Rosa

 

Bibliography:

 Giovanni, Nikki. 2007. ROSA. Ill. by Bryan Collier. Square Fish. ISBN: 0312376022.

Plot Summary:

Rosa is the story of what happened on the day Rosa Parks said “No.” It encompasses other civil rights issues that were going on during this time and how her “…No became a Yes for change.” In sharing her story, we can see how Rosa Parks was such an important part of the civil rights movement.

Critical Analysis:

  Giovanni does an amazing job telling the story of what happened to Rosa Parks. As an adult, I even learned things that I wasn’t even aware of. I loved how she told the story as if you were just reading about what her day was like and how it went from a regular day to a day when she was arrested for simply not moving on the bus. Her simple act of saying no led to women in the community coming together and creating the movement of not riding. They didn’t ride the buses for over a year and during this time also came together with other local organizations to decide on who would speak for them. I like how Emmett Till and MLK Jr. were mentioned in this story.

Collier did a brilliant job with his illustrations from the little details of newspaper articles reflecting the civil rights issues: white entrance signs, and separate water fountains. Also, the details of people’s faces on the bus, and the details of Rosa's hands when she is thinking over what she is doing. You can see the emotions in all the details of this book. It’s a great job depicting the period as well for those who weren’t there to experience it.

I do think the book is written with a lot of detail and might not hold the attention of younger children, but this would be a great book for 3^rd/4^th grade students and up.

Review Awards and Excerpt(s):

Caldecott Honor Book, and Coretta Scott King Award Winner.

“Paired very effectively with Giovanni's passionate, direct words, Collier's large watercolor-and-collage illustrations depict Parks as an inspiring force that radiates golden light.” ―Booklist, Starred Review

“Purposeful in its telling, this is a handsome and thought-provoking introduction to these watershed acts of civil disobedience.” ―School Library Journal

“Giovanni and Collier offer a moving interpretation of Rosa Park's momentous refusal to give up her bus seat. The author brings her heroine very much to life...a fresh take on a remarkable historic event.” ―Publishers Weekly

Connections:

 This book could be used during Black History Month, Civil Rights lessons, or just teaching about important people over history.

Other books to read with this would be:

-          The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Cole.

-          Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr by Doreen Rappaport.

-          Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levin.