by Jay Leslie (Author)
Key events of the Civil Rights Movement will be brought to life in this exciting and informative new series.
The civil rights movement in 1965 was fraught with assassination, brutal attacks, and an attempt to deny Black Americans the right to vote. In February, Malcolm X, a Black religious leader and human rights activist, was slain. Bloody Sunday followed in March when 600 civil rights protesters attempted to walk from Selma to Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, to oppose the suppression of the Black vote. As a result, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was ultimately signed into law in August. The civil rights movement succeeded in getting legislation passed, but the fight against racism, discrimination, and hatred was far from over.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
The years from 1955 to 1965 are at the heart of the civil rights movement--from the Montgomery bus boycott to the Voting Rights Act. The contributions of key activists, including Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, Barbara Nash, and Malcolm X, are part of the narrative. Demonstrations of passive resistance and legal challenges were often met with bloodshed and violence against Black Americans fighting to end segregation and discrimination. Yet the courage of those yearning for equal opportunities under the law ultimately produced legislation affirming that every American should have the same constitutional rights, regardless of color, race, or gender.With stunning photographs throughout and rich back matter, each book focuses on a specific year and chronologically follows the detailed events that occurred and the changes that took place.
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Gr 5-8--Each of these titles focuses on pivotal events and key figures of the civil rights movement within a specific year. Plentiful photos show sit-ins, protesters, and celebrities like Chuck Berry and Jackie Robinson. Sidebars highlight connections such as media portrayals of prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird or West Side Story. There is a special look at an event from 100 years earlier; for example, the Dred Scott case from 1857 is discussed in the 1957 book. Ties to international events such as apartheid in South Africa are also explored. A final section recaps the legacy of the year within civil rights history in general. Back matter includes time lines with thumbnail images and biographical features that introduce readers to individuals like John Lewis. VERDICT With a balance of local events and their relationship to national concerns, these books are an excellent resource for social studies classes.
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Jay Leslie graduated from Duke University with degrees in English, international comparative studies, and religion. After writing for Issa Rae Productions and being shortlisted for Chimamanda Adichie's Farafina Trust, she co-authored a project on James Baldwin with Duke professor Dr. Adam Hollowell. She is also the author of Who Did It First? 50 Politicians, Activists, and Entrepreneurs Who Revolutionized the World. She lives in Berlin, Germany.
Ebony Glenn is the illustrator of Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins and Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles, among others. With a passion for great storytelling, she aspires to make art that will bring more beauty, wonder, and magic into people's lives.