Rosa Parks

Rosa grew up in Alabama where, although slavery had ended, there was still no equality. Whilst she walked to school, white children were taken on the bus; she could not use the same water fountain or entrance as white people; she could take the bus to work, but could only sit at the back. She knew these things were not right. One day, on the way home from work, Rosa refused to give up her seat on the bus for a white person - and her arrest for this led to protests and bus boycotts which helped to establish the civil rights movement. This title from the Little People, Big Dreams series looks at the life of the remarkable Rosa Parks and how she strove for what she knew to be right in a world where the odds were stacked against her. Told simply but effectively, her story is made accessible to young children, providing much to discuss and consider. The illustrations are very appealing and the book is attractively presented. A timeline, using photographs, is given at the back which offers additional information about Rosa's life. This is an important story, providing a powerful message about how ordinary people can change the world by holding firm to what they believe to be right. 32 pages / Ages 5+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 5+

This beautiful series of information books caught my eye on display at the bookshop a little while ago. Rosa Parks by Lisbeth Kaiser and illustrated by Marta Antelo is one of three new titles in the series that will be published in September 2017. In common with others in this series, it is visually very different from the run of the mill biography aimed at the children's market. The cover art, illustrations, design, layout and production are all very appealing and high quality and I can certainly see myself feeling compelled to buy the entire set to display in my library! Most importantly, this series taps into the appetite for books about influential women whose stories have perhaps in the past been overlooked. Rosa Parks is certainly a very worthy subject for a children's biography and her story is one that will inspire children to stand up for their beliefs. What could, of course, be an upsetting story is told in a sensitive way using a small amount of text, but without avoiding the uncomfortable truths. It has been beautifully illustrated in a charmingly naive style, adding to its appeal. These aspects make it a great option to read aloud with younger children of 5+, either in the classroom setting or at home. Helpfully, a timeline is included at the back of the book that features some further biographical information about Rosa Parks as well as some photographs. In addition, on the following page is a list of other books about her life that readers might like to refer to for further information. These features in particular make this book an excellent resource for independent research in Years 3 to 5. It would be a fantastic and inspirational addition to any primary school library. Picture book / Ages 5-10 years / Reviewed by Emily Marcuccilli, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 5+