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Busing Brewster
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book
A New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book
Brewster is excited about starting first grade . . . until Mama announces that he'll be attending Central—a school in the white part of town. Mama says they have art and music and a library bursting with books, but Brewster isn't so sure he'll fit in. Being black at a white school isn't easy, and Brewster winds up spending his first day in detention at the library. But there he meets a very special Miss O'Grady. The librarian sees into Brewster's heart and gives him not only the gift of books but also the ability to believe in himself. This powerful and tender story of desegregation in the 1970s introduces readers to the brave young heroes who helped to build a new world.
From the Hardcover edition.
A New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book
Brewster is excited about starting first grade . . . until Mama announces that he'll be attending Central—a school in the white part of town. Mama says they have art and music and a library bursting with books, but Brewster isn't so sure he'll fit in. Being black at a white school isn't easy, and Brewster winds up spending his first day in detention at the library. But there he meets a very special Miss O'Grady. The librarian sees into Brewster's heart and gives him not only the gift of books but also the ability to believe in himself. This powerful and tender story of desegregation in the 1970s introduces readers to the brave young heroes who helped to build a new world.
From the Hardcover edition.
32 pages, Library Binding
First published May 11, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
February 15, 2017
“At the moment that we persuade a child, any child, to cross that threshold, that magic threshold into a library, we change their lives forever, for the better” ~ Barack Obama
Brewster is looking forward to first grade until he learns he'll be riding a bus to Central, the "white school." His mother tells him that his new school has rooms for art and music and a roof that doesn't leak. When the bus pulls up in front of the school, there are people holding signs that say "Whites Only" and someone throws a rock at the bus. Once inside the school, Brewster is taken to the library where he is amazed by its contents. "I've never seen so many books," he exclaims. And, in this room, surrounded by books, Brewster is given hope for the future.
". . .a good education almost always comes down to caring individuals: a loving family that fosters curiosity, and the many librarians and teachers who believe that all children who want to do something important with their lives deserve an equal opportunity." ~ from the Author's Note
Brewster is looking forward to first grade until he learns he'll be riding a bus to Central, the "white school." His mother tells him that his new school has rooms for art and music and a roof that doesn't leak. When the bus pulls up in front of the school, there are people holding signs that say "Whites Only" and someone throws a rock at the bus. Once inside the school, Brewster is taken to the library where he is amazed by its contents. "I've never seen so many books," he exclaims. And, in this room, surrounded by books, Brewster is given hope for the future.
". . .a good education almost always comes down to caring individuals: a loving family that fosters curiosity, and the many librarians and teachers who believe that all children who want to do something important with their lives deserve an equal opportunity." ~ from the Author's Note
April 6, 2017
This powerful and yet encouraging book is about the racial tensions when African American child were bused to all white schools in the 50's.
July 30, 2020
The art style of this one isn't my favorite, but the story is an important one, about the school busing to force integration in the 1970s. It doesn't shy away from the racism encountered by the Black kids being bused to the white schools, but does it in way that is approachable for kids.
October 15, 2015
Busing Brewster is a historical fiction picture book that won the "Best Illustrated Children's Book Award." It also received excellent book reviews. This book has intricate ink, watercolor, and collage illustrations. All images show action and have a cartoon feel to them. Words appear to be handwritten as well.
This is a story about a boy named Brewster who has to go to a white school. In order to get to the school, he has to go on an hour long bus ride. He finds the school to be nice as it has art class, music class, the roof doesn't leak, and there's a pool and library. As Brewster is riding the bus to school, he notices signs that say rude things showing segregation including "White only."
All of a sudden, things are being thrown at him on the bus before he even arrives at the school. When he arrives, Brewster notices right away that white people push black people around and say rude comments. Brewster stands up for himself and pushes back. He then ends up in detention for one day in the library. This didn't turn out all that bad because he enjoyed talking to the librarian. She was nice and connected with him right away. She wants to teach him to read and we can clearly tell that she is not prejudice like the students or other adults met throughout the book.
