Back of the Bus

Back of the Bus. Written by Aaron Reynold, Illustrated by Floyd Cooper,

Reviewed by Susan Hopkins

It was December, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama.  We all know the story of Rosa Parks… and this children’s book, Back of the Bus, tells the story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Rosa Parks through the eyes of a young child… enjoy a few excerpts:

“We’re sittin’ right where we are supposed to – right in the back.” (of the bus)

“I take out my marble… that marble rolls and rolls down the aisle.  A dark hand jumps out from a seat up front and grabs my marble good.”  Then, “My marble comes back to me like I got it on a string.”

“We sit and sit, not goin’ no place…” (in the bus)

“I hear Mama’s crinkled-up somethin’s wrong voice, and I hunker that brown tiger’s eye down into my pocket, like it’s hiding.” 

“Some folks are doin’ mean scratchy whispers at somebody sitting up front.  Mrs. Parks, that’s who… her eyes all fierce like a lightnin’ storm, like maybe she does belong up there.  And I start thinkin’ maybe she does too.”

“‘There you go, Rosa Parks, stirrin’ up a nest of hornets.’” Mama says.

As you can see, the well known story unfolds using genuine dialogue, told from a child’s growing understanding of fairness.  In addition to justice, concepts such as hiding and being invisible in order to be safe, strength in adversity, and taking action for freedom are portrayed in this beautifully illustrated book.   You’ll want to read it for yourself, or listen to it on YouTube (https://youtu.be/O7279Q0JCio), to enjoy the ending that inspires possibilities for the future.