Over sixty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama city bus, Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This book is a tribute to her courageous action and the events that followed.
Rosa’s Bus: The Ride to Civil Rights
By Jo S. Kittinger, Illustrated by Steven Walker
Like all buses in Montgomery, Alabama in the 1950s, Bus Number 2857 was segregated. White passengers sat in the front and black passengers sat in the back. That is until Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger. Her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a major event in the Civil Rightsmovement. It was led by the young minister, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For 382 days, black passengers walked instead of riding the bus.
A Girl Named Rosa: The True Story of Rosa Parks
By Denise Lewis Patrick, Illustrated by Melissa Manwill
The “A Girl Named” series tells the stories of how ordinary American girls grew up to be extraordinary women. Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955. How did she come to be so brave? Learn the defining moments in her childhood and adolescence that led to her bravery.
It’s Her Story: Rosa Parks
By Lauren Burke, Illustrated by Shane Clester
A graphic novel for children ages 6 to 9. Rosa Parks was the courageous thinker and leader known as the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement. Long before the Montgomery Bus Boycott made her famous, she was a social justice activist and organizer. In honor of her work, she received a Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is her story.
Who Was Rosa Parks?
By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Illustrated by Stephen Marchesi
In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. This seemingly small act triggered civil rights protests across America and earned her the title “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.”
Back of the Bus
By Aaron Reynolds, Illustrated by Floyd Cooper
A boy and his mother are riding the bus in Montgomery, Alabama like any other day, way in the back of the bus. The boy passes time by watching his marble roll up and down the aisle with the motion of the bus…until a big commotion breaks out from way up front. With simple words and powerful illustrations, this story recounts the pivotal arrest of Rosa Parks at the dawn of the Civil RightsMovement.
Rosa Parks (Little Leaders)
By Lisabeth Kaiser, Illustrated by Marta Antelo
Rosa Parks grew up in Alabama, where she learned to stand up for herself at an early age. Rosa went on to become a civil rights activist. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her courageous decision had a huge impact on civil rights, eventually leading to the end of segregation on public transport. She never stopped working for equal rights. This book includes a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the activist’s life.
Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation
By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Rosa Parks took a stand by keeping her seat in the front of the bus. When she was arrested, her supporters protested by refusing to ride. After 382 days of walking, they walked Jim Crow right out of Montgomery, Alabama.
Rosa Parks (A True Book)
By Christine Taylor-Butler
On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested when she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. Almost overnight, she became an icon of the rapidly growing civil rights movement. Young readers will learn how she continued to fight for civil rights after her arrest.
Rosa Parks/National Geographic Kids
By Kitson Jazynka
Find out about the life of Rosa Parks and how her actions in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955, helped end racial segregation in America. Her life story has enduring lessons to teach young readers.
The Bus Ride That Changed History: The Story of Rosa Parks
By Pamela Duncan Edwards, Illustrated by Danny Shanahan
In 1955, a young woman named Rosa Parks took a big step for civil rights when she refused to give up her seat on a bus for a white passenger. The bus driver told her to move. Jim Crow laws told her to move. But Rosa Parks stayed where she was, and a chain of events was set into motion that would eventually change the course of American history. 4-7 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Joyce Jenkins has recently moved to a new town with her family. She will soon be attending a segregated school for the first time. Connie Underwood is trying to figure out what her twin brothers are planning in secret. The two girls find themselves in the middle of a civil rights demonstration. The fight for equality will the country forever.
Let the Children March
By Monica Clark-Robinson, Illustrated by Frank Morrison
I couldn’t play on the same playground as the white kids. I couldn’t go to their schools. I couldn’t drink from their water fountains. There were so many things I couldn’t do. In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. Frank Morrison’s emotive oil-on-canvas paintings bring this historical event to life, while Monica Clark-Robinson’s moving and poetic words document this remarkable time.
What Is the Civil Rights Movement
By Sherri L. Smith, Illustrated by Tim Foley
Even though slavery had ended in the 1860s, African Americans were still suffering under the weight of segregation a hundred years later. They couldn’t go to the same schools, eat at the same restaurants, or even use the same bathrooms as white people. But by the 1950s, black people refused to remain second-class citizens and were willing to risk their lives to make a change. Author Sherri L. Smith brings to life momentous events through the words and stories of people who were on the front lines of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. 8-12 years
Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins
By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue
There were signs all throughout town telling eight-year-old Connie where she could and could not go. But when Connie sees four young men take a stand for equal rights at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, she realizes that things may soon change. This event sparks a movement throughout her town and region. And while Connie is too young to march or give a speech, she helps her brother and sister make signs for the cause.Changes are coming to Connie’s town, but Connie just wants to be able to sit at the lunch counter and eat a banana split like everyone else.
