Ruby Bridges, civil rights advocate
Sept. 8, 1954-
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, illustrated by George C. Ford (Scholastic, 2004) paperback
Court-ordered desegregation made six-year old African American Ruby Bridges’ walk into an all-white New Orleans school possible. Thank you, Ruby Bridges!
To learn more about Ruby’s remarkable story, visit the Ruby Bridges Foundation.
Cesar Chavez, civil rights activist
Mar. 31, 1927-Apr. 23, 1993
Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Yuyi Morales (Harcourt, 2003)
A heartfelt account of Chavez’s childhood, his days as a field laborer and as the nonviolent organizer of the 1965 grape boycott.
America’s Library posts several great stories about Chavez for kids.
Susan B. Anthony, civil rights activist
February 15, 1820-March 13, 1906
Marching with Aunt Susan: Susan B. Anthony and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage by Claire Rudolph Murphy, illustrated by Stacey Schuett (Peachtree Publishers, 2011)
It
captures the view of women’s suffrage from young Bessie Keith Pond’s
point of view, a real 10-year-old girl living in Berkley, California in
1896. When Susan B. Anthony comes to visit Bessie’s home for tea with
the ladies, Bessie is inspired by the elderly lady’s speech and adds her
voice to the movement.
Learn more about Anthony from the Susan B. Anthony House website where you can read her biography, view a timeline, find links to the Suffrage Movement and much more.
Susan B. Anthony, civil rights activist
February 15, 1820-March 13, 1906
Susan B. Anthony by Alexandra Wallner (Holiday House, 2012)
Instrumental
in crusading for women’s rights, Anthony’s voice, though unpopular
with some, could not be denied. And eventually the US Congress listened.
The Nineteenth Amendment was passed and since 1920, women have had the
right to vote.
Learn more about Anthony from the Susan B. Anthony House website where you can read her biography, view a timeline, find links to the Suffrage Movement and much more.
W.W. Law, civil rights leader
Jan. 1, 1923-July 29, 2002
Delivering Justice: W. W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights by Jim Haskins, illustrated by Benny Andrews (Candlewick, 2005)
Westley
Wallace Law made a difference. Born in Georgia, amidst poverty and
segregation, this African American, who grew up to be a mail carrier,
joined the NAACP as a young man, helped blacks register to vote and was
instrumental in leading the Great Savannah Boycott.
This Far by Faith, a PBS program, describes W. W. Law’s life of dedication and service.
