On Dec. 1, 1955 [1], Rosa Parks bravely refused to let a white man have her bus seat, which was a major moment in the fight for civil rights. To continue the fight toward ending discrimination and oppression, we must educate kids on this history — and teach them how to continue the fight against racism [2].
Even though having these deep conversations with children can be tough, it's never too early to talk to kids about racism. Research shows that kids learn about race as early as preschool [3], in which they notice differences and even exclude others based on appearance. It's important to lay the foundations for the deeper conversations when your child is young, and books are an excellent way to start.
These 16 books tell Rosa Parks' in a kid-friendly way, and can be a great jumping off point for starting a conversation with your kids about race and equality [4].
I Am Rosa Parks
In I Am Rosa Parks [6] ($16), Brad Meltzer introduces children to Rosa Parks's life and story. He shares how the rules weren't fair to Black people, and how Parks responded by standing up for herself and not giving up her bus seat.
Rosa Parks (Little People, Big Dreams)
Rosa Parks [7] ($10) was written by Lisbeth Kaiser. It calls Rosa Parks the "Mother of the Freedom Movement" and shares how she learned to stand up for herself at an early age, later becoming a civil rights activist.
I am Strong: A Little Book About Rosa Parks
Brad Meltzer, author of I Am Strong: A Little Book About Rosa Parks [8] ($7, originally $8), writes about heroic traits in Parks that children can emulate. Written in a conversational tone, this book also includes relatable facts and interactive components that will keep children engaged.
Rosa Parks (Little Biographies of Big People)
Rosa Parks's story is about more than not giving up her seat on the bus. Author Joan Stoltman shares a more in depth biography in Rosa Parks [9] ($23).
Rosa Parks: A Life of Courage
Your children may have questions regarding racism and Rosa Parks's story. In Rosa Parks: A Life of Courage [10] ($8), Ann-Marie Kishel answers questions such as why Parks was arrested, why not giving up a bus seat could require courage, and why Parks is regarded as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement."
The Life of Rosa Parks
Written by Gillia M. Olson, The Life of Rosa Parks [11] ($11, originally $12) provides a chronology of Parks's story and explains how her bravery encouraged others to stand up against discrimination and racism.
My Life With Rosie: A Bond Between Cousins
To read more about Rosa Parks from a different point of view, check out My Life With Rosie: A Bond Between Cousins [12] ($11). In this book, Dr. Angela Sadler Williamson shares the relationships Parks had with her family and teaches young readers how to become leaders in their communities.
Nah: We are Human, Too. A Rosa Parks' Story
Dimikki Finley, the author of Nah, We Are Human Too. A Rosa Parks' Story [13] ($15), discusses how Parks went from being an office worker to becoming the "Mother of Civil Rights." While Parks originally tried to stay out of trouble, she eventually stood up for herself, which ignited a boycott lasting over a year.
The Story of Rosa Parks
Illustrated with rich oil paintings and written in a toddler-friendly way, The Story of Rosa Parks [14] ($8) was written by Patricia A. Pingry. It shares Parks's brave decision that led to both her arrest and a civil rights win.
Rosa Parks (History Makers)
In Rosa Parks [15] ($29), author Ruth Daly celebrates Parks's life and includes an overview of her achievements.
Who Was Rosa Parks?
The classic "Who Was" series includes Who Was Rosa Parks? [16] ($6) by Yona Zeldis McDonough. This book is full of black-and-white pictures that help tell Parks's story.
Rosa Parks (A True Book)
Rosa Parks became a civil rights icon almost overnight. Author Christine Taylor-Butler shares this and information about America's long-standing relationship with racism in her book Rosa Parks [17] ($7).
A Picture Book of Rosa Parks
In his book A Picture Book of Rosa Parks [18] ($8), David A. Adler shows how Parks's refusal to give up her seat ignited the first large-scale demonstration against segregation in the United States. This book helps children understand everything that led up to that point as well.
Rosa Parks: My Story
Rosa Parks's story is about more than one act of refusal. In Rosa Parks: My Story [19] ($7, originally $8), author Jim Haskins helps Rosa Parks share her story in her own works, and they talk honestly about Parks's role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Rosa Parks (National Geographic Kids)
With photography, careful text, and a kid-friendly approach, Rosa Parks [20] ($5) is about Parks's life story, her actions against racial segregation, and the lessons she can teach us. This National Geographic Kids magazine was written by Kitson Jazynka.
I Am Rosa Parks (Penguin Young Readers)
Written by Rosa Parks herself and Jim Haskins, I Am Rosa Parks [21] ($5) shares Parks's life story in simple, lively language.