Dear Mrs. Parks

A Dialogue with Today's Youth
By Rosa Parks

On a December day in 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus.

Description

This simple yet courageous act set into motion a chain of events that reverberated throughout the world.

Affectionately referred to as the “Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement,” Mrs. Parks received 500 to 1,000 letters a month from children throughout the United States and the world. Dear Mrs. Parks grew out of Rosa Parks’ desire to share her legacy with all “her children,” and perpetuate a dialogue that will be recorded for generations to come.

Gregory J. Reed is an attorney and the author of several books, including Economic Empowerment through the Church. He worked closely with Mrs. Parks in helping archive and select the letters for Dear Mrs. Parks.

About the Creators

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks (1913-2005) devoted herself to the nonviolent pursuit of human rights, especially young people's rights, since refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white man. She was born in Tuskegee, Alabama in 1913 and married Raymond Parks in 1932. Two years after the Montgomery bus boycott, in 1957, she moved to Detroit, Michigan. In 1987, she co-founded the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development. She passed away in 2005 at the age of 92.

Awards

  • Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People

    National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)

  • Teachers' Choices

    International Literacy Association (ILA)

  • CCBC Choices

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

Reviews

  • "The letters illustrate young people's genuine concern about personal and societal conditions. . . [Readers] will walk away from this book with respect for a woman whose lifeworks and courage are an example to us all."

    - School Library Journal
  • "You will want this beautiful book containing the wisdom, courage, love, hope, and wit of one of the most remarkable women of our times in your collection, and you will want her words in your heart and in the hearts of your children. Rosa Parks changed history. Our country will never be the same as it was before Mrs. Parks sat down for justice. When you read her inspiring letters to children, you will be moved to stand up for children and for the future."

    - Marian Wright Edelman, President, Children's Defense Fund
  • "These letters provide heartening evidence that today's young people continue to be inspired, educated, and influenced by Rosa Parks' remarkable example."

    - (Former) President Jimmy Carter
  • "Mother Parks has assembled a treasure. In this wonderful collection of her responses to letters from young people she teaches, she inspires, she challenges, and above all, she loves. A marvelous addition to any home library."

    - Colin Powell

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781880000618
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2013
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 5.5 in
  • Weight 0.375 lbs
  • Page Count 111
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781880000458
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2013
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Interests

  • Audience Middle Grade
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Social Activists
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / People & Places / United States / African American
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / History / United States / 20th Century
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Bullying, Civil Rights Movement, Courage, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Education, Empathy / Compassion, Heroism, History & Civics, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Leadership, Mentors, Middle Grade, Multiple Ethnicities Represented, Nonfiction, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Peace, Persistence / Grit, Pride, Respect / Citizenship, Responsibility, Self Control / Self Regulation, Social Justice & Activism, Tolerance / Acceptance, United States History, Women's History
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 10
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 5
  • Guided Reading V
  • ATOS Book Level 5.6
  • DRA 50
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 5
  • Lexile Level 850
  • Reading Level Grades 2 - 3
  • SRC 5.4
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 13
      African American English Collection High School
      Collection of 13 books: $207.35

      Dear Mrs. Parks

      On a December day in 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus.

      Diverse Energies

      A collection of dystopian short stories featuring diverse main characters and by authors of color.

      Etched in Clay

      The acclaimed biography-in-verse about the life and times of Dave, an enslaved potter who inscribed his works with short poems during the years leading up to the Civil War.

      How We Are Smart

      Musician Tito Puente. Ballerina Maria Tallchief. Explorer Matthew Henson. Congresswoman Patsy Mink. These are some of the people profiled in this book. They are well known for different reasons, but they also have something in common. They were all smart!

      I and I Bob Marley

      A biography in verse of reggae legend Bob Marley, exploring the influences that shaped his life and music on his journey from rural Jamaican childhood to international superstardom.

      Yummy

      A graphic novel based on the life and death of Robert "Yummy" Sandifer, an eleven-year-old gang member from Chicago's Southside who was killed by his own gang members.

      Rebellion (Tankborn #3)

      In a world where half the population is genetically engineered, what does it mean to be human? The acclaimed TANKBORN trilogy rushes to a thrilling conclusion with Rebellion!

      Perfect Liars

      In this YA heist novel, a society girl with a sketchy past leads a crew of juvie kids in using their criminal skills for good.

