Picture Book of Rosa Parks – Review and Activities

~ The Picture Book of Rosa Parks ~

Author  David Adler     Illustrator Robert Casilla

Despite the title, recommended for 3rd and up due to the historical detail

Picture Book of Rosa Parks Summary

This book is a biography of the great Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks. Beautifully illustrated, it provides children with a strong positive role model of someone who wasn’t afraid to take action and demand justice. The book covers not just her refusal to move to the back of the bus, but also her participation in the Civil Rights Movement throughout her life.

It is suggested that this story be read in the context of a study of the Civil Rights movement.

Picture Book of Rosa Parks Guiding QuestionsPicture Book of Rosa Parks

Pre-reading:

  • Is it ever okay to break the law?

Post-reading

  • Why did Rosa Parks break the law?
  • Did she do the right thing?
  • Although not mentioned in this book, Rosa Parks was not the only person to refuse to move to the back of the bus. Why do you think we only celebrate her?

Picture Book of Rosa Parks Related Activities If a Bus Could Talk Story of Rosa Parks

  • ELA Read Faith Ringgold’s If a Bus Could Talk and compare the two books. How do the two authors tell the same story in different ways?
  • DRAMA Have class or group act out the Montgomery Bus boycott and Rosa Park’s role in it.
  • ACTIVITY Play the game musical chairs. Talk about how it feels to be the one left without a seat.

 


Picture Book of Rosa Parks Activity

At Noah Wallace School, Farmington, CT, students aren’t just learning about history, they’re also performing it. To coincide with Black History Month, Principal Diane Cloud decided to combine two things she loves – history and theater – by coordinating a play beginning with Rosa Parks’ famous bus ride and concluding with other historical figures who stood up for justice, equality and peace.

 


  • Read the following quotes by Rosa Park and discuss. Then choose a quote and draw an illustration that exemplifies it.

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”

“Each person must live their life as a model for others.”

“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free… so other people would be also free.”

“At the time I was arrested I had no idea it would turn into this. It was just a day like any other day. The only thing that made it significant was that the masses of the people joined in.”

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”

“I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.”

“People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”

“I knew someone had to take the first step and I made up my mind not to move.”


Learn more about Rosa Parks by visiting these links

https://www.thehenryford.org/explore/stories-of-innovation/what-if/rosa-parks/

https://www.biography.com/people/rosa-parks-9433715

http://www.ducksters.com/biography/women_leaders/rosa_parks.php


Dig Deeper

For older students and adults read the following books and learn the fullstory behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott

The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks by Jeanne Theoharis

Parting of the Waters by Taylor Branch

Bearing the Cross.by David Garrow


Do you think children’s books should simplify historical events?

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We offer books, activities, lesson plans, and ideas that teachers, parents, and students can use to promote values, attitudes and behaviors which encourage non-violent resolution of conflict, respect for human rights, democracy, intercultural understanding and tolerance.

3 comments on “Picture Book of Rosa Parks – Review and Activities

    • So true. And it is teachers like you who understand the importance of what we teach our students who make the difference. Keep up the good work!

  1. Pingback: If a Bus Could Talk - A TPN Book Review - Teach Peace Now

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