Holly+Waterman

__ Segregation __
Table of Contents

Fiction

1. Birtha, Becky. Jan. 1, 2005. __Grandma’s Pride__. Albert Whitman and Company. 32 pgs. Scottsdale Public Library, Juvenile fiction

It’s the 1950’s, and six year old Sarah travels on the city bus with her younger sister and mother to visit Grandmama. Mother explains that sitting in the back of the bus is the most comfortable. That summer Sarah learns how to read from her Aunt Maria. After experiencing segregation for the first time in the south, with different bathrooms and drinking fountains to use, little Sarah begins to understand the meaning of all the signs everywhere that Grandmama tried to steer her away from. Sarah is soon able to read the newspaper and discovers there were no longer be any signs or reasoning for her to sit on the back of the bus anymore.

While still staying in the history theme, many different topics about the civil rights movement and segregation can be discussed. Perhaps during Black History Month, this book would be an intriguing one for class. Throughout the story, the young girl learns to read and begins to read the signs in her environment. This is an awesome way to help beginning readers with reading and recognizing their letters. Have students bring in different environmental signs (McDonald’s, Walmart, Pepsi, etc.) and create books together based off themes or beginning sounds. Students will be so proud of themselves when they recognize they are actually reading!!

2. Harrington, Janice N. Sept. 8, 2004. __Going North__. 40 pgs. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. Scottsdale Public Library, Juvenile fiction.

A family from Alabama decides to move north while Big Mama stays behind. Driving by the long cotton fields as signs of “brown finger picking cotton” passes through Mississippi. The yellow station wagon is running low on gas, but they can’t stop just anywhere, only at the Negro stations. Wondering if the places and stores they stop at serve Negroes. They pass through Arkansas then Missouri, and finally Lincoln, Nebraska. No more cotton fields for this southern family; they are going to start a brand new life as pioneers.

Throughout the story, it describes all the sights along the way during the drive up north. Location is a perfect topic to discuss with this book, also capitals, cities, and states. Environment is a huge theme, so many things can be taught with it and can be used. There are various art activities that can be created, math and distance can be introduced, and science with exploring the environment and one’s surroundings. The topic of family also gets brought up in the story, with the grandma, the siblings, and the new baby sister that comes along. Many students experience new siblings throughout school and finally becoming a big sister or big brother. Describe these amazing opportunities and talk about them with the whole class and what it feels like to have a new baby in the family.

3. Malaspina, Ann. 2009. __Finding Lincoln__. Albert Whitman & Company. 30 pgs. Tempe Public Library, Children’s fiction

Louis needs to write an essay for school about young Abe Lincoln, there’s only one problem, the library is for whites only. Louis’s mom tries to help with the church’s donated books, but nothing about Lincoln. One day Louis makes a brave move and walks right into the library. Not long until he is forced to leave immediately, but the librarian whispers to come back tomorrow after five o’clock. The next day Louis goes back and is sneakily awarded with the perfect book to write his essay. Mama and Papa are overjoyed with excitement and surprise! This is just the beginning of the brave journey Louis takes.

With this book, you can teach students about being brave. This topic can cover a variety of vocabulary and there can be multiple teachable moments. You can also educate students about how to keep a secret, and what it means exactly to have secrets. Whispering can be taught along with being kind to our friends. Students can practice keeping a secret from someone and see if others can guess what it is, possibly with a show and share type of activity.

4. McKissack, Patricia. 2001. __Goin’ Someplace Special__. Simon & Schuster. 32 pgs. Scottsdale Public Library, Children’s nonfiction

In segregated 1950’s Nashville, a young African American girl braves a series of obstacles and ventures out into the town by herself when her grandmother allows her to go “someplace special” for the first time. She faces signs everywhere saying “For Whites Only” along the way, but she doesn’t let those get her down. After being forced out of a hotel lobby full of people not of her color, she gives up and begins to head home. As the young girl begins to head home she becomes reminded and inspired of her grandmothers words and continues her trek on to someplace special. Finally she has made it to one of the few integrated places in town: the public library.

