hard to help others by using her voice, even while she is fighting a private battle with her health. She then becomes a teacher. How is her work as a teacher similar to her work as a politician? How is it different? (compare and contrast) pp. 40–45 Barbara Jordan’s legacy lives on through her students and others that help to make people’s lives better. How can you make your own voice heard? (make inferences, make connections)
Rising Voices Theme Heroes and Role Models Note to the Teacher • Read-Aloud Tip Change the word you most emphasize in the question “What do you do with a voice like that?” each time you read it in the text. • Language Support In this book, the word voice is used in multiple ways. Explain to students that a voice can be a sound that you make when speaking, the way in which you express your feelings about something, or an inner voice that helps you decide what is the best thing for you to do. • Background Barbara Jordan was the first African American woman from a Southern state to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout her six years in office she had a huge impact. She negotiated compromises across political parties, and her speech during the hearings for President Nixon is considered one of the most influential speeches in U.S. history. Vocabulary oratory (p. 8) public speaking stirring (p. 10) causing strong emotions debate (p. 13) to publicly argue for or against something
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs