Freedom Riders: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg on the Front Lines of the Civil Rights Movement

by Ann Bausum

Freedom Riders compares and contrasts the childhoods of John Lewis and James Zwerg in a way that helps young readers understand the segregated experience of our nation's past. It shows how a common interest in justice created the convergent path that enabled these young men to meet as Freedom Riders on a bus journey south.

No other book on the Freedom Riders has used such a personal perspective. These two young men, empowered by their successes in the Nashville student movement, were among those who volunteered to continue the Freedom Rides after violence in Anniston, Alabama, left the original bus in flames with the riders injured and in retreat. Lewis and Zwerg joined the cause knowing their own fate could be equally harsh, if not worse. The journey they shared as freedom riders through the Deep South changed not only their own lives but our nation's history.

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Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Middle Grade, Childrens, African American, Social Justice

80 pages, Hardcover

First published December 27, 2005

About the author

Ann Bausum writes about history for readers of all ages from her home in southern Wisconsin. Her works often focus on under-told stories from the past, and she frequently explores issues of social justice.

Her newest title, The March Against Fear (National Geographic: 2017), is her third work to examine the civil rights movement in the American South. In the case of these and other books, Bausum strives to bring the nation’s social justice history to life in ways that empower and inspire readers young and old alike. Her previous title, Stonewall (Viking: 2015), is among the first nonfiction books to introduce teens to gay rights history. Previous works have explored voting rights, immigration, and free speech, among other topics.

The almost-forgotten story of Stubby lured Bausum away from social justice history temporarily. She wrote twin titles about the stray dog smuggled to Europe during World War I who returned to a hero’s welcome. Both books were published in 2014 by National Geographic: Sergeant Stubby (for adult readers) and Stubby the War Dog (for children).

In the spring of 2017, the Children’s Book Guild of Washington, D.C., will honor the body of Bausum’s work by presenting her with its venerable Nonfiction Award. This award recognizes the consistent commendation earned by her individual titles through the years. Bausum’s books have appeared consistently on lists of recommended and notable titles and have earned numerous literary awards including a Sibert Honor Award, the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award, the Carter G. Woodson Award (on two occasions), and the SCBWI Golden Kite Award. In 2015, she was named the year’s Notable Wisconsin Children’s Author by the Wisconsin Library Association.

You may follow Bausum on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AnnBausum) and Twitter (@AnnBausum) or visit her online at www.AnnBausum.com

Reviews

[LeeTravelGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m on a John Lewis journey in 2025… we share Pike County, IYKYK!!! And I’m not sure why but I’m ready to explore!!

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly brutal story for young readers, but a necessary one - especially in today's contentious "Black Lives Matter" America, all young people need to properly learn the history of what brought us to this time and place.

A slim book and a quick read, it still taught me a lot about people and events I knew shockingly little about. Coincidentally, I only later realized that I was reading this while I had John Lewis' funeral playing on CNN in the background.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent telling of the Freedom Rides, as seen through the lives of two men instrumental in keeping them going. Both men received beatings, & Lewis was jailed for their participation, but their public comments inspired others. The book gives an overview of the entire sequence of events about the May 1961 rides, as well as both men's lives & legacies in their later lives.

[Jeimy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief yet powerful description of the Freedom Rides, the events that preceded them, and how they helped desegregate buses once and for all.

[Roshely Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read Freedom Rider’s: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg of the Front Lines of the Civil Rights Movement by Ann Bausum because it seemed very interesting to me, but mostly because I needed some extra credit. This book was the best extra credit assignment I have ever done. It compares and contrasts the lives of two Freedom Riders and how they came to be Freedom Riders. The two freedom riders are John Lewis and Jim Zwerg. The bizarre part is that they had two completely different childhoods. One was an African American boy struggling to survive on the little he was provided while the other was a boy from an average white family who had an amazing childhood. John Lewis, in the book stated that he wanted to get out of Alabama because of the restrictions the state placed only because of the color of his skin. He struggled all throughout his childhood and he couldn't do anything about it. Jim Zwerg, on the other hand, stated that he had a wonderful childhood. He lived in a nice two-story house. A remarkable thing is that he has not seen a lot of blacks in his childhood either. When Jim Zwerg applied to university, he finally befriended colored people. Even his roommate was colored and ever since his roommate got picked on because of his color, he became interested in civil rights. He even applied to Fisk University which was a predominately black school. This is where he met John Lewis and the story of the Freedom Riders starts. The Freedom Riders went through many struggles. They had to deal with backlash from their parents as well as the public. They had to bear brutal beatings and constant arrests. However, they didn't let these problems stop them from fighting for equality. In fact, more people joined them because of the motivating spirit the Freedom Riders instilled in many people.The story of how they continued their fight after the problems started is described wonderfully in this book. The pictures and song lyrics included in this book really help the reader visualize the movement and the struggles of these gentlemen. This story is not just a story for entertainment; it's for gaining a sense of knowledge of America's history. I think the pictures in the book were a great add-on because it really aides in visualizing the movement for the reader. The pictures helped me see the struggles that they went through, visually, and the captions helped me see what they went through, emotionally. I strongly recommend this book to someone who wishes to know about America's history or someone who wants to read an inspirational book.If I didn't read this book for extra credit, I might have never came upon this book and that would've been a huge mistake. I usually don't like to read these kind of books but this was one good read.. definitely a page turner.