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks,
A Young Civil Rights Activist
By Cynthia Levinson, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks intended to go places and do things like anybody else. So when she heard grown-ups talk about wiping out Birmingham’s segregation laws, she spoke up. As she listened to the preacher’s words, smooth as glass, she sat up tall. And when she heard the plan: picket those white stores, march to protest those unfair laws, and fill the jails — she stepped right up and said, “I’ll do it. Audrey Faye Hendricks was confident and bold and brave as can be. Hers is the remarkable and inspiring story ofone child’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Child of the Civil Rights Movement
By Paula Young Shelton, Illustrated by Raul Colon
Paula Young Shelton, daughter of Civil Rights activist, Andrew Young, brings a child’s unique perspective to an important chapter in America’s history. Paula grew up in the deep south, in a world where whites had and blacks did not. With an activist father and a community of leaders surrounding her, including Uncle Martin (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,) Paula watched and listened to thestruggles. She eventually joined with her family, and thousands of others, in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery.
Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation
By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Rosa Parks took a stand by keeping her seat on the bus. When she was arrested, her supporters protested by refusing to ride. Soon a community of thousands came together to help each other. Some started taxi services, some rode bikes, but many walked. After 382 days, they walked Jim Crow laws right out of town. Boycott Blues presents a poignant, blues-infused tribute to the men and women of the Montgomery bus boycott who refused to give up until they got justice.
Freedom Summer
By Deborah Wiles, Illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue
Joe and John Henry are a lot alike. They both like shooting marbles, they both want to be firemen, and they both love to swim. But there’s one important way they’re different, Joe is white and John Henry is black. In the South in 1964, John Henry isn’t allowed to do everything his best friend is. Then a law is passed that forbids segregation. The town pool opens to everyone. Joe and John Henry are so excited they race each other to the pool, only to discover that it takes more than a new law to change people’s hearts.
We March
By Shane W. Evans
On August 26, 1963, a remarkable event took place. More than 250,000 people gathered in our nation’s capital to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march began at the Washington Memorial and ended with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech. The thrill of this day is brought to life in We March, even for the youngest reader.
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer
By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes
“I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
Despite fierce prejudice and abuse, even being beaten to within an inch of her life, Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of civil rights from the 1950s until her death in 1977. Integral to the Freedom Summer of 1964, Ms. Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention that, despite President Johnson’s interference, aired on national TV news and spurred the nation to support the Freedom Democrats. Featuring vibrant mixed-media art full of intricate detail, Voice of Freedom celebrates Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and legacy with a message of hope, determination, and strength. 10-13 years
A Sweet Smell of Roses
By Angela Johnson, Illustrated by Eric Velazquez
There’s a sweet smell in the air as two young girls sneak out of their house, down the street, and across town to where men and women are gathered, ready to march for freedom and justice. A Sweet Smell of Roses is inspired by countless children and young adults who took a stand and participated in the Civil Rights Movement.
The book descriptions used are primarily the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
By Martin Luther King, Jr., Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave one of the most powerful and memorable speeches in our nation’s history. His words, paired with Caldecott Honor winner Kadir Nelson’s magnificent paintings, make for a picture book certain to be treasured by children and adults. The themes of equality and freedom for all are not only relevant today, fifty years later, butalso provide young readers with an important introduction to our nation’s past. (Audio CD included)
A Place to Land
By Barry Wittenstein, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Martin Luther King, Jr. was once asked if the hardest part of preaching was knowing where to begin. No, he said. The hardest part is knowing where to end. “It’s terrible to be circling up there without a place to land.”
Finding this place to land was what he struggled with, alongside advisers and fellow speech writers, in the Willard Hotel the night before the March on Washington, where he gave his historic “I Have a Dream” speech. But those famous words were never intended to be heard on that day, not even written down for that day, not even once. 7-10 years
My Little Golden Book About Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Bonnie Bader, Illustrated by Sue Cornelison
Learn all about Martin Luther King Jr. Day with this Little Golden Book biography all about the civil rights leader! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers. This Little Golden Book captures the essence of Martin Luther King, Jr. for the littlest readers. They’ll learn how his childhood in segregated Atlanta—and in his father’s church—shaped the future civil rights leader. And they’ll gain a clear understanding of the way he became an eloquent, powerful voice for African Americans. 2-5 years
My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Martin Luther King, III, Illustrated by A.G.
