Summary
When fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin boarded a segregated bus on March 2, 1955, she had no idea she was about to make history. At school she was learning about abolitionists like Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, which helped inspire her decision to refuse to give up her seat to a white woman, which led to her arrest, which began a crucial chain of events. Because of Claudette’s brave stand against injustice, history was transformed. This story shares her experiences and pivotal role.
Theme(s):
Activism, Bravery/Courage, Racism
Personal Response
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I am typically not a history person, but engaging stories like this one allow for the students to learn history through a story they are able to imagine. Stories about history are a great way to combine both social studies and literacy into the classroom. I liked how the story repeatedly used the word “because”. It showed how each action leads to another. This is a great book to use in classrooms to discuss the inequalities between people due to skin color.
Teaching Ideas
After the story, the teacher will share his/her own story with students about someone from his/her life and their influence on them. Then ask students to think about people from their past who have had an impact on them—a family member, friend, neighbor, teacher, coach, or someone else. Have students create a poem that looks back on how that person or people shaped who they are today. Focus on the word “because” and start each line of the poem with the word because.
Recommended Reading Level
Grade 03, Grade 04, Grade 05
