In honor of Women’s History Month, Dr. Toughlove reviewed a book about Rosa Parks. Enjoy!
Pop quiz – do you know who Rosa Parks was? Many of you probably remember her as the black woman who refused to give up her seat on a crowded bus in Montgomery, Alabama. That groundbreaking event took place in 1955 and was one of the things that sparked the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Dr. Toughlove has decided that in honor of Women’s History Month, she would review “Who Was Rosa Parks?” written by Yona Zeldis McDonough and illustrated by Stephen Marchesi. This book is one of over 200 books in the “Who Was….. and Who Is….” book series.
Rosa Parks was born in 1913 and this book tells the story of her life from childhood through her elder years. Dr. Toughlove was astonished to learn about the accomplishments of this remarkable woman. As a young girl, Rosa lived in Pine Level, Alabama and experienced prejudice and cruelty first-hand. The Ku Klux Klan was active in Pine Level, and Rosa and her family lived in constant fear of being attacked. These experiences shaped Rosa’s resolve to fight for racial equality, which she did for her entire life. In addition to sparking the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott she fought for equal access for blacks to libraries, schools, and voting, among other things. If Dr. Toughlove had to describe Rosa she would use the words courageous, determined and committed to equality for all.
In addition to sharing important facts about Rosa Parks and her journey as a civil rights leader, “Who Was Rosa Parks?” provides supplemental information about Martin Luther King, Jr., Eleanor Roosevelt and Nelson Mandela, among others.
While learning about the life of this fascinating woman, Stephen Marchesi’s illustrations serve to compliment the information contained in this compelling story.
“Who was Rosa Parks,” is a great book selection any time of the year, but is particularly timely during Women’s History Month. Rosa’s perseverance and dedication to her ideals and principles can inspire us all.
This chapter book is appropriate for children aged 7 and up and is available at the Queen Anne’s County Library.