Back of the Bus

Author: Aaron Reynolds

Illustrator: Floyd Cooper

Genre: Historical Fiction

Grade level: K-4

A small boy plays with his marbles on a long bus ride. He heard angry voices and kept asking his mom if they had done something wrong. The bus pulled up and their were police all over. He witnesses Rosa Parks refuse to get up from her seat. He witnesses her being taken away to jail. This was a story in the viewpoint of a child.

This story can be used to learn about the Civil rights movement. It can also be used to teach a lesson about racism and what it was like for children during that time period. Learning about segregation as well. 

The illustrations are beautiful and detailed realistic paintings. It is perfect for the view of a child and portrays emotions through the artwork.