The ending makes me upset because it shows where the children become prejudice which is from their parents. The last sentence in the book is, "Wish them coloreds all stayed at Franklin," I hear his daddy say." If they didn't hear their parents treat people of different races poorly, then they wouldn't.
I rated this book four stars because it's a great text to use to teach equality and segregation. It can be used in middle school all the way to high school. There is some language, so I wouldn't read this text aloud to students below the 5th or 6th grade.
This is a story about a boy named Brewster who has to go to a white school. In order to get to the school, he has to go on an hour long bus ride. He finds the school to be nice as it has art class, music class, the roof doesn't leak, and there's a pool and library. As Brewster is riding the bus to school, he notices signs that say rude things showing segregation including "White only."
All of a sudden, things are being thrown at him on the bus before he even arrives at the school. When he arrives, Brewster notices right away that white people push black people around and say rude comments. Brewster stands up for himself and pushes back. He then ends up in detention for one day in the library. This didn't turn out all that bad because he enjoyed talking to the librarian. She was nice and connected with him right away. She wants to teach him to read and we can clearly tell that she is not prejudice like the students or other adults met throughout the book.
The ending makes me upset because it shows where the children become prejudice which is from their parents. The last sentence in the book is, "Wish them coloreds all stayed at Franklin," I hear his daddy say." If they didn't hear their parents treat people of different races poorly, then they wouldn't.
I rated this book four stars because it's a great text to use to teach equality and segregation. It can be used in middle school all the way to high school. There is some language, so I wouldn't read this text aloud to students below the 5th or 6th grade.
March 5, 2014
Busing Brewster
Brewster and his brother Byran will be attending a new school, one that has better materials, requires them to take the bus, and most importantly is integrated. But this is during the civil rights era and the brothers will represent a very small population of African American students. When they arrive at school, they are greeted by protesters. Brewster makes a friend by the first day and he tries to ignore the racist comment made by his new friend’s father. When he arrives at home Brewster’s mother asks him how his day was and he hugs her.
During this time many parents had to know what their children would face going to an integrated school, so my question to students would be: why would parents send their child knowing the hardships they would endure? I might suggest pairing this book with a nonfiction article about Elizabeth Eckford and Hazel Massery from the Little Rock Nine. A more humorous approach to this subject might involve watching an episode from the TV series “Everybody Hates Chris”. A simpler theme could include conversations about going to and new school and the fears that brings. I love the author’s note at the end simply stating that Brewster represented the experiences of many. The images were nice somewhat and geometric with a simple color scheme or gray, orange, and yellow.
Brewster and his brother Byran will be attending a new school, one that has better materials, requires them to take the bus, and most importantly is integrated. But this is during the civil rights era and the brothers will represent a very small population of African American students. When they arrive at school, they are greeted by protesters. Brewster makes a friend by the first day and he tries to ignore the racist comment made by his new friend’s father. When he arrives at home Brewster’s mother asks him how his day was and he hugs her.
During this time many parents had to know what their children would face going to an integrated school, so my question to students would be: why would parents send their child knowing the hardships they would endure? I might suggest pairing this book with a nonfiction article about Elizabeth Eckford and Hazel Massery from the Little Rock Nine. A more humorous approach to this subject might involve watching an episode from the TV series “Everybody Hates Chris”. A simpler theme could include conversations about going to and new school and the fears that brings. I love the author’s note at the end simply stating that Brewster represented the experiences of many. The images were nice somewhat and geometric with a simple color scheme or gray, orange, and yellow.
April 25, 2016
Busing Brewster shares a tale of an African American child named Brewster and his brother during the 1970s and the desegregation period. The boys have been redistricted for a new school and this book shares their experience getting bussed into an predominately white school. The boys have a hard time adjusting to the new school but find aide in one special person, the Librarian. The librarian helps to create a space in the school where Brewster and his brother feel like they belong.
This book can be used to introduce the topic of desegregation and its impact on African-Americans. The class could compare this story to the experience of Ruby Bridges. They could compare and contrast how the two story are similar or different. This book can allow students to learn about the difference between an informational text (Ruby Bridges) and a historical text (Busing Brewster).
