Module 12 : Rosa

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SUMMARY

This is a story about Rosa Parks, an African American woman who refused to give her seat up on a bus in the 1950s. The book gives a personal history on Parks, and then seamlessly goes into her experiences of racism, and how she helped to peacefully prove her point that she was equal to the other passengers. Rosa and several of African American women protested riding the buses in order show her anger for how she was treated.

APA REFERENCE

Giovanni, N., & Collier, B. (2005). Rosa. New York: Henry Holt.

IMPRESSIONS

The illustrations in this book perfectly emote how she felt at that time. The faces are softly painted, while at the same time, look like they are a collage on the pages. This story is a breath of fresh air to read how peaceful demonstrations are far more effective than riots and fighting.

PROFESSIONAL REVIEW
[Review of the book Rosa by Nikki Giovanni]. Kirkus Review retrieved on 11/17/14 from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/nikki-giovanni/rosa-3/.

Rosa Parks sat. “She had not sought this moment, but she was ready for it.” When she refused to move out of the neutral section of her bus to make way for white passengers, she sparked the Montgomery bus boycott. She was tired of putting white people first. Giovanni’s lyrical text and Collier’s watercolor-and-collage illustrations combine for a powerful portrayal of a pivotal moment in the civil-rights movement. The art complements and extends the text, with visual references to Emmett Till, the Edmund Pettus Bridge and Martin Luther King, Jr. The yellowish hue of the illustrations represents the Alabama heat, the light emanating from Rosa Parks’s face a shining beacon to all who would stand up for what’s right. A dramatic foldout mural will make this important work even more memorable. An essential volume for classrooms and libraries. (Picture book. 5+)

LIBRARY USES

With the recent news stories about rioting and violence about racism that still surrounds our country, this book would be a great story on peaceful protests and demonstrations. This book also has a bit of Martin Luther King, Jr. in it as well. This can be a great read to compare against the current events our country is now dealing with. It can also be read during February, which is Black History Month.