Take a Stand, Rosa Parks

by Peter Roop, Connie Roop

Rosa Parks has been called the mother of the civil rights revolution. Her refusal to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger led to a yearlong bus boycott. Her actions began a movement that ended legal segregation in America.

But what was Rosa Parks like as a young girl? Did she know that one day she would become an inspiration to freedom-loving people everywhere?

In this book, you will find out all about Rosa Parks before she made history.

Genres: Biography, Childrens

59 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Peter Roop is an award-winning author and educator who has written over one hundred children’s books including biographies, novels, humor, picture books, and science books. Seven of his books are Reading Rainbow books, including the Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie. In 2013, the Wisconsin Library Association recognized Peter and his wife, Connie Roop, as Notable Wisconsin Authors for their body of work, and Peter has been named a Wisconsin State Teacher of the Year. The Roops live in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Reviews

[Isaac]

I think it is the best book I ever read then diary of a wimpy kid.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this one to the 7 year old kiddo, as the vocab was a bit too complicated for him to read it independently. And I’m glad it worked out that way, it opened the doors to some great conversations. He had known vaguely who Rosa Parks was, but since this book talked a lot about her childhood, he got invested In the story and related to her.

Upon finishing, he said “what if she had never done that??? What if things hadn’t ever gotten better??! She was brave!” We still have such a long way to go in this country, but seeing my child’s outrage and confusion about how things once were gave me some perspective and hope.

This would be a great read aloud for 2nd graders and up, I’d say, and I bet would make a great class tea SC aloud too. If you’re kid is reading it independently, I’d encourage you to open the door for conversation after they finish. <3

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography tells the story of Rosa Parks as a child and all of the circumstances in her life leading up to her refusing to give up her seat and becoming a civil rights activist. It is a great story and told in a way that easy to understand. Nice story

[Kailee Peters]

Get to know Rosa Parks grade level 3. lexile level 760

[Ellie]

book #1 i read in the hospital bc all they had was kids books

also the 1st book i read in 2026

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a Stand, Rosa Parks! by Peter and Connie Roop. It is one in a series of chapter book biographies the Roops have done for Scholastic.

Rosa Parks is best known for her refusal to give up her seat on James Blake's bus. Take a Stand explains the circumstances of Rosa's life that lead her to take on James Blake.

Although the book is written for elementary school readers it is written well enough to hold an adult's attention too. The book is also illustrated. While 59 pages isn't long enough to fully understand Rosa Parks, it is a good introduction to this remarkable woman and the role she played in the Civil Rights movement.

[Rebecca Ashley Teague · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography tells the story of Rosa Parks as a child and all of the circumstances in her life leading up to her refusing to give up her seat and becoming a civil rights activist. It is a great story and told in a way that would make it easy for young children to relate to. I would use this book to introduce Rosa Parks to students. I think this would be a great introduction book because it tells her story from childhood. I would also use this book during black history month to teach students about the important African American figures in history. This book would also reinforce comprehension skills.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography describes the story of Rosa Parks as a child and all of the circumstances in her life. In this fascinating nonfiction chapter book, readers will learn about the events in Rosa's childhood that shaped her view of the world, and gave her the determination she needed to fight for fair treatment and equality for all Americans. Her experiences lead her to become the civil rights activist she later becomes. I can use this book when students can connect themselves with the young Rosa Parks character, because they are both going to school and experiencing everyday situations, like making friends and riding the bus. Also, students can learn real historical facts .

[Seher Patka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great chapter book for grades 2-5. The book is about Rosa Parks as a young girl going to school. Her experiences lead her to become the civil rights activist she later becomes. Students can connect with the young Rosa Parks character because they are both going to school and experiencing everyday situations, like making friends and riding the bus. This book puts a new perspective on Rosa Parks.

[Felishaa ' Mariee]

Rosa parks has been called the mother of the civil rights revolution.Her refusal to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger led to a yearlong bus boycott.Her actions began a movement that ended legal segregation in america.

But what was rosa parks like as a young girl?Did she know that one day she would become an inspiration freedom loving people everywhere?

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really pulled some great information out of this book. As an educator I love to see that a common thread behind a lot of these historical figures that had a huge impact on society all valued education. Now I need to find out how to use that in the classroom to have the students understand the importance of that foundation.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book in about 2nd grade. I just remembered that I read this book. I think I can remember that I didn’t like it all that much when I first read it. I think it was too easy of a read and I wasn’t as much into history then as I am now.

[Mina Saeed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Rosa Parks like
It tells about the bus incident
Tells how she worked so hard to get where she got
use during teaching the topic of civil rights

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was cool because she met Dr. King and stands up for the rights of Black people.

[Shelly Koressel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about Rosa Parks, very good for starting to read chapter books. Second grade level.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite informative. I didn't know anything about Rosa Parks' childhood.

[Deborah Harris]

AR Quiz No. 87241 EN Nonfiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 4.9 - AR Pts: 1.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good history but it was a little dry. I'd enjoy this book with a little more engaging storytelling.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story and I like it so much. It talked about her history and what was her life like and why she was a hero.

[Kat2117]

It is nice to know about her life. I wanted to know more about her.

[Taylor]

just let me read the book!!!!!