I choose this book to be one of my WOW books because I loved how Michelson did a good job of sharing the impact desegregation and bussing had on students of color. The book keeps the student engaged through the cool illustrations and text that keeps the students hooked in what is happening to Brewster. Another reason I choose this to be one of my WOW books because I liked how it can allow students to sympathize with the characters and their experiences with desegregation.
This book can be used to introduce the topic of desegregation and its impact on African-Americans. The class could compare this story to the experience of Ruby Bridges. They could compare and contrast how the two story are similar or different. This book can allow students to learn about the difference between an informational text (Ruby Bridges) and a historical text (Busing Brewster).
I choose this book to be one of my WOW books because I loved how Michelson did a good job of sharing the impact desegregation and bussing had on students of color. The book keeps the student engaged through the cool illustrations and text that keeps the students hooked in what is happening to Brewster. Another reason I choose this to be one of my WOW books because I liked how it can allow students to sympathize with the characters and their experiences with desegregation.
July 18, 2014
Stunning illustrations! I love how true to the time period they are. (We just don't have enough picture books with bell-bottomed characters...)
March 27, 2019
Brewster is a young African-American boy who lives in a white neighborhood of Boston in 1974. Brewster is your typical first grader; he loves climbing the fence, imagining he is Hank Aaron knocking homers out of the park, and laughing with his friends and older brother, Bryan. After playing at the school playgroup Brewster and Bryan come home to the news that they are now going to go to school at Central, the white school nearby. Bryan is less than pleased because there “ain’t no Negros at Central.” The boys quickly find out that they are not welcomed there when a rock is thrown through the bus window at them. Another altercation occurs at the drinking fountain and Brewster winds up spending his entire first day in the library for detention. While he’s there he meets the librarian, Miss O'Grady. Miss O’Grady and Brewster bond after their day spent together and he learns to believe in himself.
Busing Brewster is a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book that was found on the Database of Award-Winning Children's Literature. This historical fiction picture-book would be best suited for children in a first-third grade classroom during a history unit about segregation, during Black history month or as a mentor text to introduce students to the genre of historical fiction. This book uses word negro; I think is an important vocabulary word to introduce to students so they understand the context and why this word was used at the time but is not used anymore. This book would open doors for great discussions about how we treat others and how that makes others feel. I also appreciated that the illustrations match the historical time period and the illustrator used muted tones which fits the theme of the book.
Busing Brewster is a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book that was found on the Database of Award-Winning Children's Literature. This historical fiction picture-book would be best suited for children in a first-third grade classroom during a history unit about segregation, during Black history month or as a mentor text to introduce students to the genre of historical fiction. This book uses word negro; I think is an important vocabulary word to introduce to students so they understand the context and why this word was used at the time but is not used anymore. This book would open doors for great discussions about how we treat others and how that makes others feel. I also appreciated that the illustrations match the historical time period and the illustrator used muted tones which fits the theme of the book.
December 5, 2019
This book is an incredible Historical Fiction book set in the 1950s where the main character Brewster is the first African American student bussed to an all-white school.
This book is a WOW book for me in that the text is tailored for a younger audience, the content is still impactful and truthful to the realities of African American children during that time period. Brewster's story stressed the importance of reading and showcased a big dream for Brewster's feature, emphasizing all the work he has to do to get there. On top of an authentical and meaningful storyline, the illustrations were magnificent. They showed diversity, action and much more with bright colors and captivating characters.
As a future elementary school teacher, I would most likely use this in upper elementary classrooms, only in that the concepts might be a little hard to grasp for students below second grade. I would use this book in social studies as an introduction to racial tensions in history and what that was like for students their age. Additionally, I could use this book to delve into the importance of reading and how reading can open doorways, just as Brewster talks about. I would also like to use this text to help students think about what they want to be when they grow up, like Brewster mentions, and write about what obstacles they may have and what will help them reach those dreams.
