~ What Would You Decide? ~
Mississippi Bridge Overview
This very short (62 page) novel by Mildred D. Taylor is set during 1930’s segregation in Mississippi. A white boy watches the behavior of the white and black families who come to the store where they wait for the bus.
When a group of white people arrive at the last minute, the black families are kicked off the bus. Just minutes, later the bus falls off into a river, and it is one of the black men who was kicked off who helps rescue the white victims.
Suitable for upper elementary and middle school, this book provides insight into life during segregation in the 1930s. It provides an excellent springboard into discussions of stereotyping, discrimination, and injustice based on race.
Note: These are the same characters that are in the Newberry Award Book Roll of Thunder. Reading level is Grade 4.
Taylor is a powerful writer and she uses powerful language. This is what she says. 
“…Although there are those who wish to ban my books because I have used language that is painful, I have chosen to use the language that was spoken during the period, for I refuse to whitewash history. The language was painful and life was painful for many African Americans, including my family.”
Mississippi Bridge Questions/ Activities
Before reading ask the question:
If your worst enemy was in trouble would you risk your life to save him or her?
After reading:
Do you think Josias should have stayed on the bus?
Why did he go rescue the people who had treated him so badly?
Was he a hero?
Did Josias’ actions make a difference in people’s lives? In his own life?
More Like Mississippi Bridge
Find excellent activities for this book at http://www.teacherlink.usu.edu/tlresources/units/byrnes-literature/delange.html
For more books and activities addressing racism see TPN Anti-Bias & Anti-Racism Activities
Learn More About Mildred D. Taylor
