I am Rosa Parks

I am Rosa Parks in a multicultural biography children's book intended for young readers, ages 3 to 5 years old. The story was written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Chistopher Eliopoulos in 2014. Author, Brad Meltzer brings this book to life with his first person narrative, while illustrator Christopher Eliopoulous illustrations portray a unique comic style.

Rosa Park's always stood up for what she knew was right. She is best known for not moving to the back seat on a city bus when asked to. She stood up for equality of all. On city buses, black skin meant you had to ride in the back of the bus, only white people were allowed to sit on the front of the bus. 

This story follows Rosa Parks's civil right movement. She knew that everyone deserved the same respect and rights, no matter what color your skin was. She remained seated one morning when was told to move for a white passenger. This a Civil Rights movement that changed the United States of America laws forever. This made Rosa Parks a role model and a brave American hero. 

This book is great for children because they are able to learn about importance historical events through a great story! This book sends a wonderful message to children. It shows children to do what is right, even is you are standing alone. This book allows children to see that any ordinary person can make a difference in our big world. The artwork in this book makes the story entertaining and engages students. Teachers will enjoy the deep message this book teaches students. They will also appreciate the great multicultural lessons that derive from this meaningful story! This book will grasp the readers attention and truly makes learning fun!


Discussion Questions:

• What would you have done if you were Rosa Parks that day on the bus? Did Rosa do the right thing?
• Why is Rosa Parks considered a hero in our country?
• Why were blacks and whites separated on the bus, along with other public places at this time? What do you think about that?
• How did Rosa Parks learn to respect herself?
• How would you explain what "boycott" means? Can you think of a time you ever "boycotted" anything? If so, when and why?
• Do you think a boycott was a good way to make sure unfair laws were changed? Would you have done this differently or the same?

Motivational Activity!

• Have students make time line on the important events in their own life. Provide examples of what to include on the time line, such as birth, first tooth lost, the arrival of a sibling, a family trip,and/or an award earned. Have students sequence the events in order on their time line and present it to the class after they are all finished. This allow students to see how important little events in their life can be and the impact they are able to make as one person!

If you enjoyed this book, check out some other books written by Brad Meltzer

Some Examples:

• I am Jackie Robinson
• Heroes for my Son
• I am Amelia Earhart
• Heroes for my Daughter
• I am Abraham Lincoln

"Stand up for what you know is right, even if it means you are standing alone"

Metzer, B. (2014). I am rosa parks. New York, NY: Dial.