This book is a WOW book for me in that the text is tailored for a younger audience, the content is still impactful and truthful to the realities of African American children during that time period. Brewster's story stressed the importance of reading and showcased a big dream for Brewster's feature, emphasizing all the work he has to do to get there. On top of an authentical and meaningful storyline, the illustrations were magnificent. They showed diversity, action and much more with bright colors and captivating characters.
As a future elementary school teacher, I would most likely use this in upper elementary classrooms, only in that the concepts might be a little hard to grasp for students below second grade. I would use this book in social studies as an introduction to racial tensions in history and what that was like for students their age. Additionally, I could use this book to delve into the importance of reading and how reading can open doorways, just as Brewster talks about. I would also like to use this text to help students think about what they want to be when they grow up, like Brewster mentions, and write about what obstacles they may have and what will help them reach those dreams.
June 27, 2015
Text Set 3: Busing Brewster by Richard Michelson illustrated by R. G. Roth is a piece of historical fiction about a black boy named Brewster and his brother who were part of the busing movement in the early 1970’s, which was meant to further desegregate schools almost 20 years after Brown vs. Board desegregated schools by law. Even after the Brown case, many schools were still de facto segregated because students attended schools closest to their homes and many neighborhoods were segregated by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class. This is a great text for this set, because it shows how black students had to struggle for an equal education even after segregation was legally outlawed. It paints a picture of the broader civil rights movement and could be used to pose questions to children about whether our society is, even today, totally desegregated and equal. The book is also extremely valuable because it has more nuanced character development than most children’s picture books and thus allows for deeper discussion. Brewster’s mother is ecstatic about the chance for her sons, Brewster and Bryan, to attend a better-funded school. Her hopes soar so high that she tells Brewster he may be president one day. Brewster is going into first grade and he’s looking forward to learn how to read. His older brother Bryan is very suspect of going to the new school, mirroring the ambivalence that many people felt at the time when wide-spread busing was taking place. At school, almost immediately gets into a fight with a white boy who shoves Brewster at the water fountain, but then seems to become friendly with the same boy during detention. Brewster marvels at all of the books in the school and makes a friendship with Miss O’Grady, the librarian, who makes him promise to visit her every day. After the boys get out of school, the white boy’s father mutters a comment about wishing the colored kids had never come to the school, and his son does not wave to Brewster even though he and Bryan seemed chummy in detention. Bryan, refusing to acknowledge anything positive or negative from the day to his mother, continues his ambivalent attitude, which would allow for a rich discussion for a teacher to initiate in class. Brewster agrees with his mom that he could be president someday. Like Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh, this book also has a detailed author’s note, which could help a class look further into the issue and this period in history.
February 5, 2014
“We’ve learned in Social Studies that the Supreme Court ended segregation in 1954. Who can remind us what segregation is?”
Pause for student responses.
“That’s right! But even after segregation ended, most schools were still attended by mostly white students or mostly African American students because they continued to go to school in the neighborhoods where they lived. So segregation still existed in a way. In the 1970s the court ordered that African American students be bused to white schools in order to get rid of this segregation. The schools they were going to were often much, much nicer than the ones they used to attend but they were also separated from friends and had long trips to school. How do you think you would feel if you were in these students’ shoes?”
Pause for student responses.
“In this historical fiction book, “Busing Brewster” by Richard Michelson, Brewster is bused to a new school and experiences both worry and excitement. Listen for how the author skips forward to new events quickly in the story. The setting changes frequently. As I read think about why the author might have chosen to do this.”
-Raise questions to spark curiosity
-Draw attention to genre
-Alert students to unusual literary structures
This book is included in my text set to pair with the story “Me and Uncle Romie” in our reading curriculum. In that story, a boy learns about the culture of Harlem and some of the history of his family. Busing Brewster gives some background information to students about the hardships faced by African American students in the 1970s as a result of court-ordered busing.
(2010, June 1). School Library Journal. http://www.flr.follett.com/search?SID...
Pause for student responses.
