Rosa

Rosa was written by Nikki Giovanni and beautifully illustrated by Bryan Collier.  This wonderful award-winning Caldecott Honor Book tells the story of Rosa Parks with her decision to say "no" in an honorable fashion which will be appealing and understandable to primary school-age children.

Biography

The story begins in early December 1955 with Mrs. Parks working at her job as a seamstress.  On her way home, after finding all of the seats reserved for blacks taken, she takes a seat in the "neutral" section where blacks or whites could sit. 

She is told by the bus driver to get up and Rosa firmly says "no"--she has had it with "Colored taxis, Colored drinking fountains and Colored entrances!"  Rosa is arrested and the townspeople of Selma and Montgomery, Alabama are furious, but none angrier than the Women's Political Council!  They join together to make posters, such as "No Riders Today" and "Support Mrs. Parks--Keep Off The Buses" to encourage folks to boycott the buses and the townspeople oblige--they walk and continue to walk month after month! Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. joins the protest and says, "We will walk until justice runs down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream" (great simile for children!).  Finally, on November 13, 1956, almost a year after Rosa Parks was arrested, the Supreme Court of the United States declared that segregation was illegal as we need to uphold the Constitution of the United States.

As stated in the conclusion of this outstanding book:

"The integrity, the dignity,

the quiet strength of Rosa Parks

turned her no into a YES for change."

Collier's vivid and realistic illustrations are representative of this time period and he uses the media/technique of watercolor-and-collage and most of the pictures have a "dim effect."  The illustrator stated that he chose this style because during his research, when traveling to Alabama, it was so hot and thought his illustrations should reflect the setting.  Much of the beautiful artwork reminded me of the excellent illustrations in Eric Carle's books with his collage-style pictures.

This book will teach children first and foremost about respect for one another, which honors the Saint Leo Core Value with regard to respecting each other's dignity to promote unity within our society.

Class Activities:

1. After explaining the word "segregation" prior to reading the book, ask younger children to tell about a time when they felt "excluded or left out" because of what they looked like, where they lived, their clothing, etc.  The teacher begins the activity, giving an example that possibly "Tommy" felt left out because he didn't have the newest style sneakers that his friends had.  
2. Ask older children to look up the definition of "segregation" in our dictionaries and write it down. Secondly, for homework, ask them to write down a time when they felt "segregated" and bring their thoughts in tomorrow so we can discuss as a class.  

Both of these activities will teach younger and older children to honor the Saint Leo Core Value of Respect as they teach them about respect, acceptance and the diversity in our culture in an age-appropriate manner that they can relate to.

I so enjoyed this inspirational book and surely know all children will love it as well!

Other outstanding books by Nikki Giovanni:

• The Sun Is So Quiet
• Chasing Utopia: A Hybrid
• Black Feeling Black Talk

Reference

Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. New York: Holtzbrinck Publishers.

The book begins at Christmas time