If you know anything about the Montgomery Bus Boycott, you know that Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to get off her own public bus in Alabama in 1955, which led to the boycott's beginning.

However, what more do we know about her?

Much may be learned from that single deed and the protest that followed. There's a lot to learn about the courageous woman who stood up for what she believes in.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott and Rosa Parks' life of activism will be introduced to young readers in these Rosa Parks children's books. Rosa Parks is a person we need to know, and there are books for all ages and reading levels. Once you've read these works, you'll be able to see what life was like for the person who organized the protest.

Children’s Books About Rosa Parks

Board Books

I am Strong: A Little Book About Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer

This series for young readers focuses on the characteristics that make our heroes great. Readers are invited to join Rosa Parks on a bus ride as she stands out for what is right in I Am Strong. Rosa, like Rosa, is a role model for young people who are urged to "stand up and do what is right."

Babies and toddlers will love this interactive board book! The entire series is a must-read for me.

The Story of Rosa Parks by Patricia A. Pingry

Rosa Parks' actions in 1955 sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and this basic board book tells the story in a plain manner. The straightforward storyline will appeal to young readers of all ages, and the charming pictures will captivate even the most jaded of eyes.

All children under the age of four should have this book in their possession.

Little People Big Dreams: Rosa Parks by Lisbeth Kaiser

Rosa Parks' life is chronicled in a succinct manner in this book, with images that nearly seem to leap off the page. Observe Rosa's journey from a young girl growing up in rural Alabama to a renowned civil rights activist.

If you're looking for a terrific book to read to newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers, this one is for you!

Picture Books

A Picture Book of Rosa Parks by David A. Adler

The Rosa Parks volume in David A. Adler's Picture Book Biographies series is one of my all-time favorites, and this volume is a fantastic example of why. As well as Parks' life story, Adler does a fantastic job of conveying crucial historical context. Children may easily grasp the concepts of Jim Crow laws and the Ku Klux Klan because he uses simple language.

Although this book is rich with facts, Adler manages to keep readers engaged as he focuses on Rosa Parks's life and activities. The plot is enhanced by the stunning artwork. Children as young as six years old will enjoy this book, and the full series is well worth checking out.

If A Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks by Faith Ringgold

Marcie's bus stop is visited one day by an unidentified bus. There are a lot of unusual people on board, and no driver! As a substitute, the bus itself tells her about its goals. During her ride, Marcie learns about Rosa Parks' life, including her time walking to school while white students took the school bus and her heroic refusal to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus. Finally, Marcie discovers her bus has transported her to a special birthday party, where she finally gets to meet Mrs. Parks in person!

If you're looking for a book that's both educational and entertaining, this is a great choice.

Back of the Bus by Aaron Reynolds

We accompany a small child and his mother as they travel home by bus one December day in 1955 in this piece of historical fiction. Mrs. Parks, the tailor shop employee who works on the bus, gently rolls the young boy's marble back to him as they sit in the backseat.

A ruckus near the front of the bus quickly transforms what appears to be a routine bus ride. Because she refused to give up her seat to a white man, Rosa Parks is now facing criminal charges. History is being made right in front of his eyes.

If you're reading to children over the age of five, this is a great book to show them.

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni

An incredible woman's life story, shared by another incredible woman! In Nikki Gionvanni's books, the reader is immersed in the plot because of the author's meticulous attention to detail.

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks' life was chronicled in this book. A look at Mrs. Parks' personal life and the possible thoughts and feelings she was experiencing at the time. Even though most of us have heard about the event, Giovanni manages to make it seem fresh and new.

This stunning picture book is suitable for children aged 5 and older, in my opinion.

I am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer

Rosa Parks' courage in the face of adversity and discrimination is the theme of this book from Brad Meltzer's Ordinary People Change the World series. As a little girl, Rosa was bullied by a neighborhood kid, but she kept her ground and refused to back down. When Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat on a bus to a white man, her strength is on display.

The message of this book is that everyone may be a hero, not just Rosa Parks since she was a powerful woman. Children as young as four will find inspiration in this book.

When Rosa Parks Went Fishing by Rachel Ruiz

We are all familiar with Rosa Parks and her courageous stance on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus, but what was it like growing up for her?

Rosa's youth on her grandparents' farm in Alabama is the subject of this picture book. Throughout the book, readers are given a glimpse into her family and the ideals they instilled in her. Although she was a little kid, Rosa was well aware of the differences between the lives of white and black people. As a result of her growing self-awareness and willingness to challenge the current quo, she developed into an activist.

Readers ages 6 and up will enjoy this title from the Leaders Doing Handstands series.

Rosa’s Bus: The Ride to Civil Rights by Jo S. Kittinger

Every bus in Montgomery, Alabama, including bus #2857, was segregated. However, it was on Bus #2857 that Rosa Parks made history by refusing to give up her seat to a white male passenger. Rosa's protest led to a 382-day bus boycott, during which a young preacher by the name of Martin Luther King, Jr. gained notoriety.

Claudette Colvin and Mary Louise Smith are both acknowledged in this tribute to Rosa's actions and the movement they sparked. I recommend reading this book to children between the ages of six and eight.

The Bus Ride that Changed History by Pamela Duncan Edwards

A graphic novel-style picture book chronicles the historic bus voyage that forever altered Rosa Parks' life and the course of American history. Rosa's narrative is told by a group of children who explain historical themes like racial segregation and the bus boarding system. There is also a short biography of Rosa and a timeline of significant events.

Reluctant readers will like this book, as well as youngsters ages 4 and up.

Early Reader Books

I am Rosa Parks by Rosa Parks

Children who are just learning to read independently will enjoy this level 4 early reader book. Her life and heroic stance on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama are neatly summed up in this first-person account. In order for young readers to feel comfortable reading a "chapter book," it is divided into short chapters.

Children ages 6 and up who are just beginning to read on their own can check out this early reader book.

National Geographic Readers: Rosa Parks by Kitson Jazynka

For kids who are just beginning to read on their own, this early reader book has a lot of photographs and historical nuggets to keep them interested. In my opinion, this book belongs in the same category as the Level 4 book described above. If your child is a fan of dates, statistics, and high-energy flair in their reading material, this is an excellent choice.

Children ages 5 and above who can read on their own should enjoy this early reader.

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