Ayanna Murray

Keep Moving Forward, Henry! Ayanna Murray

"Keep Moving Forward, Henry" is a children's book that is a great read-aloud based on the true story of Henry Luvert, one of the first African Americans to serve as a firefighter in 1981 in the small college town of Eugene, Oregon. This beautifully illustrated story for children 7-12 years old, shows Henry's strength and determination in achieving his goals against all the obstacles of hate and bigotry placed in his path.




This book is a wonderful, age-appropriate way to introduce some of the issues of racial disparity and struggle in our American past. Giving young children early exposure to a subject that's hard to understand, it will ultimately leave children feeling good about Henry's resilience and willingness to find new doors of opportunity when other doors were closed shut.




This book is a great way for children to see that you can achieve success in spite of obstacles. This inspiring story will lead to amazing discussions around the frustrations of injustice and the importance of treating people with fairness and respect. It is a great way to start conversations about race relations, activism, overcoming obstacles, bravery, and making a positive contribution to society. This powerful story will be a wonderful addition to any classroom curriculum dealing with themes of racism, overcoming obstacles, empathy, civil rights, and Black History Month.



This beautiful book is a must-have for every elementary classroom and home. All children need to be taught about American history, the truth, trials, and triumphs that clearly can be seen in this inspirational story. Anyone interested in equality and equity will be proud of the questions and conversations that will spark from reading this moving and powerful story, Keep Moving Forward, Henry. The conversations will become priceless gems as children's empathy and compassion become ignited for the greater good of humankind.




Learn more about the author and her other books at www.ayannamurray.com or Facebook @BooksByAyannaMurray