1.

I am Rosa Parks
By: Rosa Parks and James Clay
6-9 years
Read to the class/ will be in the library for independent reading as well
Non- fiction
(Background info: discrimination/ Segregation)
Rosa Parks was a famous civil rights activist. This is her
autobiography, which she wrote. In this story she describes what it was
like for black people to live in Montgomery when there was
discrimination and segregation. This book also describes what it is like
to be in public and using public transportation during this time period
as well. I am Rosa Parks will take us through her journey of riding the
bus and refusing to give up her seat. Not to mention her being arrested
for not giving up this seat. Then it leads into the bus boycott, telling us
stories about how individuals refused to ride the bus, because they had
unfair rights. Rosa Parks shows us that her personal contribution to was
part of a wider struggle known as discrimination and segregation
during the civil rights movement.
2. Teammates
By: Peter Golenbock
6 and up
Read to the class/ will be in the library for independent reading as well
Non- Fiction
(Role Model section)
Before 1947 there were no American Americans that played
major league baseball, but in 1947 Jackie Robinson was the first African
American to be signed to a baseball team as a player in the Major
League Baseball. (MLB) Robinson signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers at
the time. This story takes us through the struggles Robinson went
through to continue to play baseball. He was taunted and terrorized by
baseball fans, other teams, coaches, and his own teammates. Jackie
Robinson has become an inspiration to every baseball fan. He was the
first of many African Americans to play Major League Baseball.
3. Who was Martin Luther King Jr.?
By: Bonnie Bader
8-12
Read to the class/ will be in the library for independent reading as well
Non- Fiction
(I have a Dream Section)
This is a story about Martin Luther King Jr.s life. This story takes
us through his life until his death. This story enables children to
visualize his life and all the great works he has fortunately given us.
Who was Martin Luther King Jr. shows us the great things he did for

his community. For example it talks about him being the leader of the
civil rights movement and he wrote the I have a dream Speech He
traveled to spread the word. He believed that African Americans
should have the same rights that white individuals do. He pushed and
pushed for these rights till the day he died. Most individuals thank him
for starting the change in the world. Children will truly understand how
he changed African Americans lives forever.
4. The Dream Keeper and Other Poems
By: Langston Hughes
6-9
Read to the class/ will be in the library for independent reading as well.
(Writers Section)
This is a book of various poems Langston Hughes had written. He
was known as a great American Poet. He wrote classic poems, which
are featured in this book of poems. These poems were originally
published in 1932 for young people. This will give an understanding
how writers wrote during this tie period and how writing affects many
lives. Individuals can learn a lot about someone or something through
their writings.
5. This Jazz Man
By: Karen Ehrhardt
3 and up
Read to the class/ will be in the library for independent read as well.
(Music Section)
Music and dance played major roles during the civil rights
movement. This is the background and the start of music we hear
today. This is a great story for children to toe tap and snap their
fingers. This story also talks about the jazz giants, which set the
rhythm to This Old Man This Jazz Man also talks about various
African American musicians that set the pace to music. Their music
was known as classic music. Children will learn to have a love for music
after reading This Jazz Man
6. Belle, the Last Mule at Gees Bend
By: Calvin Alexander
4-8
Library independent read
Extra examples children can use to understand topic better.
A small town mule plays its own role in the civil rights
movement. Martin Luther King Jr., heads to the small town. Gees Bend.
While in Gees Bend he is encouraging black people to vote. He is
spreading the word that black people can be apart of their community
and they have a say in what is done. There is one problem; the white
sheriff stops the ferry to the town. So this means that the black people

in the town do not get to hear Martin Luther King Jr. speak. The sheriff
closes the ferry because he has prejudice against the black people of
the town. He doesnt want the laws to change. SO the Gees Bend
residents gather belle the mule and hitch her to a wagon. The people
set out on a journey to hear Martin Luther King Jr. speak. Belle has
finally earned her rights to live out the rest of her life in a field.
7. Something Beautiful
By: Sharon Wyeth
3-6
Library independent read
Extra examples children can use to understand topic better.
A young girl sets out to find the beauty in everyone regardless of
who they are and what they do. Her mother taught her that there is
beauty and good in everyone. He lives in a neighborhood that doesnt
appreciate the people in the community. The young girl questions who
they are and why are they like that. She shows how an individual can
affect and change one people because of how they see and view
things. Sight is a powerful sense that we have. This young girl shows
her neighbors that there is good and beauty in everyone no matter
what. Regardless of race, class or gender.
8. The Other Side
By: Jacquline Woodson
5+
Library independent read
Extra examples children can use to understand topic better.
Behind Clovers house there is a fence. This fence is the town
line, which separates the black and white people in the town. Clovers
mom warns her not to cross the fence because it is not safe for their
kind. There is a white girl named Anna who lives on the other side of
the fence. Clover and Anna find a way to form an unlikely friendship,
by going around the rules and sitting on top of the fence. These girls
wanted to get to know each other that the color of their skin didnt
matter to either of them.
9. Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
By: Kadir Nelson
8+
Will be read to the children.
Extra examples children can use to understand topic better
This book is 108 pages of the challenges and social contributions
of African Americans through out history. This book is narrated from the
perspective of and old African American women, whose ancestors who
arrived on slave ships. This book enables the children to learn more
about the black history through this book that I might not have

touched on during class. This will also allow them to gain a different
perspective about black history. Most of the time black history is told
through someone elses perspective that might not necessarily gone
through the hardship.
10. Webster Dictionary.
The dictionary is a book that contains words and their spellings.
This dictionary will be age appropriate for the classroom. This will help
the children when they are completing their writing assignments in
class. If they are stuck on a word or how to spell it they can look it up.
The dictionary will be used as a reference book in the classroom. It will
be located on the shelf for students whenever they need it.