Because Claudette

by Tracey Baptiste, Tonya Engel (Illustrator)

From NYT bestselling author Tracey Baptiste comes a singular picture book that is both a biography about Claudette Colvin, the teen whose activism launched the Montgomery bus boycott, and a celebration of collective action.

When fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin boarded a segregated bus on March 2, 1955, she had no idea she was about to make history. At school she was learning about abolitionists like Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, which helped inspire her decision to refuse to give up her seat to a white woman, which led to her arrest, which began a crucial chain of events: Rosa Park's sit-in nine months later, the organization of the Montgomery bus boycott by activists like Professor Jo Ann Robinson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Supreme Court decision that Alabama's bus segregation was unconstitutional--a major triumph for the civil rights movement.

Because of Claudette's brave stand against injustice, history was transformed. Now it's time for young readers to learn about this living legend, her pivotal role in the civil rights movement, and the power of one person reaching out to another in the fight for change.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, History, African American, Social Justice, Activism

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2022

About the author

From Thompson-Gale: "Something About the Author"
I have always loved books. My favorite, was an oversized complete Grimm's Fairy Tales with beautiful illustrations, which I lost when my family moved to the United States. I was fascinated by the stories of the tailor who went up against a giant, and clever Hans, who wasn't so clever as well as the more traditional princess stories. When I was about thirteen, after spending a summer in the library reading Paul Zindel and Judy Blume among other authors, I announced to my best friend that I was going to be a writer. I didn't decide what I wanted to write until I read "The Friends" by Rosa Guy. I had recently moved to Brooklyn, NY, and the book spoke to my situation precisely. It remains one of my favorite books. I started writing for children then, and never stopped. I had early interest from publishers from the moment I began submitting stories at the age of 21, but I didn't put in the work necessary to become published until my late twenties. "Angel's Grace" was largely written while I was on maternity leave with my first child. It was inspired by my mother (the redhead) and my husband. Because I have very young children, I work when they sleep, which, sadly, is very little.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

On 3/2/55 Claudette Colvin refused to give her bus seat to a white person (nine months before Rosa Parks). Even more amazing is the fact that Claudette was only 15 years old at the time. Yet again I had to learn about an amazing American hero from a book for children. We really do need a total 'revamping' of the history we are teaching in schools in the US - and it needs to be done yesterday!

[Jassmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is pretty nice picture book giving some more context to the famous Rosa Park action, showing us that it was actually 15-year-old-girl Claudette Colvin who first refused to give up her seat on the bus for a white person. As a non-American this was actually pretty educational read for me, it's not that I didn't hear about this before, but I didn't have a more whole picture. The art-work is really nice and I think there is just enough text for the intended audience. I quite enjoyed it, even though it's not my new favourite picture-book.

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to the often overlooked, courageous civil rights activist Claudette Colvin who at the age of 15 refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, AL months before Rosa Park did. Students might need some background knowledge on the South during this period, Jim Crow laws, and the rules for the buses and what a boycott is. They can get the gist from Baptiste's simple text and Engel's illustrations but a discussion might serve to deepen their understanding of the sacrifices revealed in this book.

Felt like Baptiste really nailed that getting the laws to change was a huge effort that relied on many many people - not just Rosa Parks. Five other women who did not give up their seats are highlighted in the book (including the author's note). But then the book ends with "And all of it happened because of Claudette." Yes and no. Again worth conversation with students and not a reason to shy away from using this book with students.

BTW Colvin's relationship with the NAACP became complex when she got pregnant. In a sense, they rejected her as the "poster child" for the movement. She moved to NYC and dropped out of sight for decades. A big thank you to Phillip Hoose who tracked her down, spent a long time persuading her to tell her story and then wrote that story (beautifully) in the multi-award winning Twice Toward Justice.

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are teaching about the Civil Rights Movement or just Rosa Parks, you need to add this book to you library. Having read this and Above the Rim: How Elgin Baylor changed basketball by Jen Bryant this week, it has become more apparent to me exactly what Tracey Baptiste says at the back of this book, "Movements are made of small individual acts that come together into something bigger. No act of resistance stands alone, and each one matters, no matter how small." It is hard for children to understand history, and I think iconic moments live large in their imagination. Books like this remind them that they can make a difference. Something else I appreciated about this book is that it mentions more people I have never heard of who made a difference in the Civil Rights Movement: opportunities for more research. If I had more time, I would like to use this book as well as other resources to have my students create a timeline of the bus boycott so that they can better understand how service makes us stronger and how even small events lead to greater change.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Love the text structure of this story. Will be a great addition to collections and text sets around the Civil Rights movement, especially to emphasize that Rosa Parks was not the only one who refused to give up her seat and it wasn't a spur of the moment decision, and to show the impact kids can have.
Was left wanting a timeline in the backmatter, though, as I found myself searching dates/names to get the timeline and connection between all the players a bit better.

