Rosa

   Rosa, is a 2006 Caldecott Award winner as well as a Coretta Scott King Award winner and rightfully so.  As I read this book the other day, I was struck by how easy the book was to read considering it was a non-fiction book based on history.  The writing style was natural and in a logical order. The author did a great job at recreating the scene and I felt as if I was there during the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955.  The book briefly covers the highlights of Rosa Parks courageous stand for civil rights.  During this tumultuous time, Rosa was growing weary of segregation.  The recent Brown versus Board ruling gave her hope and strength to endure, but she did not stand on her own. Other women, men, and Dr. Martin Luther King became leaders in the movement, organizing the bus boycott in an effort of nonviolent resistance.  Rosa refused to give up her seat in the neutral section of the bus. Rosa’s stubborn resilience sparked the small movement that later went to the Supreme Court.  Over a year later, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of equal protection under the law.

     This book is similar to Martin’s Big Words in many ways, but I liked this book considerably more.  I enjoyed the back story of Rosa’s family life and career.  The pictures showed Rosa’s grace, resilience, and personality.  The tension of the bus standoff could also be felt in certain pictures. This is a great read for any student, but is most appropriate for students aged 7 – 11.