[Beth Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freedome Riders takes a unique perspective on the Freedom Rides that took place throughout the civil rights movement. John Lewis, a African American, and Jim Zwerg, a white man, both participated in the freedom rides to Montgomery Alabama. This book describes in great detail the journey of both men and the struggles and triumphs they faced throughout this time.
Both men were students in Nashville that were hoping to make a difference in the rights of African Americans. Jim Zwerg entered college with hopes of becoming a minister. Once in college he decided to put that dream on hold while participating in the freedom rides. At the end of the book, readers learn that he did end up as a minister after recovering from the rides and severe attacks he was involved in. Much like Jim Zwerg, John Lewis also wanted a life of helping others which was a main reason for him joining the movement. He felt he was called at the country's time of need to bring equal rights to all citizens.
This book would be a great edition to a civil rights movement unit; however, due to the graphic language and description of the attacks and beatings, it would be most appropriate with older students. The book takes an interesting perspective from two involved in the rides and attacks which makes it one of the more credible books to include in a unit.

[Richie Partington · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 February 2007 FREEDOM RIDERS: JOHN LEWIS AND JIM ZWERG ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT by Ann Bausum, National Geographic, January 2006

"Why did I participate in the Freedom Rides? The answer is simple. It was the right thing to do."
--Jim Zwerg

"What's that I hear now ringing in my ears
I've heard that sound before
What's that I hear now ringing in my ears
I hear it more and more
It's the sound of freedom calling
Ringing up to the sky
It's the sound of the old ways a-falling
You can hear it if you try
You can hear it if you try"
--Phil Ochs

During the spring of 1961, Jim Zwerg boarded a train for Nashville, Tennessee where he was signed up to participate in an exchange program at Fisk University. He would end up meeting John Lewis and getting involved in the Nashville Student Movement. That May, ignoring his mother's pleas not to do so, Zwerg would join a group of brave young people and take a bus ride to end segregation. That bus ride nearly cost Jim Zwerg his life when he and the other so-called Freedom Riders were set upon by a mob of hundreds that had been lying in wait for their arrival at the Montgomery, Alabama Greyhound station:

"Mob members threw him over a railing, knocked him to the ground, kicked him in the back, and stepped on his face. Zwerg blacked out, oblivious to the continued assault. Attackers pulled him into a headlock and punched his face. Women pounded him with their handbags. When he slumped to the ground, people kicked him in the groin, ribs, and face, then hauled him up to repeat the cycle."

Hours later Zwerg was filmed for the national evening news lying in his hospital bed. In a statement to the cameras that he wouldn't remember giving, due to his injuries that included a concussion, he insisted:

" 'Segregation must be stopped. It must be broken down. We're going on to New Orleans no matter what. We're dedicated to this. We'll take hitting. We'll take beating. "We're willing to accept death.' "

Zwerg's determination caused many people to drop what they were doing and join the Movement.

With my having written several years ago about Christine Hill's book, JOHN LEWIS: FROM FREEDOM RIDER TO CONGRESSMAN, I already knew much about John Lewis, the black kid who grew up picking cotton and preaching to his family's farmyard animals in the segregated South. John Lewis, who I am excited to periodically catch a glimpse of on TV doing his work as a member of the US House of Representatives, was sitting next to Jim Zwerg on that bus heading into Montgomery.

But I knew nothing of Zwerg, the white kid from Wisconsin who grew up -- as I did -- so utterly removed from people of color and from the horrible daily indignities that Lewis and millions of others regularly faced. At the time that John Lewis, Jim Zwerg and so many others were riding that bus and risking their lives, the Civil Rights Movement was, for me, something scary and confusing on the evening news.

