Introducing Young People To The Powerful Heroines Of The Civil Rights Movement

Teach your children the history of the civil rights movement in the United States and inspire a real sense of justice with these great titles. This selection of books provides engaging stories, fun facts, and eye-opening accounts that make it easy for kids to understand this critical movement.

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Nina: A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd and Illustrated by Christian Robinson

Nina: A Story of Nina Simone is a gorgeous picture book about Nina Simone, an American singer-songwriter whose music became anthems for the civil rights movement. A 2022 Coretta Scott King Book Award Honoree, Nina: A Story of Nina Simone is filled with bold, colorful illustrations that will quickly grab your eye. Listen to some of Nina’s music after you read this wonderful book!

Little People, BIG DREAMS: Rosa Parks by Lisbeth Kaiser and illustrated by Marta Antelo

An excellent introduction to the life of Rosa Parks! You can learn about how Ms. Parks grew up in Alabama and spent her life advocating for equality. Readers will enjoy the vibrant illustrations and easy-to-read text. Perfect for readers ages 5 & up.

Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Dee Romito Illustrated by Laura Freeman

Georgia Gilmore used her talent and skills as a cook to help finance the Montgomery Bus Boycott. A single mom of six, Ms. Gilmore clandestinely started Pies From Nowhere. Pies From Nowhere sold pies and sandwiches at Montgomery Improvement Association meetings and then donated the money to provide alternative transportation for people boycotting the buses. This picture book is informative, and uplifting, and inspires one to use their talents to help others. Readers will enjoy finding Ms. Gilmore’s recipes included in the book! Ages 6+.

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement By Carole Boston Weatherford and Illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Voice of Freedom is a beautiful biography told in verse coupled with extraordinary illustrations. Fannie Lou Hammer is a person who spent her life advocating for civil and women’s rights advancement. Learn about a woman who risked her life time and again to make America a more just society.

Recipient of the Sibert Honor, Caldecott Honor, and the Coretta Scott King Award, Voice of Freedom, is a must-have for all middle-school and high-school libraries! Ages 11 & up.

Ruby Bridges Goes to School by Ruby Bridges

Meet Ruby Bridges! When Ruby was six years old, she made history! Ms. Bridges was the first student of color to attend an all-white elementary school in the deep south. The language is simple and appropriate for early readers. Photographs from the time offer readers a window into the period. This is a beautiful autobiography written for children ages 5+.

Heroines

Nina Simone, Rosa Parks, Georgia Gillmore, Fannie Lou Hammer, and Ruby Bridges are five American Civil Rights Movement heroines. These women all exhibited outstanding courage in pursuit of justice. Please share their stories, and may we look forward to greater equality for everyone everywhere.

Happy reading!

XO, Sheryl