Primary x Conscious Kid Book Reports

The Conscious Kid is an organization closely aligned with Primary’s mission to make sure every kid has the chance to shine, grow up confidently, and be a little bold in everything they do. Learn more about The Conscious Kid and its initiatives here!

With this goal in mind, TCK has recommended an amazing bunch of children's books, featuring bold characters and historical figures who courageously altered and improved the world around them through art, music, forward thinking, and standing up for social justice. 

Over the next few months, we’ll be highlighting some of our favorites.

1. Fran, our Senior Graphic Designer, picked Think Big, Little One

Here’s a brief synopsis from The Conscious Kid: 

This board book edition of Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World by New York Times bestselling author Vashti Harrison is a beautiful first book to teach your little dreamers to follow all their biggest ideas.
Featuring eighteen women creators, ranging from writers to inventors, artists to scientists, this board book adaptation of Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World introduces trailblazing women like Mary Blair, an American modernist painter who had a major influence on how color was used in early animated films, environmental activist Wangari Maathai, and architect Zaha Hadid.
The irresistible full-color illustrations show the Dreamers as both accessible and aspirational so reader knows they, too, can grow up to do something amazing.

Here’s Fran's take away:

Think Big Little One is a beautifully illustrated book that highlights and celebrates really important women around the world. I especially loved this tiny and digestible book because in a few words and engaging illustrations it introduces the reader to women that most of us are not taught about in school. All these women were essential to making changes in different parts of what makes up our world. Highlighting important women artists, musicians, scientists, writers, activists, etc – no matter how old you are or what your interests might be, this book is guaranteed to become an inspiring and educational piece to have in your home. 

2. Lindsey, our Engineering Manager, picked I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark

Here’s a brief synopsis from The Conscious Kid: 

Get to know celebrated Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg—in the first picture book about her life—as she proves that disagreeing does not make you disagreeable! Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime disagreeing: disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment, and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements. Written by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley. Ages 4-8.

Here’s Lindsey's take away:

This is a wonderful book about how important it is to disagree with things that don’t sit right with us, and provides a great example of how to take action when we do disagree. It teaches us determination in the face of adversity, and that disagreeing doesn’t make you disagreeable. The illustrations are gorgeous, and on each page, in beautiful bold word art, is a new vocabulary word for “disagreeing”. We get to learn about Ruth’s childhood, and about how she fought to become a lawyer. She was Jewish. She was a woman. And on top of that she was also a mother! And she wanted to be a lawyer? It was unheard of! But she disagreed with all of it, and fought tooth and nail to achieve her goal, all the way up to the Supreme Court. We learn about all of the Civil Rights cases that she wrote the dissenting opinion for - including equal pay, which she wrote so passionately that Congress overturned the court’s decision. The one thing I would say is that this book touches on a number of social justice issues (segregation, voting rights, workers rights) but doesn’t provide much information or context about them. However, I think this book would be a great follow-up after learning about these topics because it provides an example of how someone took action and stood up for what was right.

3. Eboni, our Executive Assistant, picked Dream Big, Little One written and with pictures by Vashti Harrison

This book introduces new readers to the bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better. Dream Big, Little One is a celebration of Black women that were the first and some times only Black women in their field of study and expertise. You will read about Bessie Coleman, Shirley Chisholm, and Nichelle Nichols, just to name a few and every illustration helps tell the bigger story for each brave woman. The book ends with the encouraging words “be bold and dream big — the world is waiting for you.” 

Here’s Eboni's take away:

Dream Big, Little One celebrates the stories of Black women that are often neglected throughout history. I enjoyed the beautiful illustrations for each historical figure because they transport you into their world with just one image. Dream Big, Little One is a great starting point for learning about Black history and although it is recommended for ages 0-4 years old, readers of all ages will see the ways one person changed the world around them and possibly be inspired to do the same. 

