~ 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 Questions
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 
- 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.
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
Thanks for sharing these lessons. When children learn about the Civil Rights Movement and its key figures, they are more sensitive to diversity.
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!
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