"Teach your children well" --Graham Nash

Amidst the pages and between the lines of FREEDOM RIDERS, Ann Bausum's latest stellar book on the lesser-known American heroes behind our nation's most important human rights movements, I found myself anxiously seeking to discover any lessons that might be found in regard to how Jim Zwerg was raised, that he was willing to selflessly risk his life for the sake of people with whom he seemed to have so little in common; that it was clear to him that he would do the right thing.

"Great moments in any life may grow from the smallest of good intentions. I find it's the day-to-day acts of kindness, caring, giving, and loving that really make a difference in peoples' lives. You don't have to participate in a sit-in or go on a Freedom Ride to make a difference. You can help make our society and our world better. Look around you. See what needs to be done in your school, neighborhood, city, or state. Make a decision to do something about it. Then take action. The seemingly small 'first step' you take today may have a profound and lasting impact for good in someone's life." --Jim Zwerg

Part of my desire to really understand the coming of age of Jim Zwerg results from my having been listening to eighth graders here in Sebastopol who are presently studying Mildred Taylor's CSK Medal-winning masterpiece, THE LAND. As my English teaching wife Shari attempts to connect the dots by instigating discussions about the nature of tolerance and how the story of Paul Edward Logan and Mitchell Thomas relates to Birmingham AND Belfast AND Bagdad AND being kind to all of the other kids on campus, whether they are seen as trendy and popular or not, I am hearing from many of these adolescents a sense of helplessness, cynicism, and doubt that their generation might be the one to push humankind over the edge into a more tolerant world. I am not hearing the sounds of freedom calling that might inspire confidence that these kids are growing in the direction of doing the right thing.

Sure, it is developmentally appropriate for adolescents at this age to be cynical and focused upon themselves as they strive to become individuals and develop their own identities. But it is equally true that teens exposed to stories of Jim Zwerg, John Lewis, and Paul Edward Logan will better understand how anyone can be a hero by making a difference, whether large or small, that small differences can send ripples out in all directions, and that making a difference -- making the world a kinder, more caring, giving, loving place -- is one of the most fulfilling things one can strive to achieve.
Ann Bausum has done such an effective job of relating the stories of John Lewis and Jim Zwerg that it makes me wish for a chance to someday personally meet these guys.

In 80 pages containing several dozen photographs, a timeline, a resource guide, and an unforgettable true story of heroism amidst the making of American history, FREEDOM RIDERS: JOHN LEWIS AND JIM ZWERG ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT is a book that should be read and booktalked by librarians and teachers everywhere.

Richie Partington, MLIS
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[Jonah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1961, John lewis and Jim Zwerg are on a bus armed with nothing but justice and courage riding for civil rights in the civil rights movement. During this time, the civil rights movement was all about getting rights for black people because in that time, black people were treated like second hand humans. Many examples of this happen in the south of the U.S. Since John and Jim were going to alabama, it was very dangerous.
Jim Zwerg and John lewis decided to participate in the freedom rides even though they knew how dangerous it was. The freedom rides were when white and black people sit/came together to fight for equal rights.”These young men and women--blacks and white alike--intended to sit together and eat together wherever they pleased.” (P.8) This shows how blacks and whites can work together even if their lives at risk. John and Jim, on their freedom ride, they were attacked by the KKK. Their courage and resilience were inspiring to others.
This is a book that others should read because the story is capturing, heartbreaking and most importantly, a part of human history. This book can teach others how to push forward through all types of situations.

[Rachel Doran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Wow, Wow. I loved everything about this book. From the introduction, where Bausum introduces John and Jim and her personal interviews with them, to the real pictures scattered throughout, to the information in the back about the entire book. I loved every bit of it. This book is about two sides of the story. John Lewis was black and Jim Zwerg was white who lived in an area that knew little about diversity, the chapters let the reader see how they both lived- as separate lives, and when they came together on the freedom ride. The early chapters are about the two boy’s lifestyles such as, school life and home life. John Lewis went to a segregated school, and everything about it was hand-me-downs from the rich white schools around the area, such as busses and textbooks. Jim Zwerg’s life was a lot different. For example, He attended schools that consisted of only white children. He had opportunities of student council and he attended college. The later chapters talk about the freedom riders and who they are and what they were all about.

