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I am Rosa Parks
Book
2014
Google Books Preview
Where Is It?
Fiction/Biography Profile
Genre
NonFiction
History
Juvenile
Sociology
Topics
Social activists
African American women
Civil rights activists
American history
Setting
- South (U.S.)
- United States
Time Period
1913-2005 -- 20th century
Large Cover Image
Trade Reviews
Publishers Weekly Review
Following books on Abraham Lincoln and Amelia Earhart, this third title in Meltzer and Eliopoulos's Ordinary People Change the World series traces the life of Rosa Parks from the segregated classrooms of her childhood to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. As in the previous books, Parks is portrayed as a roundheaded cartoon child, even during her adult years, underscoring the idea that anyone is capable of bringing about monumental change. Moments of humor help balance out the harsh racial prejudice on display, but it's Parks's determination that stands out strongest. "I knew what the rules said," she says. "But I also knew in my heart: That's not how you treat people." Ages 3-5. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Meltzer's first-person narration and Eliopoulos' comic-style illustrations bring an altogether different look and feel to the story of Rosa Parks. Beginning with childhood incidents that guided her later actions, this entry in the Ordinary People Change the World series proceeds with examples of Jim Crow laws and separate-but-equal disparities. These set the scene for Parks' involvement in civil rights, her now-celebrated refusal to give up her seat on a bus, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott she inspired. While some might question this book's biographic credentials because of its undocumented speech-bubble quotes, others will note how the visual format makes Parks and her time period accessible to young readers. An emphasis on Parks as an ordinary person who stood up for what's right also lends itself well to character education studies. Concluding archival photos show the real Rosa Parks. Informative and appealing.--Leeper, Angela Copyright 2010 Booklist
Kirkus Review
Following introductions to Amelia Earhart and Abraham Lincoln, this third title in the set introduces an iconic figure in the civil rights movement.In a straightforward fictionalized narration, Parks tells her story. She gives examples of segregation and bullying in her early life, describes the incident that led to her work for the NAACP and the resistance that led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-56. "The only tired I was, was tired of giving in," she remarks. The book makes a point of contrasting her small size with her great determination. In the cartoon illustrations, Parks has the round head of Charlie Brown; sometimes she even shares his rueful expression. As with other heroes in the series, she remains child-sized throughout the book, which has the effect of infantilizing her. In one particularly unfortunate illustration, she and an equally child-sized Martin Luther King have an imagined conversation, depicted in speech bubbles, in front of an integrated classroom full of students prayerfully reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The small, square format seems designed for young hands, and the approach may be most appropriate for preschoolers. The thriller-writer-turned-author-for-children has provided no documentation, sourcing or suggestions for further exploration of this history, but two pages of photographs (not seen) follow the account.A barely serviceable introduction with far more child appeal than substance. (Picture book/biography. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Summary
Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks is the 3rd hero in in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8.

Each picture book in this series is a biography of a significant historical figure, told in a simple, conversational, vivacious way, and always focusing on a character trait that made the person heroic. The heros are depicted as children throughout, telling their life stories in first-person present tense, which keeps the books playful and accessible to young children. And each book ends with a line of encouragement, a direct quote, and photos on the last page. This story focuses on Rosa Parks and how she always stood up for what's right.

This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big.

Included in each book are-
.A timeline of key events in the hero's history
.Photos that bring the story more fully to life
.Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable
.Childhood moments that influenced the hero
.Facts that make great conversation-starters
. A virtue this person embodies- Rosa Parks's strength is highlighted in this biography.You'll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!
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