4. Ray, our Growth Marketing Manager, picked Stacey's Extraordinary Words by Stacey Abrams with pictures by Kitt Thomas

Here’s a brief synopsis from The Conscious Kid: 

The debut picture book from iconic voting rights advocate and bestselling author Stacey Abrams is an inspiring tale of determination, based on her own childhood.

Stacey is a little girl who loves words more than anything. She loves reading them, sounding them out, and finding comfort in them when things are hard.
But when her teacher chooses her to compete in the local spelling bee, she isn’t as excited as she thought she’d be. What if she messes up? Or worse, if she can’t bring herself to speak up, like sometimes happens when facing bullies at school?
Stacey will learn that win or lose . . . her words are powerful, and sometimes perseverance is the most important word of all.

Here’s Ray's take away:

This book makes learning new words and their origins feel like the task fit for an explorer or detective! Not only does Stacy’s Extraordinary Words make discovering words sound exciting, but the pages are also littered with challenging and compelling words throughout. Whatsmore, readers can find a glossary in the back of the book where kids can learn about the meanings and pronunciation of new words as they encounter them throughout the story! The story is littered with many additional great messages, though my favorite comes in the conclusion when (spoiler alert) Stacy comes in second at the spelling bee. I know, rooting for the protagonist to fail sounds a bit cynical, but bear with me on this one. Stacy studied diligently all week, but a mistake in the final round cost her the first place title. The true takeaway lies in how she handles this loss, and that is with grace and determination to do better next time! Stacy deals with disappointment, like anyone in her shoes would, but rather than let it deter her, she keeps her head up and takes it as an invitation to do what she loves to do best, keep learning words!

5. Nora, our WOW team associate, picked Nina: A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd with pictures by Christian Robinson.

Here’s a brief synopsis from The Conscious Kid: 

This illuminating and defining picture book biography illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Christian Robinson, tells the story of little Eunice who grew up to become the acclaimed singer Nina Simone and her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy.

Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in small town North Carolina, Nina Simone was a musical child. She sang before she talked and learned to play piano at a very young age. With the support of her family and community, she received music lessons that introduced her to classical composers like Bach who remained with her and influenced her music throughout her life. She loved the way his music began softly and then tumbled to thunder, like her mother's preaching, and in much the same way as her career. During her first performances under the name of Nina Simone her voice was rich and sweet but as the Civil Rights Movement gained steam, Nina's voice soon became a thunderous roar as she raised her voice in powerful protest in the fight against racial inequality and discrimination. 

Here’s Nora's take away:

I loved looking at this vibrant and beautiful picture book and learning about how this little girl became the powerful performer and voice of a movement we remember today. Nina Simone’s story shows how having a family that believes in you and a community of your peers behind you can encourage a young person to chase dreams, face challenges that come their way, and step up to become the strongest version of themselves.

Kids will enjoy the striking, collage-like illustrations of little Nina (she went by Eunice then) learning piano as she sat on her father’s lap while he played foot-stomping jazz. Her mother was a minister, though, and believed that jazz was unholy music, so she learned to shift seamlessly to playing peaceful hymns as soon as she heard her mom approaching the house!

Later, Nina’s talent led her to New York City where she attended the Juilliard School of Music and became a concert pianist. In the 1950s and early 60’s, when anti-Black violence was raging like a wildfire throughout the country, rather than crippling a community, it inspired marches, sit-ins, and speeches and a peaceful movement for change, respect and equality was born. Nina Simone’s voice was at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement that changed America.

The subject matter discussed in “Nina” is not a fairy tale. It is a true story and one any child growing up today should learn about early on. This short but pointed book introduces its subject thoughtfully and is a good one for parents and their children to read and talk about together. Informative and approachable, it’s an excellent addition to any family book shelf and an especially important pick if you are building a home library focused around influential musicians, Black history and America during the Civil Rights Movement.

Stay tuned every week with a new book report by the Primary team and a weekly book giveaway. Keep up by following our Instagram for updates!