Rosa by Nikki Giovanni

In this re-telling of a historic moment in the Civil Rights Movement, poet Nikki Grimes brings Rosa Parks to life by showing the reader what happens prior to and after the famous bus ride. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks completed her work early, and was given permission by her gracious boss to leave work early. Everyone knows what happens next, but all readers might not know that Rosa Parks did not set out to be an activist. She just wasn’t in the mood to move to the back of the bus that day. And aren’t we all glad that she didn’t!

Award winning illustrator Bryan Collier remarks in the book that to prepare for this project, he took a trip to Montgomery, Alabama, the site of the Rosa Parks bus ride. The one thing he remembers most about the city is the oppressing heat. He expertly captures this heat by the color palette that he chooses for his illustrations. The tones are hot, and fiery, much like the climate of the weather, as well as the climate in the bus. Collier’s use of light is artistic and purposeful, as Rosa Parks seems to be emanating light in each illustration. The artist clearly wants the reader to see her powerful spirit shining through. He also makes use of collages for his illustrations. Actually items are in the illustrations, including newspapers from the time and fabric swatches for the clothing. An interesting gold collage is behind Martin Luther King in an illustration, and the same gold collage appears behind Rosa Parks on the cover, and in another illustration inside the book. This collage gives them vibrancy and spirit, and is a beautiful was to artistically depict their passion for their quest.

I had no idea that Rosa Parks was sitting in the middle of the bus, not the front, like I think I had learned in school. When I asked my kids and husband what Rosa Parks is best known for they said, “Sitting in the white section of the bus and not giving up her seat.” Well, now that I think about that, I think that makes her out to be quite a rebel. And that’s not what this story depicts at all. According to Nikki Grimes, Rosa was sitting in the neutral section, and was asked to move to accommodate a white guest. That makes the significance of her violation even more significant. I loved the use of collage in this picture book, and thought it was a perfect way to depict the feelings of the time. This book would be a good choice to read from 3rd graders and on up.

Key Words:
Seamstress, anticipation, recited, trespassing, concentration, intoned