“That’s right! But even after segregation ended, most schools were still attended by mostly white students or mostly African American students because they continued to go to school in the neighborhoods where they lived. So segregation still existed in a way. In the 1970s the court ordered that African American students be bused to white schools in order to get rid of this segregation. The schools they were going to were often much, much nicer than the ones they used to attend but they were also separated from friends and had long trips to school. How do you think you would feel if you were in these students’ shoes?”
Pause for student responses.
“In this historical fiction book, “Busing Brewster” by Richard Michelson, Brewster is bused to a new school and experiences both worry and excitement. Listen for how the author skips forward to new events quickly in the story. The setting changes frequently. As I read think about why the author might have chosen to do this.”
-Raise questions to spark curiosity
-Draw attention to genre
-Alert students to unusual literary structures
This book is included in my text set to pair with the story “Me and Uncle Romie” in our reading curriculum. In that story, a boy learns about the culture of Harlem and some of the history of his family. Busing Brewster gives some background information to students about the hardships faced by African American students in the 1970s as a result of court-ordered busing.
(2010, June 1). School Library Journal. http://www.flr.follett.com/search?SID...
October 7, 2015
Busing Brewster by Richard Michelson is a great book for the historical fiction genre because it gives a perfect perspective for children. The book is about a young African American boy who is bused to a prominently white school. His mom reassures Brewster that this will benefit him in many ways and maybe he will even be president someday. When Brewster arrives to school the bus is surrounded by protesters and is confronted with other conformation because of his race at this school. However, through the school day he befriends a boy and his teacher all influence him into believing in himself for who he is. This book tries to portray that no matter what your race is or how people segregate you from others you can do anything you believe in. This book fall under the historical fiction and is a sub genre of the civil rights time. The issues with race and segregation is a topic that is found in all textbooks and is a very touchy subject for the classroom. I think this book is a great perspective for kids first learning about segregation. Kids are so innocent and have not been exposed to such judgement yet and so it could be difficult for the kids to relate to the topic from a textbook. That is why reading a book like this with the child can give a realistic approach of teaching. Even though historical fiction books aren't probably your first choice in a book to read with a child they are very important to incorporate in with the child's development. Overall, I think Busing Brewster is the perfect book to read for the civil rights time to kids.
March 3, 2011
This is a charming, yet poignant book about integration of the schools via forced busing during the 1970s. Brewster believes that he can do anything, including becoming an astronaut or even the President of the United States, even though he is not white. In author Richard Michelson's notes at the end of the book, he is taken aback by the fact that when he initially wrote Busing Brewster,he never dreamt that an African-American would be elected president during his lifetime. Of course, the words "have taken on greater reasonance than I intended," he writes, in the wake of President Obama's election.
The best part of Busing Brewster is the fantastic collection of illustrations throughout the book. R. G. Roth uses mixed media to assemble whimsical characters, colorful protesters and a library full of spontaneity. Roth evokes the plaid and striped fashions of the '70s, and one can even see some of the sounds of Brewster's journey.
All in all, this is a delightful book that helps shed light on the challenges of desegregation. I think it is fair to say that many of those challenges remain present today, with socioeconomic disparity remaining schockingly prevalent in public school systems like that of Chicago.
The best part of Busing Brewster is the fantastic collection of illustrations throughout the book. R. G. Roth uses mixed media to assemble whimsical characters, colorful protesters and a library full of spontaneity. Roth evokes the plaid and striped fashions of the '70s, and one can even see some of the sounds of Brewster's journey.
All in all, this is a delightful book that helps shed light on the challenges of desegregation. I think it is fair to say that many of those challenges remain present today, with socioeconomic disparity remaining schockingly prevalent in public school systems like that of Chicago.
May 3, 2015
An African-American boy named Brewster is very excited to start the 1st grade until he finds out that he is going to Central, which is a school mainly of white kids. He ends up meeting a librarian named Miss O’Grady at the library and they become friends instantly. After meeting Miss O’Grady, Brewster is excited to come back to Central and learn more! Miss O'Grady gives Brewster the chance to check out books and also influences him to believe in himself.