[Taylor Syring]

In the book Freedom Riders Bausum compares and contrasts the very different lives of John Lewis and Jim Zwerg and how they both ended up as part of the freedom riders. I loved this book's ability to offer readers who probably didn’t live through segregation a glimpse into what it was like. This is really successful in this book particularly because the two men’s lives are chronicled in front of you on the pages as you see their steps, decisions, and beliefs that led them to the same bus ride headed south. This book is great for children because it proves that people that come from very different lives can still come together for shared beliefs. I also love that this book is a piece of civil rights literature that is not about MLK or Rosa Parks. With civil rights literature we often pick the same three stories to follow, I think it is important to branch out with civil rights literature because every person that helped play a role in the movement is valuable, so books that highlight individuals that you may not have heard of like this one make me happy.

[Moon Petrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was straightforward, factual, a little bit personal in the way they detailed the two men’s stories, and very informative. It was not particularly riveting or profound. It would be a good text for school or homeschooling. It is appropriate for later elementary school or middle school. It is not an introductory book about the Civil Rights movement, so kids would need some other more basic text or source of information first to put it in context as well as a basic understanding of topics such as the Supreme Court and justice system. It was written in 2006, so a follow-up discussion on the rest of John Lewis’s life, his death, and more current struggles against racial injustice would also be warranted.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad to have read this contribution to the resources about the Freedom Rides. The text seemed to me to give a good summary of the summer and I like the contrast/comparison of the the two riders journeys before/after the rides as well. I wished the chapter on detailing the student led protests in Nashville and the non-violence training they did was more detailed because that is really powerful stuff too. I think the author had much more access to Jim Zwerg because the info about his experience was much more engaging -- but that makes sense because John Lewis hasn't been too available for interviews and has also told his stories now in his own books!
Black American History Roadtrip

[Amyc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from the library because I had read the March graphic novel trilogy and wanted to read more about the Freedom Riders. I chose to read this book because juvenile non-fiction presents the facts without bogging down the information. This was a very interesting read and really helped to show how the marches/rides/non-violent demonstrations were so important in the advancement of civil rights. If you haven't read John Lewis' graphic novel trilogy, it is great as well.

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing my read of Sibert Winners and Honors. There are some stories that perhaps there cannot be too many books on. This is certainly not the second book that covers this story. And yet it covers what feels like new ground and in another way. This story shouldn't ever be forgotten or hidden. And it makes the heroics involved in non-violent protest clear. Not a perfect book. Certainly not one that even beginnings to try to tell the whole story. But worth reading.

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

While written for young readers, a very good introduction into the Freedom Riders portion of the civil rights movement. It has an index, bibliography, additional resources, and short bios of many of the people who were involved with the Freedom Rides. This is a part of history that we do not see as often as we should in typical history and social studies classes.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great short history of the Freedom Riders highlighting the contributions of Congressman John Lewis and Jim Zwerg. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement.

[Laura Paulisich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! iL❤️VE this book❣️ I love the unique details and photos. I love the timeline, roster of riders, research notes and so much more! So much learning! So much gratitude for and awe of riders and all involved! #thankyousomuch @annbausum

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent examination of two important historical figures (one black & one white) who helped to bring to the American consciousness the plight of African Americans especially in the Deep South (Jim Crow). John Lewis & Jim Zwerg are truly laudable.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read. This book followed two of the riders, John Lewis and Jim Zwerg. The pictures were interesting and I really liked how the book included lyrics from the songs that they would sing.

[Kyle Moerchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

a quick read. great local connections to the Civil Rights movement.

[Rachel Pederson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freedom Riders is a book that goes into detail about two men’s lives, one white and one black, and how they’re journey to help in the Civil Rights Movement made them some of the best of friends. Written by Ann Bausum, the book explores the lives of John Lewis, a young black man that grew up in Alabama, and Jim Zwerg, a wealthy white man that grew up in Wisconsin. Both men lived completely different lives until they ended up in Nashville for college. Here, both white and colored people of the community performed “nonviolent sit-ins at segregated lunch counters of the South” (Bausum, 2006). They gathered at segregated movie theatres to protest as well. Eventually, people became passionate about the cause and decided that riding interstate buses to “reconcile, or resolve, opposing viewpoints on racial segregation” (Buasum, 2006). People were beaten severely, and some were even killed in these Freedom Rides, but all were prepared to fight for the defeat of racial segregation. Through their hard work, the Freedom Riders were successful in that the Supreme Court ordered that seating in interstate buses would not pay any attention to race.