This book may not be great to address other subjects, but it is great to incorporate small life lessons. For example, growing up and being brave to do something all by yourself, without an adult. Discussions and drawings can be made regarding this concept. Address questions like, “Where would you go, what would you do, is that safe, etc.” Also bring up the main idea from the story; of going somewhere special that makes you feel good about yourself. Have students discuss ideas and write them down using a web or chart paper.

5. Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2005. __Freedom on the Menu__. Penguin Young Readers Group. 31 pgs. Scottsdale Public Library, Children’s fiction.

In this inspiring story, eight year-old Connie is hasn’t participated much in giving speeches or standing up for her rights, but she has seen her brothers and sisters fighting. Voting and making equal rights signs, ready for the new changes to come. All Connie wants is to go to the local lunch counter where only whites are served, and sit down for a banana split. One afternoon a couple boys are at the store and demand to be served, known as the first sit in, but they become arrested. Since this event there continues to be large sit ins throughout the city, until finally Connie get’s her banana split from the lunch counter.

For a center, students can practice ordering from a catalog, just like a scene from the story. Students can “buy” items with fake money and create outfits with the money and see how much they’ve spent and how much they have left over. Another way to incorporate math involves the title of the store from the book, “Five and Dime”. Ask questions about these two coins and how much they are worth. Practice learning to count by 5’s and 10’s. For snack this day, together we shall make banana splits! Perfect way to wrap up a lesson, and a book.

6. Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2006. __Dear Mr. Rosenwald__. Scholastic Press. 29 pgs. Scottsdale Public Library, Children’s fiction.

A young girl tells a story about her leaky roofed, cracked floored school. The one where class doesn’t me doesn’t meet during harvest time, because she’ll be working in the field. A millionaire whom earned all his money as President of Sears, Julius Rosenwald, shares an inspiring speech about building new schools for their African American community. But, it’s up to the community to work together and build this new school as team, while raising money and building the school themselves, with help of Mr. Rosenwald. The story is a source of pride for the African American people and uplifting for anyone who has ever dreamed of a better life.

This story incorporates community and coming together to work on something that many have had hopes and dreams for. To go along with the dream topic, Martin Luther King Jr. would be a good time to discuss and other American leaders or role models. Students should also be encouraged to think about their own personal dreams and role models in their lives. Economics can also be discussed, and how we save our money. Also our wants and needs and the defining line for each. Community is also important in this story, with the whole town coming together to make something as a team. Have students explain what a community consists of and what it means to live or be in a community.

7 . Wiles, Deborah. 2005. __Freedom Summer__. Aladdin. 32 pgs. Scottsdale Public Library, Children’s fiction.

Joe and John Henry are best friends. There’s only one problem, Joe is white and John Henry is black, and in the South in 1964 that means they are not allowed to do everything the same together. Then a law is passes that forbids segregation and opens the community pool for everyone. Joe and John Henry are so excited, only to discover the pool is closed. It has been filled with black sticky tar, as white people would rather close down the entire pool than let blacks join in. The boys walk away extremely disappointed but walk into a grocery store together, that was once for whites only.

This book is all about friendships and how we can look past our differences and not judge others. This topic includes being kind to each other, learning how to share and take turns, and what happens when we feel sad; consoling our peers when they are hurt. There can be multiple teachable moments with this book and there are always moments throughout the day to assess if students are considering these discussed topics.

Non-Fiction

8. Markel, Michelle. 2013. __Brave Girl, Clara and the Shirtwaist maker’s Strike of 1909.__ HarpersCollins Publishers. 28 pgs. Scottsdale Public Library, Children’s nonfiction.

This story depicts another form of segregation, a story about a young immigrant girl named Clara whom helps to change working America with her determination. Clara immigrated to America with her parents from Eastern Europe and upon arrival was the soul supporter of the family. She was the only member of her family to find work in New York City. Clara worked long hard hours in garment factories, while attending school at night. Clara had enough of the working conditions and wanted things for her and the other girls to change. One problem, women could not strike. She stood up for what she believed in and would not back down after multiple attempts. This was the first major strike by women in America and it changed the garment industry forever.

With this story, immigration is the main topic, which is also a form of segregation within the story. This should be taught, along with how and why people travel to a new country. Discuss the different countries and cultures of people in those countries. To incorporate art with this book, have students create the flags of countries. This could be made using fabrics and felt, just like the factory workers used in the story to make clothes.