I really enjoyed reading this book because it shows to young kids the segregation in the 1970’s in a way they can understand the difficulties of being African-American. This book is intended for children in preschool to 2nd grade. This book is great for those students to read because Brewster is their age, so they feel a little connection. I would use this book in my classroom to show the segregation of African-American children and their parents had to face in the 1970's. I think the book is easy to read because the vocabulary is easy and the amount of words in each page is little, so the students shouldn't have a problem reading it. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
Michelson, Richard., Roth, R.G. (2010). Busing Brewster. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books.
I really enjoyed reading this book because it shows to young kids the segregation in the 1970’s in a way they can understand the difficulties of being African-American. This book is intended for children in preschool to 2nd grade. This book is great for those students to read because Brewster is their age, so they feel a little connection. I would use this book in my classroom to show the segregation of African-American children and their parents had to face in the 1970's. I think the book is easy to read because the vocabulary is easy and the amount of words in each page is little, so the students shouldn't have a problem reading it. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
Michelson, Richard., Roth, R.G. (2010). Busing Brewster. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books.
January 16, 2011
I liked this one- the lively pictures avoid cute but are still endearing with lots of movement and expression and seem to speak well of the time period (1970's) that the story takes place. They have great texture but avoid overwhelming the page my leaving white space both around and within the textures. The colour scheme is intriguing, avoiding typical colour combinations by using 70's colours- olive and lemon and orange and brown- bits of slate and grey that make it feel referential but yet fresh and modern. The story is good- not too much text but enough little details that create connections with the reader. The possible morals and themes are lightly touched upon. They're there if you want to investigate them but don't hit the reader over the head either. I really enjoyed the author's note- it tells what is true and and of the deeper implications of the scenes presented- although I wonder if most would agree that forced busing was a negative. Wikipedia seems to present a negative view but the story seems to speak to the positive potential of busing. In any case, I think this one is interesting and well done.
March 16, 2015
- This book is about a young African American boy Brewster who ends up attending first grade at all White Americans school. Since the setting of this book took place in the 1970’s, when desegregation of schools just began, Brewster had to face many challenges and racist comments at school. Even on the first day of school, he was sent to detention where he meets Miss O’Grady who encourages him to believe in himself and to stay strong. Regardless of all of the racist comments that he had encountered at school, he was able to be brave and remain confident. This book emphasizes about racism and how one should always be brave. I think that this is a great book to teach students about the civil rights movement and the hardships that minorities have to go through to be able to go to school today. Schools were not always integrated with other cultures and it is important for children to learn and know the concept of "acceptance." Even though segregation ended, it still somewhat exists today. It's sad to know that in certain areas, some schools have a very low percentage of other minorities.
October 6, 2015
This book falls under the category of historical fiction because it has elements of history in the book to be understood by children. The illustrations in the book show what time period this story takes place, somewhere around the civil rights movements. Brewster is a young boy living in a segregated community like they did back then, but is sent to a mostly white school. His mother tells him he is going to be president some day and he tells his teacher this. She believes these kids can be anything they want to be, and thinks everyone has the right to an education. Brewster does not feel that he fits in at the white school, but his teacher makes him feel welcomed and brings light to his dreams. Historical fiction books are not necessarily "fun" to read, but are very important for a child to learn about and understand. Brewster comes home from school and his mother asks how his day was, he tells her it was good and that he will be president one day. I think children could take away so much from this book, such as treat others the way you want to be treated and that you can be whoever you want to be. I would recommend this book for teaching lessons in the classroom.