What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son. His son gives an intimate look at the man and the father behind the civil rights leader. Mr. King’s remembrances show both his warm, loving family and a momentous time in American history.
Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968
By Alice Faye Duncan, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
In February 1968, two African American sanitation workers were killed by unsafe equipment in Memphis, Tennessee. Outraged at the city’s refusal to recognize a labor union that would fight for higher pay and safer working conditions, sanitation workers went on strike. The strike lasted two months, during which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was called to help with the protests.
While his presence was greatly inspiring to the community, this unfortunately would be his last stand for justice. He was assassinated in his Memphis hotel the day after delivering his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” sermon in Mason Temple Church. Inspired by the memories of a teacher who participated in the strike as a child, author Alice Faye Duncan reveals the story of the Memphis sanitation strike from the perspective of a young girl with a riveting combination of poetry and prose. Picture book, 9-12 years
Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Peaceful Leader
By Sarah Albee, Illustrated by Chin Ko
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed it was possible to change the world with peaceful protest. His powerful words and actions helped the civil rights movement achieve many great changes. His incredible leadership is still remembered and celebrated today.
Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Martin Luther King Jr.’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography, which combines a traditional, illustrated narrative with historical photographs at the back of book—complete with a timeline, illustrations, and interesting facts.
Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader is a Level Two I Can Read, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. 4-8 years
Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King
By Jean Marzollo, Illustrated by J. Brian Pinkney
This book is a beautifully rendered study of Dr. King’s life told in simple, straightforward language for even the youngest readers. The illustrations convey both the strength and gentleness of Dr. King’s character. This book carries his central message of peace and brotherhood among all people.
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Brian Collier
Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life. With stunning art by acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier, this book is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America.
Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?
By Bonnie Bader, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was only twenty-five when he helped organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Soon he was organizing African Americans across the country in support of desegregation, and civil rights. Maintaining nonviolent and peaceful tactics even when his life was threatened, Dr. King was also an advocate for the poor and spoke out against racial and economic injustice.
Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song
By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. His strong voice and powerful message were joined and lifted in song by world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. It was a moment that changed the course of history and is imprinted in minds forever. The stories of these two powerful voices and lives are told side-by-side — as they would one day walk — following the journey from their youth to a culmination at this historical eventwhen they united as one. This book inspires kids to find their own voices and speak up for what is right.
Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington
By Frances E. Ruffin, Illustrated by Stephen Marchesi
On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people came to the nation’s Capitol. They came by plane, by bus, by car, even on roller skates, to speak out against segregation and to demand equal rights for everyone. They came to hear the words of a very special leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. This book captures the spirit of this landmark day in American history and brings Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to life for young children.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Kitson Jazynka
In this Level 2 biography, readers will learn about the fascinating life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The book descriptions used are primarily the publishers.
On an August day in 1963, under the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial gospel singer Mahalia Jackson told Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to “Tell them about the dream Martin. Tell them about the dream.”
Mahalia Jackson Sings At The March On Washington
Mahalia Jackson was a close friend of Dr. King and an important voice for the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King had spoken to Mahalia about his dream that all Americans would someday be judged by their character and not the color of their skin. On August 28, 1963, at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Mahalia sang the spiritual, “I Been ‘Buked and I Been Scorned,” a favorite of Dr. King. When she had finished, Dr. King spoke.
Dr. King Speaking Before A Crowd
Dr. King read from the speech he had prepared with the help of speech writer Clarence B. Jones. At about eleven minutes into his speech, Mahalia asked him to tell the people about his dream for America, the one she remembered hearing. Dr. King stopped reading, paused for awhile, and then spoke the words we know as his “I Have A Dream” speech — one of the most powerful and influential speeches in American history.
In their book, Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song, Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkey tell the story of how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahalia Jackson’s friendship changed the course of history.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Listen to Dr. King speak at the March on Washington. At about 12:00 minutes into the video, you will hear a long pause and then Dr. King will begin the “I Have A Dream” portion of his speech.