9. Fradin, Judith Bloom and Fradin, Dennis Bloom. 2013. __The Price of Freedom: How one town stood up to slavery.__ Walker Books for Young Readers. 38 pgs. Scottsdale Public Library, Children’s nonfiction.

This story focuses on slavery, and the history of why segregation all began. It depicts the life of John Price whom escaped from slavery and made it to Oberlin, Ohio, 200 miles away from when he started. This town was known for its predominant belief that slavery was wrong, and many of its citizens helped ex-slaves escape and remain free. John’s former master sends slave hunters after him for a large reward. Once the town heard that John has been captured, they banned together and formed a rescue party. The Oberlins finally got a hold of Price and safely secure in a small town family’s home for several days. One day John Price vanished and was never seen again. Multiple people of the town were charged and jailed for disobeying the Fugitive Slave Act, but they were soon set free and the event was known as the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue which helped spark the Civil War, which later ended slavery in the United States forever.

When teaching with this book, slavery is the main topic. This should be taught with older grades, as the younger ones may have difficulty understanding. There can be a whole unit on the history of slavery and the Underground railroad. Students can create their very own secretive hiding spots and discuss areas in their own house where they hide, possibly during hide and go seek. Important figures during this time can also be discussed, such as Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. Discuss how these idols also changed history involving slaves and segregation.

10. Edwards, Pamela Duncan. 2005. __The Bus Ride that Changed History: The Story of Rosa Parks__. Houghton Mifflin Company. 29 pgs. Tempe Public Library, Juvenile nonfiction.

Unique re-telling of one of the most famous historical events. Four young characters narrate the entire book, while incorporating their own nonfiction comments in talking bubbles on each page. It introduces the problem from the beginning and showcases various segregation events through history, starting with the civil rights movement. The whole book is written in a very commentary way. For each page, it is left with one statement “which was overturned because one woman was brave”. Through the pages we learn about the one woman who refused to stand up so that a white passenger could sit down, all told in a child-friendly way.

One could use this book in their classroom for teaching about who, what, where, when, and why. There are detailed events that are easily told in a child-friendly style. Students can write their own story about another important event in history or even one that happened in their own personal lives. The book also incorporates repetition, students can read various books involving this same style of writing and can sing songs together.

11. Siegel, Beatrice. 1992. __The Year They Walked: Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott__. Macmillan Publishing Company. 93 pgs. Tempe Public Library, Children’s nonfiction.

This true story explains the life of Rosa Parks, from the beginning of the brave move she made that changed history. The first chapter goes into rich detail about the day Rosa Parks about not giving up her seat on the bus. It describes the struggles she faced both mentally and physically throughout the entire book. Real photographs are included showcasing the many events segregation affected. Throughout the book, the boycott is discussed, and how miserable the people were, refusing to ride the bus and fighting for Rosa and themselves. At the end it sums of the events to include MLK Jr.’s speech to the people, a moment in time that would not exist without Ms. Parks.

This book could be used for teaching about chapter books and all the new vocabulary that includes. Chapters being less than 10 pages, one chapter could be read at a time, slowly learning about the life of Rosa Parks. This book is also a biography, students can create their very own and include written descriptions about their life.

12. Supples, Kevin. 2006. __Speaking Out –The Civil Rights Movement.__ National Geographic Society.40 pgs. Scottsdale Public Library, Children’s nonfiction.

Addresses the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement and what started it all. Prejudice began in the 1950’s which resulted in segregation. A divided society was created and enforced by the Jim Crow Laws. Blacks and whites were forced to use different schools, restaurants, parks and so on. It goes on to describe each factor involving segregation. WWII, how African Americans worked for their rights while serving their country, hoping that fighting would help them become equal citizens with equal rights. The Brown v. Board of Education case became famous, which brought black and white students together at school, which later became desegregated in 1957. Martin Luther King Jr. steps out and becomes an important figure for African Americans.

