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Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now!
Civil rights icon Claudette Colvin teams up with Phillip Hoose―author of the Newbery Honor and National Book Award-winning blockbuster biography Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice―to tell her groundbreaking story in this unforgettable picture book illustrated by New York Times–bestselling artist Bea Jackson.
Montgomery, Alabama 1955. Fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin is tired. Tired of white people thinking they’re better than her. Tired of going to separate schools and separate bathrooms. Most of all, she’s tired of having to give up her seat on the bus whenever a white person tells her to. She wants freedom NOW! But what can one teenager do?
On a bus ride home from school one day, young Claudette takes a stand for justice and refuses to get up from her seat―nine months before Rosa Parks will become famous for doing the same. What follows will not only transform Claudette’s life but the course of history itself.
In the words of Claudette Colvin herself, as told to acclaimed nonfiction writer Phillip Hoose, this empowering, heroic story illustrates how one simple act of courage can create real and lasting change.
Montgomery, Alabama 1955. Fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin is tired. Tired of white people thinking they’re better than her. Tired of going to separate schools and separate bathrooms. Most of all, she’s tired of having to give up her seat on the bus whenever a white person tells her to. She wants freedom NOW! But what can one teenager do?
On a bus ride home from school one day, young Claudette takes a stand for justice and refuses to get up from her seat―nine months before Rosa Parks will become famous for doing the same. What follows will not only transform Claudette’s life but the course of history itself.
In the words of Claudette Colvin herself, as told to acclaimed nonfiction writer Phillip Hoose, this empowering, heroic story illustrates how one simple act of courage can create real and lasting change.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published November 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 10, 2025
Public library copy
While there are many picture books about Rosa Parks (who worked as a secretary in the NAACP), there is relatively little written about the young woman who protested giving up her seat on a bus months before Parks did. Phillip Hoose, whose middle grade nonfiction book about Colvin, Claudette Colvin, Twice Towards Justice, came out in 2007, has worked closely with Colvin herself to tell her story.
At the beginning of the book, we see Ms. Colvin get on the bus, and through the bus windows, we see scenes of the Montgomery, Alabama neighborhoods she rides through. On the ride, she thinks about all of the injustices that Black people had to deal with in 1955. When a white woman demands her seat, backed by the bus driver, Colvin thinks about the treatment Black people have received, and decides to hold firm and not give up her seat. This leads to her arrest and imprisonment, as well as a trial, which she loses. Later, after Rosa Parks' famous case, Colvin's lawyer Fred Gray wanted to challenge the constitutionality of the bus laws, and asked Colvin, along with three other women with similar cases, to join in Browder vs. Gayle and challenge the laws. They won this case, and segregated bus seating became illegal in Alabama. Six months later, the Supreme Court declared that it was unconstitutional. This ends with a note about Colvin, and Hoose's work and friendship with her.
Hoose does a great job at distilling Colvin's story and presenting it for younger readers in a way that shows personal agency on her part that may encourage young readers to stand up for issues affecting their own lives. He also makes sure to paint a picture of the issues that Colvin and other Black citizens were facing, which is important. Students today may not be aware of how people were treated in the 1950s; the detail about Black people not being able to try on shoes in stores will be surprising to many of them!
Bea Jackson clearly did her research for the illustrations, especially the clothing. The details were spot on, and the illustrations also do a great job of conveying emotions. The vintage feel is perfect, and the colors warm and realistic. Her use of light is especially nice; the cover is very appealing.
All ages can benefit from picture books, and a great way to celebrate Black History Month is to read a picture book a day on lesser know figures in Black History or the Civil Rights Movement. Add Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now! to a shelf that includes Bolden's Going Places: Victor Hugo Green and His Glorious Book, Weatherford's Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Levinson's The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist, Pinkney's Sit-in: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down, Cline-Ransom's Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis, King's My Daddy: Martin Luther King, Jr. , Wallace's Love Is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement, or Hudson's The Day Madear Voted.
While there are many picture books about Rosa Parks (who worked as a secretary in the NAACP), there is relatively little written about the young woman who protested giving up her seat on a bus months before Parks did. Phillip Hoose, whose middle grade nonfiction book about Colvin, Claudette Colvin, Twice Towards Justice, came out in 2007, has worked closely with Colvin herself to tell her story.
