Explore lessons, programs, and resources focusing on the power of words through books, speeches, and persuasive action.

This valuable resource includes descriptions of over 190 recommended books that highlight activism across a variety of movements including civil rights, the environment, gun control, immigration, labor, LGBTQ, voting rights, and women’s rights.

Commemorate the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy’s historic civil rights address by having students analyze the text as a persuasive speech. Students identify the main idea, summarize sections, and describe the arguments. They then reflect on how Kennedy demonstrated leadership through his ideas, words, and deeds.

Grades 9-12

In this lesson, as students investigate the steps President Kennedy took in attempting to turn his June 1963 civil rights proposal into meaningful legislation, they examine how a president can generate support for one of his legislative initiatives.

November 8, 2023 

Our annual children’s literature conference for teachers of grades 3 - 8 and school

librarians will feature authors Dr. J. Drew Lanham (keynote), Laurie Lawlor, Sy

Montgomery, Anita Sanchez, and Melissa Stewart.

This edition centers around the 60th anniversary of the last year of the Kennedy administration with lesson plans providing a deeper dive into the President's national address about civil rights and the signing of the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, both key historical moments in 1963. And, a Collections Corner feature highlights an object from President Kennedy's state visit to Ireland in the summer of 1963.

In this 2022 Forum, Jeff Nussbaum, political speechwriter, discussed his book Undelivered: The Never-Heard Speeches That Would Have Rewritten History, which explores the context of undelivered speeches by notable figures including Presidents Kennedy, Eisenhower, and Nixon; John Lewis, Hillary Clinton, and Condoleeza Rice. Mark Arsenault, reporter at The Boston Globe, moderated.

Join us on Juneteenth in celebrating the profound influence of African dance, music, and rhythm on American culture. Let's learn together and gain deeper appreciation in this entertaining and highly interactive program for all ages.