To further include other topics and subjects along with this book, many historical events are discussed. To include the main topics of discussion from the book, discussing the Jim Crow Laws, the Civil Rights Movement, MLK Jr., and the Brown v. Board of Education case. These topics are great for older students to learn about, especially in high school. For the younger grades, equality can be taught, and how we are the same but different. Discuss different qualities we all have and how we may look different but are all the same and how we treat everyone like a friend. This is a great time to also address culture, especially if the classroom is culturally diverse. Community is also a great topic to review.

13. Ruffin, Frances E. June 3, 2009. __Martin Luther King Jr. and the March on Washington.__ Baker and Taylor. 45 pgs. Scottsdale Public Library, Juvenile nonfiction.

It is a hot summer day in 1963, in Washington, D.C. More than 250,000 people come by train, plane, car and bus to hear a very special speech. It started 100 years ago when Lincoln was President. He helped free slaves during the Civil War, but now in 1963 blacks and whites are still not treated equally. Thousands of people have come to protest and speak out about what they think is wrong. August 28, 1963, the March on Washington begins. A young black man takes the stage, Martin Luther King Jr. and speaks words of peace; “I have a dream”. One year later a law passes, and people cannot be kept apart just because of their color.

Many famous events can be discussed when reading this nonfictional book. A reenactment of the Kings speech can be made, possibly even having each student explain one dream they have. Timeline can be created depicting the important events explained from the book or events from ones life. Also in the beginning of the book, it describes how many people travelled on various forms of vehicles, this is transportation. Discuss with students other forms of transportation that could have been used, and which forms were probably the fastest. Use math skills, such as distance, to explain terms like long, short, time, and getting from one place to the next.

14. Ramsey, Calvin Alexander. 2010. __Ruth and the Green Book__. Lerner Publishing Group. 30 pgs. Tempe Public Library, Children’s nonfiction.

An African American family take a trip from Chicago to Alabama in their new car to see Grandma. The family soon finds out that black travelers aren’t treated very well in some towns. After being turned away from gas stations, hotels, and restaurants, 8-year-old Ruth and her parents are introduced to “The Green Book”, a travel guide for black motorists that lists the names and places that welcome black travelers. With this guidebook, and the kindness of strangers, Ruth and her family can finally make a safe journey to Grandma’s.

When using Ruth and the Green Book during a specific theme or unit, it’s great for teaching children about respect. The story of the many kind strangers offering their homes and business, we can educate about being kind to each other and always lending a helping hand. Of course it is also a good book to have when teaching about African Americans, the Civil Rights Movement, and travel can also be discussed. Ask students about places they have traveled and what challenges they faced along the way.

15. Weatherfield, Carole Boston. 2007. __Champions on the Bench__. The Penguin group. 30 pages. Scottsdale Public Library, Children’s fiction

The book is about an African American boy, Cleveland, who joined his first baseball team in 1955. When the end of the season came, Cleveland was placed on the All-Star team which was supposed to go compete in a state tournament, if they won they would go to the World Series play offs. However, when it came time for the state tournament Cleveland’s team found out the other white teams refused to play against his all black team. The other team formed an all white tournament instead. Cleveland and his team were upset, but they were still invited to watch the World Series game. People in the stands cheered to let Cleveland’s team play, but it didn’t make a difference. The boys still were able to play after school and had dreams to play on a real team one day. During that same year during Major League baseball Cleveland watched Jackie Robinson help lead the Dodgers to victory, and Cleveland saw this as a victory for everyone.

When teaching with this book, it would be best for a lesson on segregation. Ask students their thoughts about how it would make them feel if they couldn’t play baseball because of the color of their skin. Go into discussion about other things that are not fair and how we should treat others. This a good time to incorporate other subjects involving African Americans and discrimination, possibly during black history month.

TEACHER RESOURCES

16. Good, Diane L., 2004. B__rown v. Board of Education, Cornerstones of Freedom__. Children’s Press. 48 pgs. Scottsdale Public Library, Children’s nonfiction.

This book incorporates a broad range of major events involving African Americans throughout U.S. history. A main portion of the book covers the famous five cases of Brown v. Education. These cases challenged segregation in public schools and helped desegregate the schools to equalize educational conditions for blacks and whites and in the end help make history as we know it.