At the beginning of the book, we see Ms. Colvin get on the bus, and through the bus windows, we see scenes of the Montgomery, Alabama neighborhoods she rides through. On the ride, she thinks about all of the injustices that Black people had to deal with in 1955. When a white woman demands her seat, backed by the bus driver, Colvin thinks about the treatment Black people have received, and decides to hold firm and not give up her seat. This leads to her arrest and imprisonment, as well as a trial, which she loses. Later, after Rosa Parks' famous case, Colvin's lawyer Fred Gray wanted to challenge the constitutionality of the bus laws, and asked Colvin, along with three other women with similar cases, to join in Browder vs. Gayle and challenge the laws. They won this case, and segregated bus seating became illegal in Alabama. Six months later, the Supreme Court declared that it was unconstitutional. This ends with a note about Colvin, and Hoose's work and friendship with her.
Hoose does a great job at distilling Colvin's story and presenting it for younger readers in a way that shows personal agency on her part that may encourage young readers to stand up for issues affecting their own lives. He also makes sure to paint a picture of the issues that Colvin and other Black citizens were facing, which is important. Students today may not be aware of how people were treated in the 1950s; the detail about Black people not being able to try on shoes in stores will be surprising to many of them!
Bea Jackson clearly did her research for the illustrations, especially the clothing. The details were spot on, and the illustrations also do a great job of conveying emotions. The vintage feel is perfect, and the colors warm and realistic. Her use of light is especially nice; the cover is very appealing.
All ages can benefit from picture books, and a great way to celebrate Black History Month is to read a picture book a day on lesser know figures in Black History or the Civil Rights Movement. Add Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now! to a shelf that includes Bolden's Going Places: Victor Hugo Green and His Glorious Book, Weatherford's Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Levinson's The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist, Pinkney's Sit-in: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down, Cline-Ransom's Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis, King's My Daddy: Martin Luther King, Jr. , Wallace's Love Is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement, or Hudson's The Day Madear Voted.
July 23, 2024
This audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by Claudette Colvin, Phillip Hoose, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley.
This audiobook is narrated by Soneela Nankani. This is a high quality audio production featuring a calming light musical soundtrack. Ms. Nankani has a soft and cultured voice perfect for this narration.
This is a very important story and is directly about racism and segregation. This is sensitively handled, perfect for grade school age children. This is about Claudette Colvin who was a civil rights activist during the Civil Rights Movement starting in the 50's when she was 15. She refused to give up her bus seat for a white women in Montgomery, Alabama. This gives a kid friendly overview of the case that ended bus segregation in Alabama. Also briefly touches on how that case impacted the national changes that ended segregation nationwide.
Thank you to Claudette Colvin, Phillip Hoose, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
This audiobook is narrated by Soneela Nankani. This is a high quality audio production featuring a calming light musical soundtrack. Ms. Nankani has a soft and cultured voice perfect for this narration.
This is a very important story and is directly about racism and segregation. This is sensitively handled, perfect for grade school age children. This is about Claudette Colvin who was a civil rights activist during the Civil Rights Movement starting in the 50's when she was 15. She refused to give up her bus seat for a white women in Montgomery, Alabama. This gives a kid friendly overview of the case that ended bus segregation in Alabama. Also briefly touches on how that case impacted the national changes that ended segregation nationwide.
Thank you to Claudette Colvin, Phillip Hoose, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
November 14, 2024
I was so excited to hear of this children's book dedicated to an unsung hero of the civil rights movement. I didn't learn about Claudette Colvin until I moved to Montgomery, AL, so I love the idea of introducing the kids (and some adults) to her story in this way. At times I felt like maybe I would have worded some things a little differently with little ears listening but overall I loved the message.
May 4, 2025
I Want Freedom is the inspiring true story of Claudette Colvin, a young African American girl who took a stand against segregation in the 1950s. At just 15 years old, Claudette refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, months before Rosa Parks' famous act of defiance. This biography shares Claudette’s bravery and the impact of her actions in the fight for civil rights, showing how even young people can change the world. This book is a powerful and important way to introduce children to the Civil Rights Movement and social justice. It teaches that courage and standing up for what’s right can make a difference, no matter how young you are. I Want Freedom is an excellent addition to a classroom library, helping students from ages seven and up to understand the importance of equal rights and the fight against segregation.
February 12, 2025
Did not know Ms. Claudette Colvin was Rosa Parks before Rosa Parks. ♡︎
October 3, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.
Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now! by Claudette Colvin and Phillip Hoose, narrated by Soneela Nankani, is an inspiring and powerful audiobook that brings to life the courageous story of a young civil rights pioneer.
This audiobook is a compelling account of Claudette Colvin’s brave stand against racial segregation in Montgomery, Alabama, nine months before Rosa Parks’ more widely known protest.
The narrative is educational and deeply moving, capturing the essence of Colvin’s determination and the broader context of the civil rights movement. Claudette Colvin’s firsthand account, combined with Phillip Hoose’s insightful writing, provides a rich and nuanced perspective on this pivotal moment in history. The audiobook delves into the personal and societal challenges Colvin faced as a teenager who dared to defy the oppressive norms of her time.
Soneela Nankani’s narration is a stellar aspect of this audiobook. Her expressive and emotive delivery brings an added layer of depth to the story, making the listener feel the weight of Colvin’s experiences and the significance of her actions. Nankani’s ability to convey the emotional intensity of Colvin’s journey enhances the overall impact of the narrative, making it an engaging and immersive listening experience.
The audiobook recounts Colvin’s act of defiance and explores the aftermath and the legal battles that followed. It highlights the often-overlooked contributions of young activists in the civil rights movement and underscores the importance of standing up for justice, regardless of age or circumstance.
Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now! is a must-listen for anyone interested in civil rights history, social justice, and the power of individual courage. It serves as a poignant reminder of the impact one person can have on the course of history and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now! by Claudette Colvin and Phillip Hoose, narrated by Soneela Nankani, is an inspiring and powerful audiobook that brings to life the courageous story of a young civil rights pioneer.
This audiobook is a compelling account of Claudette Colvin’s brave stand against racial segregation in Montgomery, Alabama, nine months before Rosa Parks’ more widely known protest.
The narrative is educational and deeply moving, capturing the essence of Colvin’s determination and the broader context of the civil rights movement. Claudette Colvin’s firsthand account, combined with Phillip Hoose’s insightful writing, provides a rich and nuanced perspective on this pivotal moment in history. The audiobook delves into the personal and societal challenges Colvin faced as a teenager who dared to defy the oppressive norms of her time.
Soneela Nankani’s narration is a stellar aspect of this audiobook. Her expressive and emotive delivery brings an added layer of depth to the story, making the listener feel the weight of Colvin’s experiences and the significance of her actions. Nankani’s ability to convey the emotional intensity of Colvin’s journey enhances the overall impact of the narrative, making it an engaging and immersive listening experience.
The audiobook recounts Colvin’s act of defiance and explores the aftermath and the legal battles that followed. It highlights the often-overlooked contributions of young activists in the civil rights movement and underscores the importance of standing up for justice, regardless of age or circumstance.
Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now! is a must-listen for anyone interested in civil rights history, social justice, and the power of individual courage. It serves as a poignant reminder of the impact one person can have on the course of history and the ongoing struggle for equality.
May 5, 2025
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A fantastic book that tells the story of how Claudette Colvin took a stand against discriminatory rules.
Told in first person, the book follows Colvin's frustration at not having the same rights as others because of the color of her skin. One day, she decides to do something about it. She refuses to give up her seat on the bus, helping to spark a bigger movement and bring about real chance.
Fantastically-told. This is such a powerful book. A great way of showcasing how young people can get involved and speak out against injustice.
I always love Jackson's illustrations and this one did not disappoint. Wonderful artwork that perfectly captures Colvin's anger, frustration, and bravery.
Includes a wonderful Author's Note from Hoose at the end, which details how he met Claudette Colvin and encourages readers to take inspiration from her actions to stand up for what's right.
A fantastic read that emphasizes the importance of learning and celebrating Black history, standing up for what you believe in, and speaking out when you see something wrong.
A fantastic book that tells the story of how Claudette Colvin took a stand against discriminatory rules.
Told in first person, the book follows Colvin's frustration at not having the same rights as others because of the color of her skin. One day, she decides to do something about it. She refuses to give up her seat on the bus, helping to spark a bigger movement and bring about real chance.
Fantastically-told. This is such a powerful book. A great way of showcasing how young people can get involved and speak out against injustice.
I always love Jackson's illustrations and this one did not disappoint. Wonderful artwork that perfectly captures Colvin's anger, frustration, and bravery.
Includes a wonderful Author's Note from Hoose at the end, which details how he met Claudette Colvin and encourages readers to take inspiration from her actions to stand up for what's right.