      Tankborn (Tankborn #1)

      Kayla and Mishalla, two genetically engineered enslaved non-human (GENs), fall in love with higher-status boys, discover deep secrets about the creation of GENs, and in the process find out what it means to be human.

      Chess Rumble

      A story in free verse about a troubled boy who learns to use his mind instead of his fists through the guidance of an unconventional mentor and the game of chess.

      Game, Set, Match Champion Arthur Ashe

      A picture book biography of tennis player Arthur Ashe, who began his career playing tennis as a child on the segregated courts as a child in Virginia and went on to become the top tennis player in the world.

      I Am Alfonso Jones

      The Hate U Give meets The Lovely Bones in this unflinching graphic novel about the afterlife of a young man killed by an off-duty police officer, co-illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist John Jennings.

      Awakening (Tankborn #2)

      Before Kayla can free her fellow GENs from enslavement, she must save them from a deadly virus.

      1382 in stock

    • 107
      High-Low Books for Teens: Middle and High School
      Collection of 107 books: $1,637.70

      Ahimsa

      In this historical middle-grade novel, Gandhi asks for one member of each family to join the fight for independence from the British, and when Anjali's mother is jailed for doing so, Anjali must step out of her comfort zone to take over her mother's work.

      All the Stars Denied

      In a companion novel to her critically acclaimed Shame the Stars, Pura Belpré Award Winner Guadalupe García McCall tackles the hidden history of the United States and its first mass deportation that swept up hundreds of thousands of Mexican American citizens during the Great Depression.

      Amazing Places

      A collection of original poems that celebrate some of the amazingly diverse places in our nation. Readers of all ages will want to visit each amazing place again and again!

      Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle

      The Penderwicks meets In the Heights in this sparkling middle-grade debut about a young Dominican American girl in New York City.

      Arrow of Lightning (Killer of Enemies #3)

      In the final installment of the Killer of Enemies series, Lozen attempts to live a life without the violence that so far has defined her life, but the remaining Ones will not let that happen without a fight.

      Awakening (Tankborn #2)

      Before Kayla can free her fellow GENs from enslavement, she must save them from a deadly virus.

      Bird

      In this gentle, award-winning picture book, an African American boy nicknamed Bird uses drawing as a creative outlet as he struggles to make sense of his grandfather's death and his brother's drug addiction.

      Boy, Everywhere

      What turns citizens into refugees and then immigrants? In this powerful middle-grade debut, Sami and his family embark on a harrowing journey to save themselves from the Syrian civil war.

      Brothers in Hope

      Based on heartbreaking yet inspirational true events in the lives of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Brothers in Hope is a story of remarkable courage, and an amazing testament to the unyielding power of the human spirit.

      Butterfly for a King

      The fascinating true story of a beautiful native Hawaiian butterfly, a great Hawaiian warrior king, and current-day efforts by scientists and citizens to restore the butterfly's declining population.

      Capoeira

      A photo-essay about the history and practice of Capoeira, a centuries-old Brazilian martial art incorporating traditional movements and rhythmic music, that is popular today as an energetic game played throughout the United States and around the world.

      Cat Girl's Day Off

      In this hilarious YA homage to Ferris Bueller's Chicago, Natalie must use her Talent of talking to cats to solve a high-profile celebrity kidnapping.

      Chess Rumble

      A story in free verse about a troubled boy who learns to use his mind instead of his fists through the guidance of an unconventional mentor and the game of chess.

      Crossing Bok Chitto

      In this American Indian Youth Literature Award-winning story of cross-cultural friendship, a family of enslaved people and a Choctaw tribe work together on a daring escape.

      Cycle of Rice, Cycle of Life

      A photographic exploration of the cycles of traditional Balinese rice farming, a dynamic model of earth-friendly agriculture that connects a unique culture with the natural world.

      Dear Mrs. Parks

      On a December day in 1955, Rosa Parks changed the course of history when she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus.

      Dia's Story Cloth

      A Hmong American tells of her people's search for freedom.

      Diverse Energies

      A collection of dystopian short stories featuring diverse main characters and by authors of color.

      Dream Builder

      You've seen the building. Now meet the man whose life went into it.

      Drift

      Tenjat joins a dangerous defense to protect his island home from the monsters who threaten it in this fresh YA fantasy inspired by Mayan and Indian folklore.

      Etched in Clay

      The acclaimed biography-in-verse about the life and times of Dave, an enslaved potter who inscribed his works with short poems during the years leading up to the Civil War.

