Rosa

 

Author: Nikki Giovanni
Illustrator:  Bryan Collier
Grade Level: 3-5
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Summary:  
This book tells the story of Rosa Parks brave actions on an Alabama City bus on December 1, 1995. Rosa sat in the neutral section of the bus and began along her way home from work. The driver then ordered her and other blacks around her to get up to give their seats to on coming white passengers. As the others moved, she refused. Even after warning of calling the police Rosa stood her ground. Friends Of Mrs. Parks followed in her path of courage by trespassing into Alabama State college to make posters supporting their friend and her movement. They hung signs that said, Stay off the Buses, and No riders Today. Rosa's nonviolent protest encouraged people to stand behind her refusing to take the bus for about a year until a change was finally made.

Element 4: Social Movement and Social Change 
This book is perfect for element four. It shows how standing up for yourself can make a difference. It proves that with support from others coming together you can work hard to make an important change. Rosa Parks took a stand for what she believed in by not giving up her seat on the bus and by doing this she inspired others to stand up for their rights as well. 

Activities:
-JOURNAL ACTIVITY:
Write about something you would like stand up for in the school, community or your home in order to make a difference. 

-Have students act out the incident on the bus. Have people with light clothing be white and dark clothing be black. After the simulation discuss as a class how each side felt. 

-Write a newspaper article pretending you were a news reporter on the bus who witnessed the whole. Make a detailed report with dialogue. 

-Draw a poster that you would use to use in a segregation protest.