by Phillip Hoose
2010 Newbery Honor Book
This partial biography is a must-have for any school library! The book presents the captivating story of how a young, African American teenager helped spark the U.S. Civil Rights Movement by refusing to give up her seat on a public bus. Claudette Colvin took her stand long before Rosa Parks, but her story is often overlooked in history books. In Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice, Phillip Hoose gives Colvin the recognition she deserves by sharing her brave tale and highlighting her significant involvement in the landmark case Browder v. Gayle, which permanently ended segregation on Alabama's buses.The chapter book presents readers with a thorough account of Colvin's impressive story, but the somewhat magazine-like layout of images and supporting information makes the book engaging for everyone. The book is packed, cover to cover, with useful information regarding segregation in the South, the Civil Rights Movement, bus boycotts, and Browder v. Gayle. Numerous photographs, quotes from famous Civil Rights leaders, and sidebars containing interesting facts make Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice a fascinating read for youngsters.
Although the book holds value as an educational tool, it possess the ability to move readers on a more personal level. The inclusion of Claudette's personal accounts makes reading the book an emotional experience. For someone born after the Civil Rights Movement, it is difficult to imagine living in a truly segregated environment, and the thought of treating a person unfairly simply because of his or her skin color seems cruel. Author Phillip Hoose successfully conveys the pain and fear felt by the African American community and the enormous amount of courage it took for a teenage girl to stand up to a system she knew was wrong. Claudette Colvin's story sends the message that sometimes you have to take a stand and fight for what you believe, even when you feel like no one has your back. Hopefully, that message reaches every young person who reads the book.
Although the book holds value as an educational tool, it possess the ability to move readers on a more personal level. The inclusion of Claudette's personal accounts makes reading the book an emotional experience. For someone born after the Civil Rights Movement, it is difficult to imagine living in a truly segregated environment, and the thought of treating a person unfairly simply because of his or her skin color seems cruel. Author Phillip Hoose successfully conveys the pain and fear felt by the African American community and the enormous amount of courage it took for a teenage girl to stand up to a system she knew was wrong. Claudette Colvin's story sends the message that sometimes you have to take a stand and fight for what you believe, even when you feel like no one has your back. Hopefully, that message reaches every young person who reads the book.
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