Synopses & Reviews
When four courageous black teens sat down at a lunch counter in the segregated South of 1960, the reverberations were felt both far beyond and close to home. This insightful story offers a child's-eye view of this seminal event in the American Civil Rights Movement. Connie is used to the signs and customs that have let her drink only from certain water fountains and which bar her from local pools and some stores, but still . . . she'd love to sit at the lunch counter, just like she's seen other girls do.
Showing how an ordinary family becomes involved in the great and personal cause of their times, it's a tale that invites everyone to celebrate our country's everyday heroes, of all ages.
Review
Simple and straightforward, the first-person narrative relates events within the context of one close-knit family. (Booklist)
Review
"Coupled with Cooper's rich paintings, this is a noteworthy reflection on the actions of a single individual in turning the tide of segregation."
and#8212;School Library Journal
"Cooper's filmy oil paintings are characterized by a fine mistlike texture, which results in warm, lifelike portraits that convincingly evoke the era, the intense emotional pitch of this incident, and the everyday heroism it embodied."
and#8212;Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
There were signs all throughout town telling eight-year-old Connie where she could and could not go. But when Connie sees four young men take a stand for equal rights at a Woolworths lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, she realizes that things may soon change. This event sparks a movement throughout her town and region. And while Connie is too young to march or give a speech, she helps her brother and sister make signs for the cause. Changes are coming to Connies town, but Connie just wants to sit at the lunch counter and eat a banana split like everyone else.
Synopsis
Itand#8217;s December 1, 1955. A boy and his mother are riding the bus in Montgomery, Alabama like any other dayand#151;way in the back of the bus. The boy passes time by watching his marble roll up and down the aisle with the motion of the busand#133;
Until a big commotion breaks out from way up front.
With simple words and powerful illustrations, Aaron Reynolds and Coretta Scott King medalist Floyd Cooper recount the pivotal arrest of Rosa Parks at the dawn of the Civil Rights Movement.
About the Author
Aaron Reynolds is the author of many acclaimed books for kids, including
Chicks and Salsa,
Metal Man, and the
Joey Fly, Private Eye graphic novel series. He rode city buses for many years, and is delighted to live in an era in which anyone can sit anywhere they like. He lives near Chicago, IL with his wife, two kids, and four cats.
Visit Aaron Reynolds at www.aaron-reynolds.com.
Floyd Cooper began drawing at a very early age. After a short stint in advertising, he began illustrating childrenand#8217;s books exclusively. He has lent his unique artistic style to many Philomel titles, including Jump!, Mandela, and Willie and the All-Stars. Mr. Cooper was awarded the Coretta Scott King award for The Blacker the Berry and also has three Coretta Scott King Honor Awards to his name. Mr. Cooper lives in Easton, Pennsylvania, with his wife and their two sons.
Visit Floyd Cooper at www.floydcooper.com.