A fantastic read that emphasizes the importance of learning and celebrating Black history, standing up for what you believe in, and speaking out when you see something wrong.
September 29, 2024
It is pertinent to remember how recent the Civil Rights Movement is in our history. I want to thank Claudette Colvin for sharing her story with us because she is living proof of the fight for freedom and equal rights that is ongoing and incredibly relevant today. We have all heard of Rosa Parks, John Lewis, and Martin Luther King, Jr.; I value their contributions greatly but I was so interested in learning about Claudette Colvin as I had not heard of her before this book. Her courage is beyond admirable. Children, like Claudette Colvin, Ruby Bridges, and many other brave individuals, have so much power for change. This is an inspiring read and I hope to one day see the accompanying illustrations as I read this as an audiobook. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
January 26, 2026
I listened to the audio version. I learned some new details of this true-life narrative. The voice actor, Soneela Nankani, betrayed the first person voice with lots of intonation. Claudette shares some real feelings related to how she felt during the trail-blazing incident as well as the aftermath in her community and when Rosa Parks’ incident became more well-known. As she mentions, she took two stands for justice, both on the bus and in court. I have not read Hoose’s previous nonfiction book, but I have it on my TBR. As of this review, Colvin passed away almost two weeks ago, so this resonated with me even more.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC.
My reviews and ratings are my own.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC.
My reviews and ratings are my own.
August 13, 2024
So beautifully done! I listened to the audiobook and the narrator chosen brought Claudette to life spectacularly and captivated me through the whole story.
Everyone has heard of Rosa Parks but it's easy to have missed the story of Claudette Colvin and what she had already inspired in the community, giving Rosa a little extra courage to stay in her seat. This book did a great job telling her story in a way that was interesting and yet still packed with information!
Highly recommend. Such a good book, I plan to also get the physical version to be able to read aloud to my students while showing them the pages.
Everyone has heard of Rosa Parks but it's easy to have missed the story of Claudette Colvin and what she had already inspired in the community, giving Rosa a little extra courage to stay in her seat. This book did a great job telling her story in a way that was interesting and yet still packed with information!
Highly recommend. Such a good book, I plan to also get the physical version to be able to read aloud to my students while showing them the pages.
November 17, 2024
Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now! is a new picture book and audiobook memoir by Claudette Colvin and Phillip Hoose. Did you know that Claudette Colvin was just 15 years old when she refused to give up her seat on a bus and that she did it nine months before Rosa Parks became famous for doing the same? Incredible! The audiobook narrator Soneela Nankani did a great job of bringing Claudette's story to life. I would have loved to have tandem read this with a copy of the picture book in hand but it wasn't available. I can't wait to see it!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a review copy of this audiobook.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a review copy of this audiobook.
January 12, 2026
This is one of those picture book biographies that makes you stop and ask yourself, “how do I not know about this person?!?”
Claudette Colvin, a young black 15-year-old teenage girl, growing up in segregation who refused to give up her seat to a white leafy on a city bus and was thrown in jail and prosecuted in the court for that decision - nine months BEFORE Rosa Parks would also refuse the same thing.
Just like Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin was instrumental in leading the way for the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, but Claudette is not a household name like Rosa Parks, and in opinion, she should be!
Claudette Colvin, a young black 15-year-old teenage girl, growing up in segregation who refused to give up her seat to a white leafy on a city bus and was thrown in jail and prosecuted in the court for that decision - nine months BEFORE Rosa Parks would also refuse the same thing.
Just like Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin was instrumental in leading the way for the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, but Claudette is not a household name like Rosa Parks, and in opinion, she should be!
November 28, 2024
This book was a short audiobook yet gave a little bit of history that o honestly didn’t know about.
I’m not going to give any spoilers in this review, so with that said, this audiobook is another book in history as one regarding hope and a powerful story to be told. I’m thankful that the author wrote this book.
Freedom is something that every race wants.
One day, it will truly happen.
The quote that stood out the most to me was the last one in the book.
“You can’t ask for change. You came sugarcoat it. You have to stand up a s say “this is not right!
Like I did.”
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m not going to give any spoilers in this review, so with that said, this audiobook is another book in history as one regarding hope and a powerful story to be told. I’m thankful that the author wrote this book.
Freedom is something that every race wants.
One day, it will truly happen.
The quote that stood out the most to me was the last one in the book.
“You can’t ask for change. You came sugarcoat it. You have to stand up a s say “this is not right!