[Candice Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claudette Colvin is an often unsung hero of the Montgomery Bus Boycotts in Alabama. In this picture book championing Colvin, Tracey Baptiste writes about how one girl helped to start a movement to end racial injustice one seat at a time. For anybody wanting to get more information and education about the Montgomery boycotts, then this is a great place to start. I was unaware of the other women mentioned in the book and in the author's note as well as not knowing there were other movements in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Columbia, South Carolina before Claudette and Rosa made it a movement in Montgomery. It helps that our stories and narratives are told and shared in schools and in libraries so American history can live on and offer accurate representation of a people and their cultures. Baptiste eloquently reminds us: "Movements are made of small individual acts that come together into something bigger. No act of resistance stands alone, and each one matters, no matter how small." In order to make change, we must resist injustice and insist on our freedoms. Because of the brave acts of Claudette, the world is better for Black Americans. Use this book to teach yourself, your children, or your students about a young girl that is often overlooked for her pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was great. I read She Persisted: Claudette Colvin recently so I did have some background knowledge about her (despite the fact that Rosa Park is typically the face of refusing to give up her seat on the bus- not trying to take away from Parks but it's nice to see other people be recognized for doing the same thing). I liked the structure of the text. it reminded me a lot of Because.
This book is a great addition to books about the Civil Rights Movement and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful illustrations by Tonya Engel in this concise version of Claudette Colvin and the winning of rights to sit wherever on a bus in Alabama.

Loved the repetition of "Because...." and actually wish it happened more often in the text. It simplifies the story for children.

The one star reduction is because of all the names mentioned in the book and I know this is a struggle with children's nonfiction. But I think it would have confused my daughter if I read this to her--simply saying "the mayor" would have been better than giving his name. I also somehow wanted only the African-Americans to have names in this book for some reason--no need to let everyone know who the crappy mayor was at the time!

[Debrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the framing of how small acts of resistance build a bigger movement.
I liked that Colvin got the credit she's due.
I wanted Claudette to come more to life - she was a strong-willed young woman by all accounts, and this book falls short of making me feel like I know her.

I found the full-length book Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Hoose far more compelling, but of course it's a different type of book.
I thought Sweet Justice: Georgia Gilmore and the Montgomery Bus Boycott created a more compelling portrait than this take on Colvin, both with text and with illustrations.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat at the front of the bus, there was 15-year old Claudette Colvin who did that very thing 9 months prior. This is her story, simplified for younger readers.

[MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claudette Colvin... an inspiring, courageous, and smart teenager, and Because Claudette is a fantastic picture book biography. This is a biography for all ages, and it'd make a great classroom read aloud. Short enough to read aloud, but it also covers a lot of history (bus boycott in Alabama). I'm a fan. Really well done.

[Sarah Krajewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never learned about Claudette Colvin until college, and that’s because I did my own research. Through this book, readers will see how one person’s actions can influence change. Claudette’s story deserves to be taught and discussed in classrooms and homes.

[Shoshanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and beautiful. Helps young people see that they can make a difference in their communities!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for children to help understand what was happening in the 50's in the South for people of color. Good, short read.

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hercz...

This clip kept echoing as I read, although she wasn't pregnant when she was arrested.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent picture-book biography of Colvin, the teenager who showed the world that “movements are made of small individual acts that come together into something bigger”: the Civil Rights Movement. The cause-effect structure of many sentences is ideal to make the logical connections between each act of individual resistance and the resulting changes in collective consciousness and public policy. Engaging illustrations keep the spotlight on Colvin’s everyday courage.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a necessary bridge to understanding Rosa Parks and Claudette Colvin- and knowing that they were "on the same team" of working toward access to busing that did not discriminate. Parks invited Colvin to youth meetings and sometimes Colvin would spend the night at Parks' house when traveling back home was too far. Everyone was in it together to fight for a win against the transit companies for their policies.

It's a snapshot that broadens the picture of not being about one person or the other but a collective work toward justice.

[Shari (Shira) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosa Parks was not the first. This picture book memoir tells the story of Claudette Colvin. She refused to give her seat FIRST. However, Claudette wasn't a "model citizen" like Rosa Parks, who became the name and face of the movement. This is a great addition to your civil rights book collection, however I don't expect it to win the Caldecott.

[Thompson McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

NY Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste (The Jumbies) brings the story of fifteen-year old girl Claudette Colvin who refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white woman, igniting a movement for change.

Every school child has heard of Rosa Parks, but how many know about teen-age Claudette and her brave stand and her arrest that started the Montgomery boycott?

Because of Claudette and "good trouble," and the actions of the community, the speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks' bravery, the bus boycott that citizens supported, the case went to the Alabama Supreme Court. In December 1956 the law changed and anyone could now sit anywhere on a bus. All because Claudette.

Little things like taking a seat on the bus and standing up for what you think is right leads to bigger movements. There are so many things our children will need to address: climate change, endangered animals, the shrinking rain forest, rising sea levels, fossil fuels, war, drought, famine, equality for all including basic reproductive rights and the list goes on, Because Claudette may be the story to ignite their passions.

Highly, highly recommended ages 6 and up. This is an important book for children.