This would be a great book for students to learn about sticking up for what they believe in, as well as gain some background knowledge on what the United States was like during the civil rights movement. Without the people from our history fighting for the rights of African Americans, our society wouldn't be anything like what it is like today. This book gives students the opportunity to appreciate what these amazing people have done for them, and how their impact is still recognized in our every day lives. Students can see how making a difference can last for years and years.

[Maria Ritchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her book, "Freedom Riders: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg on the Front Lines of the Civil Rights Movement", Ann Bausum shares the stories of two men of very different backgrounds whose paths crossed when they decided to join the Freedom Riders and support the non-violent protest against discrimination. John Lewis is an black American born into segregated Troy, Alabama and Jim Zwerg a white American born into a small Wisconsin town whose total population included only one person of color. They lived very different lives and had very different childhoods. However, in the early 1960's, these two men both found themselves in Nashville, Tennessee where they joined the freedom riders. The rest of the book chronicles their journey together and the events which took place while a part of the Freedom Riders.
The book begins with introductions written by both John Lewis and Jim Zwerg. These letters are captivating because in them the men about whom this book is written invite the audience into their story. It immediately grabs the reader's attention and says, "We have a story worth sharing." I also think this is an excellent book to use in the classroom because it tells the story of this tumultuous period in our nation's history from the perspectives of both a white American and a black American. In doing this, Bausum provides a more well-rounded picture of these events. It also makes the book more relevant and relatable for a greater number of students. I highly recommend the use of this book within the classroom. It is thought provoking, insightful and will capture the attention of the reader.

[Jessica Gilligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bausum, Ann (2006). Freedom Riders: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg on the Front Lines of the Civil Rights Movement. National Geographic Society: Washington, DC.

Junior Book Project: Biography

2007 Sibert Honor Book

This is an engaging book detailing the history of the freedom riders, as they fought to gain rights by taking an initiative during the Civil Rights Movement. The book portrays the history of the riders by focusing of the experiences of two of its riders: John-a black college student from the deep South, and Jim-a white college student from the north. These men, coming from two very different backgrounds, came together for the same, just cause: to achieve integration of buses, which would later help to bring about more rights through integration. Real photos from the time period add to the authenticity of the book and offer students a shocking glimpse of abuses that stem from segregation and racism. This is such a great book for 6-8 grade history lessons because of the depth and quality of information if offers about the Civil Rights Movement, but it also speaks about civic duty and makes the reader think about what kinds of social injustices should be fought and how far are they willing to fight for it. I really liked how the chapters began with lyrics from freedom songs. I think this factor could also lend itself to a good class exercise in both History and English while crafting their own songs and lyrics from the time period.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books tells the story of John Lewis and Jim Zwerg two powerful leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and their role as Freedom Riders. Two different points of view are offered, Lewis and Zwerg came from different backgrounds and life journeys, and however they shared the same dream; to end segregation in America. Lewis grew up black in a poor family in the segregated south, while Zwerg grew up white in a wealthy family in a part of the country where there was little to no diversity. Eventually, their paths crossed when they decided to join a group of students in Tennessee who would board a Greyhound bus and head to the Deep South. These group of students embarked on this journey with the goal to integrate in each bus stop; they became known at the Freedom Riders. I love how this book retails the events of the Freedom Riders. The author provides its readers not only one point of view but two which adds to the books credibility. The illustrations are also wonderful. The author added pictures showing events that the text talked about. So the text was backed up by real life images. Even though the Civil Rights movement was an era of triumph but also an era of violence, the author does a great job in presenting this touchy subject in appropriate manner.

[Howie Kahekili · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books tells the story of John Lewis and Jim Zwerg two powerful leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and their role as Freedom Riders. Two different points of view are offered, Lewis and Zwerg came from different backgrounds and life journeys, and however they shared the same dream; to end segregation in America. Lewis grew up black in a poor family in the segregated south, while Zwerg grew up white in a wealthy family in a part of the country where there was little to no diversity. Eventually, their paths crossed when they decided to join a group of students in Tennessee who would board a Greyhound bus and head to the Deep South. These group of students embarked on this journey with the goal to integrate in each bus stop; they became known at the Freedom Riders. this book is truly amazing and should be used in the classroom to help teach the civil rights movement. The author stays very truthful and does a great job connecting the text to the reader. This book is not a dense history book which makes it very easy to follow along. and the pictures do a great job with the visuals.

Bausum, A. (2006). Freedom Riders: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg on the Front Lines of the Civil Rights Movement. U.S: National Geographic Society.

