I am Rosa Parks

I am Rosa Parks

Written by Brad Meltzer 

Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

Purchase here

Summary:

A child friendly biography that tells the story of Rosa Parks, a civil rights activist. Known for her creative way of protesting by refusing to give up her seat in the bus which was segregated. She became a well known activist for the 1955 bus movement along with the civil rights movement. The book showcases her courage and determination.

Connection to social injustice: 

The books revolves around a real life situation of a person of color who struggle during the era of racism and segregation. It helps raise awareness of the cruelty of social injustice through the story of Rosa parks. It shows how imprtant it is to not stay silent but instead fight for whats right. She was able to achieve that with determination that stemed from how bad everyone wanted equality, something that they shouldn't have to yearn for so bad in the first place.

Classroom use:

Students who are especially in grades K-3, could learn about the importance of equality. They can learn how it's important to treat everyone the same no matter how different they are and that it's ok to look or be different. They can also receive some historical background of 1900's and why people were treated the way they were and why it was wrong. This is a good way to have them learn respect but also empathy. A way you can make the book more engaging is by asking them of any historical figures they know of and give examples of things that could be considered social injustice or maybe even try to define the word to the best of their abilities.   

Teacher resource here

a simple activity for the students to do after the read along.