Like I did.”
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 31, 2024
I want to thank Netgalley for the gifted copy. I loved this story so much. I like history.. BLACK HISTORY because our history is being pushed to the side I like that there are people that had influence and are willing to still tell their stories anyway. Im grateful to have gotten a chance to listen to this audiobook. I even let my kids listen to it as well. This was a great read and you kiddos will enjoy it as well.
August 5, 2024
Great to have this inspiring story available as a picture book! I first learned of Claudette Colvin from Twice Toward Justice, and loved this telling from Claudette's perspective, with new details I didn't remember. Audiobook narration was excellent. Appreciated the review copy from NetGalley, and I look forward to seeing the pictures as well when the book comes to the library.
October 25, 2024
I received a copy of this audiobook from netGalley for a honest review.
What a powerful story! I knew little about Claudette Colvin until this book and I learned a lot. In fact I plan to read more about her. This is a great story about a strong girl who took a stand before Rosa Parks and could have gotten lost to the story if she hadn't continued to fight even when it seemed hopeless.
What a powerful story! I knew little about Claudette Colvin until this book and I learned a lot. In fact I plan to read more about her. This is a great story about a strong girl who took a stand before Rosa Parks and could have gotten lost to the story if she hadn't continued to fight even when it seemed hopeless.
August 8, 2024
I thought this was a great introduction to who Claudette Colvin is and her role in the civil rights movement for children. I thought the narrator did a wonderful job bringing the story to life.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy.
December 17, 2024
Is "Where is Japan?" really a "big" question?
That is my only issue with this book ... which is not the first to point out that Rosa Parks was inspired by Claudette. I like that this included her being annoyed about Rosa becoming a celebrity.
That is my only issue with this book ... which is not the first to point out that Rosa Parks was inspired by Claudette. I like that this included her being annoyed about Rosa becoming a celebrity.
April 7, 2025
A picture book biography of teen Claudette Colvin who refused to give up her seat on a bus to white passenger and was arrested and convicted of the crime. Chronicles her lifelong fight for civil rights and inspires that teens can help too. Elementary and up
December 26, 2025
Really good picture book about Claudette Colvin, the first Black woman to sit in the front of the bus, before Rosa Parks. This tells her story and then how she helped in the legal fight to make segregation on buses illegal in Alabama!
August 20, 2024
Beautifully written! Thank you, Claudette Colvin, Phillip Hoose, and Bea Jackson for bringing this book to life.
November 28, 2024
Schools should definitely teach about Claudette Colvin. Because a lot of people thought Rosa was the first to refuse to get up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2024
Hearing Claudette Colvin's own words meant a lot to me.
September 29, 2025
I liked the audio reading of this book. This could be used in a classroom to introduce Claudette Colvin.
May 1, 2026
This is a great introduction to an important historical figure.
March 2, 2025
♥️♥️♥️😍😍😍
January 6, 2025
Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now is a powerful and inspiring story that sheds light on an often-overlooked figure in the fight for civil rights. Claudette’s bravery and determination, especially at such a young age, left me in awe. Her story is a reminder of the importance of standing up for what’s right, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
The audiobook was an absolute standout for me. The narration was flawless, bringing Claudette’s story to life in a way that was both captivating and deeply moving. I was hooked from start to finish, hanging on every word as the story unfolded with intensity and emotion.
This book, whether in audiobook or physical format, belongs in every elementary and middle school library. It’s an essential resource for teaching children about the lesser-known heroes of history and the vital role young people played in the Civil Rights Movement. Claudette’s courage is a story that needs to be heard, remembered, and celebrated.
I highly recommend Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now to readers of all ages. It’s not just a book—it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unyielding fight for justice.
The audiobook was an absolute standout for me. The narration was flawless, bringing Claudette’s story to life in a way that was both captivating and deeply moving. I was hooked from start to finish, hanging on every word as the story unfolded with intensity and emotion.
This book, whether in audiobook or physical format, belongs in every elementary and middle school library. It’s an essential resource for teaching children about the lesser-known heroes of history and the vital role young people played in the Civil Rights Movement. Claudette’s courage is a story that needs to be heard, remembered, and celebrated.
I highly recommend Claudette Colvin: I Want Freedom Now to readers of all ages. It’s not just a book—it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unyielding fight for justice.
January 14, 2025
Claudette won't take a seat to injustice and ultimately, makes changes in her hometown by fighting the segregation of public buses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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