May 13, 2016
Busing Brewster is a realistic fiction book written by Richard Michelson and illustrated by P.G. Roth. This book is intended for ages 3-7 and is a New York Times bestselling children's book. this is the story about a little boy named Brewster who is starting first grade at an all white school across town. He is excited and nervous at the same time. I rated this book 5 stars because this actual happened to black people during the civil rights movement. I think the character reactions were believable because this is what happen to a lot of black students that were bused to a school where they did not want to go to school and they were not welcomed. The illustrations were done in pencil and water colors. Some of the illustrations looked as if a child drew. I think this book would appeal to young black children who grew up listening to their parents, aunts and uncles talking about being bused from their school to an all white school across town. I know I would have liked to read it because when I was growing up I thought my parents were telling lies and making up these stories.
February 26, 2013
Busing Brewster is about a young boy and his older brother who will be bused to a previously all white school. They have to wake up early and travel over an hour on the bus to reach their new school. After their long bus ride they are met with protesters and police. The boys end up spending the day in the library, but in the process make a few friends. This book mixes the history of desegregating schools and memorable artwork. R.G. Roth uses a variety of modes to create the artwork for Busing Brewster. He uses a mixture of paint, collage work, and a stamp effect.
The overall message of the book is to teach history and tolerance, leaving the readers with an overall positive message of hope. This book would be best used in the early elementary grades during a social studies unit on segregation. The book won the New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book award in 2010 and was considered a New York Times Notable Children’s Book.
The overall message of the book is to teach history and tolerance, leaving the readers with an overall positive message of hope. This book would be best used in the early elementary grades during a social studies unit on segregation. The book won the New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book award in 2010 and was considered a New York Times Notable Children’s Book.
November 22, 2014
This story takes 1970’s in the middle of the desegregation of schools. Brewster’s mom tells him that he will now be attending Central, an all-white school. His first day of school he faces discriminatory remarks, and ends up in detention at the library for the whole day. The librarian Miss O’Grady, sees into Brewster heart, and motivates him to believe himself. This story is a powerful that introduces the readers to the young heroes of that era. The illustrations are fairly simple, but very rich in the detail portraying emotion. The pictures do a great job at showing the emotions and actions of the characters. This can be a great appropriate way to introduce young readers about the topic of Civil Rights. It gives young readers insight into an important era of American history. This book, even though set in the 1970's can be a story many young readers can relate to today. Brewster can serve as a role model to today tiny young leaders.
December 22, 2010
Brewster is excited to start first grade. Then he and his older brother find out that they will be bussed to Central -- the "white school." They have to ride for an hour, but the school's roof doesn't leak, it has a swimming pool, and it has a library. They encounter protesters("What does that sign say?" I ask Bryan..."Welcome to Central," Bryan answers) and unwelcoming kids, but they also encounter the librarian who believes Brewster can go to the moon or be president one day. Because he is young and sheltered by his loving family, Brewster doesn't really get much of what's going on. This is a great viewpoint to use in starting discussions about this time period and about racism with kids. The art is done in a stampy-collagey style and the endpapers have mock checkout dates stamped on them. Gr. 1-5.
October 8, 2015
What a powerful book to read to a child, Brewster was an African American boy that how to deal with segregation at his new school down Central. His momma was happy that he was going to a new school where they had plenty of books, the roof didn't leak and had a swimming pool. Brewster was going to 1st grade and was very excited to go to school but it turn out not the way he hoped for. It breaks my heart to see the little boy suffer he is probably only 6 or 7 and had to go through that. (Just because of the color of his skin child) I have a six year old niece and it would tear me to pieces if that ever happen to her, and her parents can't really say or do anything about it. This book can be use in a classroom setting teaching younger children about segregation and how hard life was back then. They can have more meaningful connection with Brewster then just a history book.
October 12, 2015
This story was about a time when some African American children got the opportunity to be bussed to a predominately white school for a better education. The little boy was excited because he heard a lot of bad things about the person who would potentially be his teacher the next year. When he got to his new school, it wasn't what he thought it would be. There were people rallying and protesting against their arrival to the school. The boy was afraid to tell his mother what happened so he only talked about the one good thing that happened to him.
This story is a historical fiction book because it was about the time in history when schools were being desegregated. The character's word choice helps us know the time zone that this story was in and gives us an idea of the location that the story took place.
This story is a historical fiction book because it was about the time in history when schools were being desegregated. The character's word choice helps us know the time zone that this story was in and gives us an idea of the location that the story took place.
August 23, 2017
This would be a good book to share with kids during the first few days of school. Set during the 1970s when many districts integrated schools by busing kids to schools in order to achieve a racial balance. Brewster is excited to start first grade, but then it turns out that he and his brother, Bryan, will be attending a school across town that is attended mostly by white students. While the first day is fraught with tension and difficulties resulting in the two boys being sent to the school's library for a detention, Brewster finds himself inspired by the librarian and the books she shares with him. This book would be good as part of a larger conversation on the history of school integration. An author's note gives a more detailed explanation that might help for those that want to explore the topic further.
February 5, 2011
I happily received this preview book some months back, read it, cataloged it, and put it on my shelf. It was quickly snagged by a parent wishing to read stories to her children.
When the parent returned the book, I asked her what she had thought of it. She hesitated. Finally she said that her kids didn’t get the story.
It’s hard to imagine, but our young children as well as most parents of our young children don’t know much about the days when segregation was the rule in public schools. Perhaps we need to share the stories better. Busing Brewster is certainly one way to do this. I loved this little story of a boy’s experiences with integration, both happy and sad. It felt very real.
When the parent returned the book, I asked her what she had thought of it. She hesitated. Finally she said that her kids didn’t get the story.
It’s hard to imagine, but our young children as well as most parents of our young children don’t know much about the days when segregation was the rule in public schools. Perhaps we need to share the stories better. Busing Brewster is certainly one way to do this. I loved this little story of a boy’s experiences with integration, both happy and sad. It felt very real.
October 9, 2012
This is a very nice historical fiction about a little African American boy named Brewster who is going to school during the period in American history when desegregation was taking place. He is transferred to what used to be an all-white school, and is thrilled to see how nice is it compared to his old school. Despite the racism that exists, he is inspired by all the resources and nice people there, such as a librarian who is determined to help him learn to read. I think this is a very friendly way to show children how life used to be in the schools during desegregation, a very rough time in American history.
November 14, 2013
Brewster and his brother are sent to attend a all-white school but encounter racism and segregation at their school. This book describes an aspect of the Civil Rights Movement that many students may not learn about until high school or after. Students being bused to different schools in order to promote desegregation is important for students to understand. The negative views and opinions of busing is clearly demonstrated but included in along with the message that not all people of the opposite race are really that bad. I would highly recommend this book in discussions of Civil Rights and issues relating to segregation.
NCSS Notable Trade Book
NCSS Notable Trade Book
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October 6, 2015Busing Brewster is a interesting perspective of a young black boy who is starting 1st grade by being bused in to a predominantly "white school." His older brother does not like this plan, or the idea of not going to the school with all of their black friends. But Brewster has a more positive outlook on this new school, and is excited to take advantage of all of the things this new "white" school has to offer.
Busing Brewster is a good way to address an otherwise uncomfortable conversation with the child you're sharing this book with. And, because this book is told through the eyes of a child, that might make it more relatable to a child reading this book.
Busing Brewster is a good way to address an otherwise uncomfortable conversation with the child you're sharing this book with. And, because this book is told through the eyes of a child, that might make it more relatable to a child reading this book.
December 5, 2018
I didn't know by the cover art what a great story this would be. Brewster is changing to the all white school, and he's so young he doesn't really understand desegregation, and he can't read the signs that the people hold up outside the bus stop. He does find a wonderful mentor in the school librarian who agrees with his mom that he could one day grow up to be the president, and he promises her to visit everyday so he can learn to read. This book hit me hard.
April 23, 2018
Another picture book that works better for older kids. If there's a child in your life who goes to a great school, this book may help in talking about education disparities and why it is that not all kids in America or around the world can afford a good education.
We've read this book multiple times and every time we have a different conversation about who gets to go to which schools and why.
Highly recommended.
We've read this book multiple times and every time we have a different conversation about who gets to go to which schools and why.
Highly recommended.
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