Rosa Parks' 109th birth anniversary: Children's books about the American activist

An American activist in the civil rights movement, Rosa Parks was best known for her pivotal role in the 1955–56 Montgomery Bus Boycott - a civil rights protest by African Americans, during which they refused to ride city buses in Montgomery to protest segregated seating. Parks’ refusal to give her seat to a white man on a public bus became the spark that ignited the civil rights movement in the United States. The United States Congress honored her as "the first lady of civil rights" and "the mother of the freedom movement". Parks was such a personality and her life so inspirational, that every kid needs to know about her. Thus, on her 109th birth anniversary, here are seven children's books about Rosa Parks.

This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made Parks great - the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. The youngest readers can learn about one of America's icons in the series's lively, conversational way. It also includes an interactive element and factual tidbits that young kids will be able to connect with.

Pic credit: Dial Books

This little book introduces kids to Rosa Parks, the "mother of the civil rights movement." Its simple and toddler-friendly text tells the story of her courageous decision to remain on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama - an action that resulted in Parks' arrest, and ultimately, a victory for civil rights.

Pic credit: WorthyKids

This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the activist's life.

Pic credit: Frances Lincoln Children's Books

It is a study of the Montgomery bus boycott and reveals how one woman, who refused to give up her bus seat on a cold day in 1955, sparked the non-violent civil rights movement in the South that eventually ended segregation.

Pic credit: Prentice Hall & IBD

Going beyond other Rosa Parks books for kids, this complete story shows how her strong values and bravery as a lifelong activist make her a role model for fighting injustice. Furthermore, it includes questions in each chapter that invite you to share ideas for creating your own change in the world.

Pic credit: Rockridge Pr

It examines the entire scope of Rosa Parks's life, from her birth in 1913 in Tuskegee, Alabama to her 1943 enrollment in the Montgomery NAACP to the dramatic events of the 1960s, and her continuing work up to her death in 2005. Each chapter provides an exploration of a period in Parks's life, portraying the people, places, and events that shaped and were shaped by her.

Pic credit: Greenwood Press

In this straightforward, compelling autobiography, Rosa Parks talks candidly about the civil rights movement and her active role in it.

Pic credit: Puffin Books