[Roben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the inspiring story of the important role Claudette Colvin played in the Civil Rights movement in Montgomery, Alabama. When you hear about seats on buses, you may immediately think of Rosa Parks. But 15 year old Claudette refused to give up her seat nine months before Rosa. And many other women joined in protesting the city's unfair laws also. But the mayor would not budge. Preachers - including Martin Luther King, Jr. - encouraged a boycott of the city's buses. Eventually the case went to court and the judges ruled that the buses must be integrated and the laws changed. But the mayor and the governor refused. So the case went to the Alabama Supreme Court which upheld the ruling of the lower courts - and the mayor and governor had no choice. The laws were changed.
This book contains important examples for young people today - I truly appreciated the author's note at the end of the book. "Movements are made of small individual acts that come together into something bigger. No act of resistance stands alone, and each one matters, no matter how small."

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a non-American, I only know a little about the Civil Rights movement. I know about Rosa Parks, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, but had not heard the name Claudette Colvin. I enjoyed this picture book which sheds light on her role in bringing this issue of injustice and segregation into the spotlight, and eventually leading to change. I liked the recurring phrase "Because..." showing the ongoing series of consequences.

As the author notes state at the end, this issue did not start with Rosa Parks, and it did not start with Claudette either. There were other bus boycotts and other black people standing up to segregation in the years before. It is interesting who history chooses to remember.

Thank you to Edelweiss, who enabled access of a digital ARC.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Dial Books through Edelweiss+.
This biography of Claudette Colvin takes readers through her early years of protesting for Civil Rights. Readers first see her refuse to give up a seat on the bus when she was fifteen. They then see her meet and interact with other well known members of the Civil Rights movement and learn about her participation. I appreciate the details shared so readers learn about someone who fervently believed in persevering for what they believe in. The illustrations are realistic and pull the reader in to be part of the actions on each page. I'm not fond of the last sentence that seems to place the focus for the entire Montgomery boycott on her actions alone.

[Carol V · Rating 5 out of 5]

A success story about the early life of Claudette Colvin, American pioneer of the 1950s civil rights movement. She refused to sit in the back of the bus and was arrested. She fought for change. And change did happen, thanks to the unified action of her and many others. Claudette Colvin didn’t know that day on the bus, she would play a pivotal role in change and civil rights justice.

The portraitures are so realistic. Faces and hands are genuinely depicted – realistically representing heroes in the civil rights activism.

A good biography for a children’s library on key people in American History. Claudette Colvin was a good student. She studied history in the classroom, but she also found her very own key-role chapter in the history books.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Movements are made of small individual acts that come together into something bigger. No act of resistance stands alone, and each one matters, no matter how small.”

Because Claudette Colvin refused to change her seat on the bus, she was arrested. That led to her meeting Rosa Parks and attending NAACP meetings. That led to Martin Luther King, Jr. coming to Montgomery and many churches encouraging their members to participate in the bus boycott. Claudette even testified in court and the bus law was changed and, eventually, society changed as well, aptly demonstrating that no act of resistance stands alone.

Includes a list of sources for further reading.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t impressed with this so I’m giving it an average 3 star rating. (Addendum: changed to 2 stars October 2023). Claudette refused to give up her bus seat 9 months before Rosa Parks and was arrested. Apparently because she was a pregnant teenager, the movement used Parks refusal and arrest to spur the movement to boycott. Why did they wait 9 months? According to this, Claudette and Rosa became friends. What did Claudette think of Parks getting the credit for decades? Yes, this is a picture book with small amounts of info but an effective afterword would have helped. It uses “house that Jack built” structure but not the rhythm. The illustrations were very good.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still like to read the new picture books that come out when I know I have something to learn from them. This is really beautiful. How powerful for kids to read about a teenager who did what Rosa Parks did, only earlier, and how she helped set bigger things in motion. I especially loved the part where we learn that Claudette’s classmates didn’t necessarily like her causing trouble. It feels like it would be a glimmer of hope for kids who get in trouble in school or with friends and are trying to find their purpose. I was also fascinated with the fact that she became friends with Rosa Parks.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, juvenile non-fiction teaches me something I didn't know! I had no idea a 15-year-old girl refused to give up her seat for a white woman a year before Rosa Parks did. Because of Claudette's action, her family got a lawyer, who talked to Rosa Parks, who invited Claudette to a NAACP meeting for youth, which eventually led to the Montgomery Boycott. An individual can spark real change! While I like the acrylic illustrations, I wish there was a real photo of Claudette Colvin.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

3/27/2022 ~ A crucial text as part of a set on the Civil Rights movement. I appreciated that the book showed how Claudette's actions were connected with Parks, however, a timeline showing Claudette's actions in the larger context would have been useful.

I will be adding this book to my elementary collection.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possible contender for the Mock Caldecott Awards in January 2023. Another interesting book about Civil Rights. Claudette Colvin, a fifteen year old, refused to give up her seat on the bus for a white person and was arrested. So started a chain of events that led to anyone being able to sit anywhere on the bus a little less than two years later.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well-done book, and don’t miss the author’s note!


“Movements are made of small individual acts that come together into something bigger. No act of resistance stands alone, and each one matters, no matter how small.”