annebennett1957's review against another edition
4.0
Finally a thorough look at Rosa Parks whole life of activism not just her one act of defiance. This account also gives the reader a good look at the whole civil rights movement 1940s through the 1990s. This version is the Young Reader's Edition which was co-written by Brandy Colbert. It is long and thorough, a must purchase for all high school and public libraries.
britlovestoread's review against another edition
5.0
This is a remarkable account of Rosa Park's life as a truly radical activist both before, during, and after the Mongtomery Bus Boycott.
Parks' quiet, unassuming, and well-mannered demeanor is well known, but her radical politics - not so much. There is so much many of us have missed based on the way she and her actions (and the entire Civil Rights movement in general) have been taught.
The book details how she was always active and playing whatever role she could to stand against injustice, and had plenty of thoughts on social issues and the way many leaders in the movement were handling them. It was so interesting to see some of the complexities regarding Parks and King's relationship, as well as many other prominent activists.
I was in tears at several different points while reading this book. I was particularly moved by the way Nelson Mandela greeted Parks, and the way she revered Malcolm X and was always so passionate about and fueled by the younger activists emerging during her generation. I was blown away by how severe her economic hardships became after her original arrest on the bus. She also mentioned on more than one occasion how difficult that day was since even though there were 2 or 3 other Black women asked to move at the same time, she ended up taking that original stand on her own.
This book was so detailed and insightful, and pretty well organized considering how many layers needed to be sorted through. I definitely recommend.
Parks' quiet, unassuming, and well-mannered demeanor is well known, but her radical politics - not so much. There is so much many of us have missed based on the way she and her actions (and the entire Civil Rights movement in general) have been taught.
The book details how she was always active and playing whatever role she could to stand against injustice, and had plenty of thoughts on social issues and the way many leaders in the movement were handling them. It was so interesting to see some of the complexities regarding Parks and King's relationship, as well as many other prominent activists.
I was in tears at several different points while reading this book. I was particularly moved by the way Nelson Mandela greeted Parks, and the way she revered Malcolm X and was always so passionate about and fueled by the younger activists emerging during her generation. I was blown away by how severe her economic hardships became after her original arrest on the bus. She also mentioned on more than one occasion how difficult that day was since even though there were 2 or 3 other Black women asked to move at the same time, she ended up taking that original stand on her own.
This book was so detailed and insightful, and pretty well organized considering how many layers needed to be sorted through. I definitely recommend.
sarful's review against another edition
5.0
What a great look at Rosa Parks the civil rights activist. She pays close attention to what Rosa did before and after the bus boycott with careful detail and it's so refreshing go read. I very much enjoyed every word. Why a woman Rosa was. And her legacy is that much more rich.
rosiewants2read's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
5.0
smfields's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
beccakatie's review against another edition
4.0
I can’t believe this book took me 6 months to finish! Had to put it down for ages because of university and work but I’ve finally read it.
I loved this book, I love studying the civil rights movement and already knew a little about Rosa Parks, although only the bus boycott (I did know the true story of that though, not the myth), and it was great to read such an in-depth book about her life before and after.
The way the book challenges how Rosa Park’s legacy has been co-opted is fascinating and thought provoking, and her decades of campaigning and dedication are truly inspiring.
I found that the book did get quite repetitive in the middle, a lot of the same ideas and information were rehashed and could have done with editing.
Overall this book was an illuminating and authoritative work on a leader of the civil rights movement who has too often been overlooked or misunderstood.
I loved this book, I love studying the civil rights movement and already knew a little about Rosa Parks, although only the bus boycott (I did know the true story of that though, not the myth), and it was great to read such an in-depth book about her life before and after.
The way the book challenges how Rosa Park’s legacy has been co-opted is fascinating and thought provoking, and her decades of campaigning and dedication are truly inspiring.
I found that the book did get quite repetitive in the middle, a lot of the same ideas and information were rehashed and could have done with editing.
Overall this book was an illuminating and authoritative work on a leader of the civil rights movement who has too often been overlooked or misunderstood.
lizmart88's review against another edition
4.0
An essential book to read to understand one of the most important figures in civil rights history.
The life of Rosa Parks is often misunderstood. She is either a woman who was just tired or a strategic political operative. Neither are the whole truth.
This book covers her early life and her parent's experience in community activism. It explores her lifelong involvement in the naacp as secretary and active member. And it reviews not just Claudette Colvin, the 15 year old who refused to give up her seat, but the half dozen others who had refused to give up their seats. This thorough context helps explain why her civil disobedience was so powerful.
Most importantly, it covers her life afterward. She suffered many years of inability to find steady work. She moved away from Alabama to Detroit. But through all the challenges, she maintained her activism.
Highly recommend this book to everyone! Women too often get the short end of the stick in history. MlK and Malcolm X are so important, but Rosa Parks also deserves a thorough biography.
The life of Rosa Parks is often misunderstood. She is either a woman who was just tired or a strategic political operative. Neither are the whole truth.
This book covers her early life and her parent's experience in community activism. It explores her lifelong involvement in the naacp as secretary and active member. And it reviews not just Claudette Colvin, the 15 year old who refused to give up her seat, but the half dozen others who had refused to give up their seats. This thorough context helps explain why her civil disobedience was so powerful.
Most importantly, it covers her life afterward. She suffered many years of inability to find steady work. She moved away from Alabama to Detroit. But through all the challenges, she maintained her activism.
Highly recommend this book to everyone! Women too often get the short end of the stick in history. MlK and Malcolm X are so important, but Rosa Parks also deserves a thorough biography.
trisaratops86's review against another edition
5.0
Fascinating book about a woman who is simultaneously very famous and little-known. Rosa Parks was far more than a tired seamstress who refused to get off a bus one say, she was a revolutionary activist who spent her life fighting for equality and an end to oppression.
laurabrantreads's review against another edition
4.0
This is such an important book. Theoharis documents the life long commitments of Mrs. Rosa Parks. The author provides a vital breadth of information regarding her relationships with other civil rights leaders and causes. I learned about the past of Mrs. Parks and her tireless work toward a better future. Mrs. Parks brought us a long way but Theoharis clearly shows that we must fight against a singular narrative that allows us to think of the civil rights movement as complete. Until the percentages of wealth by race reflect the population of the race we have not achieved liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Mrs. Parks and Ms. Theoharis for making the current needs so clear.