Election Day is just around the corner, meaning now is the time to let your voice be heard! We wanted to share these five titles that demonstrate everyday citizens of the United States taking action to create change for the better in their societies, showing that you can make a difference for people now and for future generations to come.
As Fast As Words Could Fly, by Pamela M. Tuck, illus. by Eric Velasquez
Young Mason Steele takes pride in turning his father’s excited ramblings about the latest civil rights incidents into handwritten business letters. One day Pa comes home with a gift from his civil rights group: a typewriter. Thrilled with the present, Mason spends all his spare time teaching himself to type. Soon he knows where every letter on the keyboard is located.
When the civil rights group wins a school desegregation case, Mason learns that now he will be attending a formerly all-white high school. Despite his fears and injustice from the students and faculty, Mason perseveres. He does well in school—especially in his typing class. And when he competes in the county typing tournament, Mason decides to take a stand, using his skills to triumph over prejudice and break racial barriers.
Purchase a copy of the book here.
The Bus Ride, by William Miller, illus. by John Ward
Sarah and her mother ride the bus every day. There are lots of other people on the bus, but some passengers aren’t allowed to sit in certain areas.
One day, Sarah decides to see what she’s missing by sitting at the back of the bus. The moment she moves up front she sets off a commotion that reverberates furiously throughout the city.
Purchase a copy of the book here.
John Lewis in the Lead: A Story of the Civil Rights Movement, by Jim Haskins and Kathleen Benson, illus. by Benny Andrews
This title celebrates the life of a living legend of American history, John Lewis. Lewis’s passionate belief in justice is a beacon for all who wish to make the country a better place to live.
Available for purchase later this month.
Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel, by Anthony Robles, illus. by Carl Angel
When Lakas strolls through his neighborhood one sunny afternoon, the last thing he expects to find is a group of drum-beating, tap-dancing, karaoke-singing new friends. But these new friends face a crisis: the Makibaka Hotel, where they make their home, is about to be sold. They must pack their belongings and leave their home in thirty days. Unless….
Lakas soon leads his new friends Tick A. Boom, Firefoot, and Fernando the Karaoke King in a rollicking protest against their eviction. Before long the streets of the neighborhood reverberate with the taps, raps, and chants of Makibaka-of struggle, spirit, and laughter.
Available for purchase soon!
Dear Mrs. Parks: A Dialogue with Today’s Youth, by Rosa Parks
Affectionately referred to as the “Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement,” Mrs. Parks received 500 to 1,000 letters a month from children throughout the United States and the world. Dear Mrs. Parks grew out of Rosa Parks’ desire to share her legacy with all “her children,” and perpetuate a dialogue that will be recorded for generations to come.
Purchase a copy of the book here.
Don’t forget to vote Tuesday, November 8! Whether it’s your first time going to the polls or you’ve been voting for years, it’s important that you get out and let your voice be heard! Let us know in the comments when you’ve voted!
In case you still need a reason to vote:
