Rosa

Melanie Orr

Biography

“Rosa”

Author: Nikki Giovanni

Illustrator: Bryan Collier

Summary:  This book is a snap shot or an episodic biography of Rosa Park’s life.  This book tells one of a few historical events that led to the Montgomery, AL boycott.  The book explains Rosa Park’s life as a seamstress, the rebellion on the bus that led to her arrest, and finally the change of segregation laws on the bus. 

Illustrations: Illustrator used water color and collage.   The illustrations of the book are very depicting of the events that occurred at the time Rosa Park’s refused to leave the bus.  On each page the texts matches the pictures and describe the scene in detail.  The illustrations help the reader understand what happened at the time where segregation was an issue.  The pictures paint the picture that Rosa Parks was an angel; a few pictures in the book give the illusion by a golden halo around her hair. 

Setting:  The setting takes place in Montgomery, Alabama.  The time period is when segregation was a big controversy and in the process of becoming eliminated but some states refused to adhere to the laws banning segregation.  The facts and story are integrated because it matches what is told historically.

Plot:  The plot of the story is Rosa Parks stand for social justice.  The details about her life as a seamstress are explained and understood that she was great at her job and earned the likes of many, black and white individuals.  The events that happened in the story are accurate in that Rosa was excused early from work, boarded a bus, refused to move, and subsequently jailed for it.  The accomplishment is based on Rosa Park’s refusal to move on something she felt strongly about and took a stand for it, equality. 

Style:  The style of the writing is informational and although it is sequential based on the events that happened, the story is still interesting if you didn’t know the story of Rosa Parks.  Now, the topic of Rosa Parks taking a stand in this story is not a new one.  There was one young girl before her that took the same stand, but didn’t receive any glory, she received recognition but it wasn’t good and her name is Claudette Covin. 

Theme:  The theme of the story is social justice, breaking the barriers of segregation, take a stand!  The theme reflects the actions of Rosa Parks refusal to leave the bus or get up from her seat.  The illustrations and context of the story outlines it all. 

Characterization:  The illustrations in the story are primarily of Rosa Parks and the events surrounding her refusal to move and it depicts the characters at the time of the bus incident.    

Reflection:  The book itself is informational and explains the story specifically of Rosa Parks, however the story is not true in that Rosa Park’s was the first person to take a stand against segregation on the buses.  There were a few incidences where people refused to move out of seats but none were recognized.  Truly what Rosa Parks ended up being a victory for the African American community, but recognition should have been given for all individuals.  I will use this book because it is a historical event that resulted in a change.    I feel children can benefit from this historical information.