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A Picture Book of Rosa Parks



Last updated Monday, February 27, 2006

Author: David A. Adler
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 0823410412
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2006

Synopsis: In this volume of his fine Picture Book Biography series for younger readers, Adler sets the life story of Rosa Parks within the history of the civil-rights movement. The simple narrative text and the dramatic color illustrations show the discrimination that was common when Parks was growing up: one double-page spread depicts the insult of separate water fountains; another shows the Ku Klux Klan terror with flaming torches. Then there's the crucial confrontation in 1955 when Parks is arrested for refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white passenger. How her brave act started the Montgomery bus boycott led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is stirring history. In addition to the sweeping political scenes, there are portraits by Casilla that capture the ordinary person who made a difference.

Note to readers:
•  Note: This book has a lot of information and may be difficult to keep the children's attention when you read through the entire book. Consider summarizing information on pages that have too much factual information, such as the Ku Klux Klan and the NAACP.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you know about Rosa Parks?
•  What does ?civil rights? mean? What does ?segregation? mean?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  After each page, have students summarize what has happened.
•  How does Rosa Parks stand up against racial discrimination?
•  What is a boycott? How does the bus boycott change things? Have you heard of any ?boycotts?? What are some things that you can boycott?
•  What does Rosa Parks fight for? How does she inspire you?
•  What have you learned about Martin Luther King, Jr?
•  Do you know of any laws that are unfair?

Craft ideas:
•  Think of some things that Rosa Parks protested against and make picket signs to stage a protest for her.
•  Create an award for Rosa Parks. Draw a certificate or make a medal for her.
•  Create a timeline for your own life and draw pictures of each important event.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!