After educating myself on this book, I learned a variety of topics that I have not known about. This would be a perfect teacher resource book for anyone teaching about segregation, it would even be helpful to read for Black History month. The book teaches about the variety of education cases involving Brown; this can educate your students about the many struggles the education systems have dealt with to get where it is today. The amendments are addressed and some supreme court laws, which are more for higher level grades. Jackie Robinson is also introduced and how not just schools and communities were affected by the segregation problems but also personal interests, such as baseball. Another very convenient factor the book includes is a timeline covering almost a hundred year time span.

17. McComb, Marianne. 2006. __The Emancipation Proclamation__. National Geographic Society. 40 pgs. Scottsdale Public Library, Children’s nonfiction.

This book describes the roots of slavery in the United States and examines the reasons why certain people and states were for and against it. It explains why the President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which was a long struggle to end slavery in the United States. It addresses the beginning struggles with slavery and how the country became divided. Also Fredrick Douglass, whom was an escaped slave, which became a famous abolitionist and speaker. The Civil War and the Gettysburg Address which Lincoln spoke is discussed, which was a huge part of history. The text touches on other major events involving slavery.

When using this text in my classroom, I would have my students reenact one of the speeches or court cases described. I would have people divide up the students into two groups, one arguing for the North and others arguing for the South. We can dress up and perhaps do a research paper or bibliography on a famous person from this time period. During reenactments, students will dress as person they wrote about and play as their role.

18. Peter Benoit, Peter. 2012. __The Civil War.__ Children’s Press. 47 pgs. Scottsdale Public Library, Children’s nonfiction.

This nonfictional book is broken up by chapter, relating to an important event through African American history for each chapter. It goes through to describe the reasons for the civil war, and the aftermath and effects from the war. Each topic goes into detail of other events that affected the over al cause of the civil war. Topics include the slavery debate, the battle at Gettysburg, and the Abraham Lincoln murder.

This book starts off with a helpful page including the table of contents. This is great to inform older grades about and how beneficial it is for the reader. Also with this informational book, students can create graphs and webs incorporating the topics of war and the causes and effects. To go along with this form of learning and working, students can also involve science to determine causes and effects of things. They can incorporate different materials and make hypothesis.

19. Schwartz, Heather E. 2009. __Political Activism: How you can make a difference.__ Capstone Press. 32 pgs. Scottsdale Public Library, Children’s nonfiction.

This story incorporates inspiring stories of real kids that are engaged in activism in their community and impacting the world plus includes tips about how you can get involved and make a difference in your community and make a world impact. Some of the personal stories include fighting for animals, helping the environment by preventing a megamall being built which would destroy the environmental lands, also a group of students fought their way to become on the education court system for making decisions, since these decisions are being made for students, they thought there needed to be a student on the committee. This was a great book to read to your students. Teaching them about caring for other things in the world and to stand up for what they believe in and what they know is right. Students have so many opportunities to learn with the book and it could be used in a variety of ways. Students can create mock trials with peers, arguing for their rights or for something they wish to change in the world.

20. Stein, Eric and Bandy, Michael S. 2011. __White Water__. Candlewick Press. 39 pgs. Tempe Public Library, Children’s nonfiction.

On one scorching how day, Michael and his Grandma decide to head into town. After walking a few blocks to the bus stop and having to stand the whole time, Michael is feeling parched, urging for some cold water. As he finds a water fountain he is disappointed with gritty, dirty tasting water, when he notices the white boy next to him continues to drink for a long time. Well his water must be as cold as an icy capped mountain, Michael must find out what is tastes like. He becomes hooked on this idea and is distracted during everything else he does; he must find out what that white water tastes like. However he can’t let anyone see him! After he waits for Grandma to leave for the day, he Michael heads into town and finally has a chance to taste the water coming from the “whites only” fountain. To Michael’s surprise it is the same gritty and dirty taste, but it’s coming from the same pipe as the “colored” fountain. Michael has a revelation that changes his life forever; he now won’t let anything get in his way and stop him from doing something.

When using this book, compare Michael’s story to that of Rosa Parks. What are the similarities and differences and discuss. Another activity that can be done is to create a collage of different colors, perhaps skin tone colored faces or hands, (have students draw) and have students create messages of peace on hands. Explain reasoning behind activity and have them discuss how these messages make each other feel.