Rosa: Caldecott Review #2

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni, illustrated by Bryan Collier is a story about the life of Rosa Parks and her influence on American history. This story tells the account of this American hero taking the reader back in time to when segregation ruled the South. The illustrations portray Rosa as the amazing person she was and the extreme emotional pain she went through to lead African Americans to freedom. The book is a powerful read for students of all ages. It is a small reminder of the appreciation and gratitude Americans should feel for all the men and women involved in the Civil Rights Movement.

I really liked how Rosa's personal journey leads into a summary of the Civil Rights Movement in this book. The author did a wonderful job at using key terms and vocabulary throughout the book while still maintaining the heroic story of this woman in the history of our country. The beginning of the story begins by introducing Rosa in idealistic terms. The author explains some of the everyday deeds she did to care for others. The reader quickly becomes familiar with the care and love this woman possesses toward others. The story then moves on to Rosa's struggle on the bus. The reader is then brought back to the characterization of Rosa and becomes familiar with not only the care she gives but also the determination to make the world a better place with equality for everyone. The author explains the response of the Women's Political Caucus, which led to the bus boycott in Montgomery. A few events of the movement are even included throughout the story such as the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the reactions to the murder of Emmett Till and the aftermath of this event, as well as the role of Martin Luther King, Jr. Students not only become familiar with Rosa Park's personal story but also historical events in American history.

I teach a unit every February on African American history. I integrate famous Americans such as Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This book is such an excellent tool to accompany this unit. I think my reaction to this story is influenced by my feeling of importance toward American history on society today. I realize how critical it is as a teacher to teach my students, even as first graders, to know how their country has become what it is today and to appreciate the freedoms we have.

Another book that could be compared to this one is Rosa Parks: My Story by Jim Haskins. This is an autobiography geared toward upper elementary students, grades 4-6. This book also tells the heroic life of Rosa Parks but is told as an autobiography with black and white photos from this time in history. This book contains a lot of historical information, but can be somewhat overwhelming with all of the names in which she makes reference to. I think both books are exemplary in teaching children about the history of the Civil Rights Movement, but I think Rosa by Nikki Giovanni is much more appropriate for younger readers.

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni is not only an interesting and informational read but it also opens up a whole new world for young readers through the use of new vocabulary. A key factor in great children's literature is its ability to get students thinking and asking questions about what they read. This book is geared for young readers but does not take away the challenge of comprehending new key vocabulary terms and concepts throughout. Students will walk away from this book not only understanding the life and influence of Rosa Parks, but also the journey our country has gone on to get to where we are today.