Two intrepid librarians

Two intrepid librarians review the best nonfiction books for children

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Because Claudette

Because Claudette                            
by Tracey Baptiste
illustrated by Tonya Engel
Dial Books, 2022
Grades K-4


Because Claudette introduces young readers to the often overlooked civil rights leader, Claudette Colvin. In 1955, at the age 15, Colvin was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white person. The picture book biography uses a chronological, cause and effect structure to illustrate to show how Colvin's action had an impact on the Montgomery bus boycotts and court cases that followed. The use of "because" on many pages helps readers see how one action can bold lead to a change in the system. Baptiste highlights other bus protesters from that year including Mary Louise Smith, Susie McDonald, Aurelia Browder, and Rosa Parks. Engel's realistic-style illustrations in acrylic and oil capture the emotions of the events while also conveying information through maps, newspapers and photographs incorporated into the artwork. A recommended purchase for classroom shelves and public & school libraries. 

1 comment:

  1. This looks great! I really enjoyed Phillip Hoose's book on Claudette some years back.

    ReplyDelete