[Crystal Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to read Freedom Rider’s: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg of the Front Lines of the Civil Rights Movement by Ann Bausum as one of my informational choices. This book was a Sibert Honor Book in 2007. It compares and contrasts the lives of two Freedom Riders and how they came to be Freedom Riders. The story of how they came to be Freedom Riders and how they continued their fight after the initial problems started is laid out wonderfully in this book. The pictures and song lyrics included in this book really help the reader visualize the movement and the struggles of this gentleman. The story told within this book is real and demonstrate an incredible amount of knowledge. I think the vision graphics added to the enjoyment and learning gained from this piece of work. The story was strong by the picture definitely helped show the detailed message even stronger. I was impressed with just how vivid I could picture the scenes of the story from the combination of the words and pictures. I think this book would be great to help teach the civil rights movement in class. I believe this book would give the students a first person point of view and enable them to understand the content better.

[Lenise Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bausum, Ann (2006). Freedom Riders: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg on the Front Lines of the Civil Rights Movement National Geographic Society.
Robert F. Sibert Honor Book 2007
Junior Book Project
Great biography of 2 young men from 2 different socioeconomic status who have a common cause. John Lewis is an African-American who was born in the south, grew up picking cotton and doing other farm chores. Jim Zwerg is Caucasian and grew up in the north, never being exposed to racism until his late teens, early 20’s. Although each of them come from different worlds, both joined the Civil Rights Movement, especially during the Freedom Rides. This book is a great biography for 5th-7th graders to learn about the role Freedom Riders played in the Civil Rights Movement. The author’s use of photos during the time help the reader visualize and get a better understanding of what the Civil Rights Movement was like for both white and black supporters. I liked how the author starts with the biographies of the gentlemen separately and then how their lives intertwine. If I were to have a 5th grade class, I would recommend it to my class when learning about the Civil Rights Movement.

[Jasmyn H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bausum, A. (2006). Freedom Riders: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg on the front lines of the civil rights movement. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.

Junior Book Log: Informational

2007 Sibert Medal Honor

Author Ann Bausum captures the events that took place during the Civil Rights Movement, namely the Freedom Rides. Bausum focuses on two particular Freedom Riders; John Lewis, a black man and Jim Zwerg, a white man and how the Freedom Rides changed their lives. The author also clarifies which language was used during this time period and which words are used today. For example, she clarifies that today black people are referred to as black or African American while in the past they were called colored or negro. I like that this book focuses on an integral part of the Civil Rights Movement that does not receive much recognition in many history lessons. This would be a great tool to use during black history month and also during any lessons on the Civil Rights Movements. Teachers could also use this book as a way to spark discussion on racism in the past, what changes have occurred since then, and whether or not racism still exists today.

[Jennifer]

This book tells an inspiring and impactful story about the rights of people of color in America. This book tells a story of the civil rights movement from not one but two perspectives of men involved in the civil rights action. These two incredible men played significant roles as Freedom Riders embarking in a dangerous, admirable, and heroic journey towards equality in America. There are many books written about the audacious men and women who put their lives on the line for civil rights in America but this book gives unique view because it provides personal and heart wrenching perspectives that pull its readers in and allows them to feel a part of the story. This book also shows how the struggles these men and others fighting for equality in the civil rights movement truly made a difference and helped shape the more equal America we live in today. I would definitely like to use this book in my classroom to teach a history lesson on the Civil Rights Movement. I think this book shows a side of the movement many do not know about. It can also show children that it takes a lot of people to come together and make change but even the smallest efforts will help make a difference.

[Lisa E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bausum, A. (2006 ). Freedom Riders: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg on the Front Lines of the Civil Rights Movement. Washington D.C.: National Geographic Children’s Books.

Sibert Honor 2007

Informational

School Library Journal 2006

What a great read! Ann Bausum tells the story of two black. The two boys John Lewis and James Zwerg are united in one common goal to live in a just and peaceful country. kids raised in different settings, one in the deep South and the other with whites in the Midwest. The book is very informative as it portrays the civil rights movement of the 1960’s, I would therefore use it to introduce historical elements in my classroom. I found that I could easily read the book and understand the perspective of the storyteller.

The book’s strength is in the historical photos therefore the visual element is strong in this book. I would draw on the idea of historical photos and bring to the class primary and secondary sources, mostly photos and have a lesson focused on the analysis of such sources. It is intended for grades 5-9. This book is powerful.