Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice. Phillip Hoose. 2009. FSG. 144 pages.
Claudette Colvin: I was about four years old the first time I ever saw what happened when you acted up to whites.
Have you heard of Claudette Colvin? Have you heard her story? Before Rosa Parks, there was Claudette Colvin. She was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery bus. Only 15 at the time, there wasn't a consensus in the community to support her, to rally around her, to make this incident the needed catalyst to fight Jim Crow laws. Yet, even though she may not be as famous as Parks, her story is important and significant. Because she did make a significant contribution to the civil rights movement.
What I enjoyed most about this one is hearing the story in Claudette's own words. The author conducted a series of interviews with Claudette Colvin (among others) and these frame the book well. I thought it was a good balance really. We hear from Claudette Colvin (and other eyewitnesses), yet we also have strong narration by Hoose to piece it all together. We see the big picture, yet, at the same time we get an intimate behind-the-scenes look.
Winner of the National Book Award. Also a Sibert Honor. And a Newbery Honor.
© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
6 comments:
Thank you for this review, I was looking for a good non-fiction to pick up!
Perfect for February celebrating Black History Month.
I don't normally go for non-fiction, but this one looks like a great read. Maybe I'll make an exception!
Emidy
www.uneparole.blogspot.com
I'm so excited about reading this title -- it just came in last month and as soon as I can catch my breath it's going to be the first book I pick up.
I reviewed this one on Monday, too! =) So spectacular.
I had never heard of this girl ... but it sounds like a story we all should know about.
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