Summary: I am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer is considered a
children’s biography intended for children in grades PreK -Second. This book narrates
Rosa Parks' daring effort to stand up for herself and other African Americans
by helping to end segregation on public transportation. It provides a lot of
examples and proof as to what Rosa Parks did, I highly recommend not only this
story, but this whole series to be used in a classroom.
Art Style: I believe that the
illustrations show a lot of emotion and captures the readers with the truth as
to what Rosa Parks did. It provides multiple pictures throughout and even a
timeline of the events.
Personal Thoughts: I believe that this engaging series is
the perfect way to bring American history to life for young children, providing
them with the right role models, supplementing some curriculum in the classroom,
and inspiring them to strive and dream.
Discussion Questions:
Can separate be equal? Why or why not?
What do you know about Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights
Movement? Segregation?
How do you protest something you don’t like? How do you
effect change?
Motivational Activities:
I would have my students first create a timeline for Rosa
Parks in the classroom with their group. After presenting their timelines, I would
ask the students to go home and talk with their families about what their
timeline would consist of (big events and milestones). I would give them about
a week to gather and create their final product, and I would have them present
it to the class.
Another activity I would do is have the students brainstorm
something that they think needs to change, it could be anything (example there shouldn’t
be uniforms in school). I would have them create their own picket sign and
present.
If you enjoyed this book, check out some other books
written by Brad Meltzer!
Some Examples:
I am Helen Keller
I am Albert Einstein
I am George Washington
Resources:
Parks, R., Haskins, J., & Clay, W. (2011). I am Rosa
Parks. New York: Penguin Young Readers.
I always thought having kids write their own biography book would be so cool to see. Kids imaginations are intense at times and could be so funny. I think a cool activity would be have them write a " I AM ...." biography short book about themselves, and share them with the class. Another activity would be is share ways that kids should stand up for themselves. For example, Rosa stood up for self and others like her to end segregation. This can teach kids different things that gives us reasons to stand up for ourselves and do the right thing.
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