      Everglades Forever

      A photo-essay about the Florida Everglades, its unique ecosystem, and the efforts currently underway to restore this "Wetland of International Importance," told within the framework of a class study project and visit to the Everglades.

      Gabi, A Girl in Pieces

      In this groundbreaking William C. Morris Award winner for a YA debut, Gabi's life is a mess--her family, her friends, her attempts at a love life--but writing helps, especially since it turns out she's pretty good at poetry.

      Game, Set, Match Champion Arthur Ashe

      A picture book biography of tennis player Arthur Ashe, who began his career playing tennis as a child on the segregated courts as a child in Virginia and went on to become the top tennis player in the world.

      Grand Theft Horse

      Yummy author G. Neri returns to graphic novels with the powerful story of his cousin Gail Ruffu, who stole a racehorse in order to save it, and ended up fighting the whole racing industry for the humane treatment of animals.

      Hammering for Freedom

      The inspirational story of William "Bill" Lewis, a hardworking blacksmith who slowly saved his money and bought the freedom of each and every member of his enslaved family.

      Honda

      The life story of Soichiro Honda, pioneering Japanese businessman and innovative motorcycle and car manufacturer.

      Honoring Our Ancestors

      Through stories, art, and photographs, Honoring Our Ancestors will inspire children and their families to gain strength from the past as they ask themselves, "Who do I honor?"

      How We Are Smart

      Musician Tito Puente. Ballerina Maria Tallchief. Explorer Matthew Henson. Congresswoman Patsy Mink. These are some of the people profiled in this book. They are well known for different reasons, but they also have something in common. They were all smart!

      I Am Alfonso Jones

      The Hate U Give meets The Lovely Bones in this unflinching graphic novel about the afterlife of a young man killed by an off-duty police officer, co-illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist John Jennings.

      I and I Bob Marley

      A biography in verse of reggae legend Bob Marley, exploring the influences that shaped his life and music on his journey from rural Jamaican childhood to international superstardom.

      I Remember

      An outstanding celebration of diversity and family: fourteen poets and sixteen illustrators of diverse backgrounds share memorable childhood experiences and reflect upon their different heritages, traditions, and beliefs.

      I See the Rhythm

      i see the rhythmis an inspiring celebration of African American music and the far-reaching impact it has had on the world.

      In Her Hands

      A recreation of events from the childhood and early career of Augusta Savage, a pioneering female sculptor and major figure of the Harlem Renaissance.

      Ira's Shakespeare Dream

      The inspiring biography of Ira Aldridge, a Black actor who overcame racism to become one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of the nineteenth century.

      Jim Thorpe's Bright Path

      A biography of the legendary Native American Jim Thorpe (1888--1953), voted the Greatest Football Player and Greatest Athlete of the Half-Century by two AP polls, focusing on his early childhood and how school and sports shaped his future.

      John Lewis in the Lead

      A biography of John Lewis, one of the "Big Six" civil rights leaders of the 1960s, focusing on his involvement in Freedom Rides, the March on Washington, and the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

      Juan Verdades

      A prized apple tree, a dangerous bet, and a beautiful young woman--can Juan Verdades still be truthful by the end of the two-week bet?

      Un manzano preciado, una apuesta peligrosa y una hermosa joven: ¿puede Juan Verdades seguir siendo sincero al final de la apuesta de dos semanas?

      Just Like Me

      Through stories, paintings, and childhood photographs, these fourteen artists open their hearts and invite us to enter into their worlds. With honesty and encouragement, they offer hope for aspiring young people who dream of becoming artists- just like them.

      Killer of Enemies

      A post-Apocalyptic YA novel with a steampunk twist, based on an Apache legend.

      La Llorona / The Weeping Woman

      This retelling of the classic tale of the Weeping Woman will cause shivers and delight in readers of all ages!

      ¡Este recuento del folclore de La Llorona causará escalofríos y deleite en lectores y oyentes de todas las edades!

      Land of Morning Calm

      Take a journey to both ancient and modern Korea, where you will find a rich world of history and traditions that will capture your imagination and whet your appetite for learning more about this fascinating culture.

      Louis Sockalexis

      A biography of Louis Sockalexis, Penobscot Indian and the first Native American to play professional baseball, focusing on his formative years and culminating in an historic game at New York's Polo Grounds in 1897.

      Lucha Libre

      Xavier Garza brings another action-packed bilingual picture book about traditional Mexican wrestling--lucha libre!

      Xavier Garza presenta otro libro ilustrado lleno de acción sobre un deporte tradicional de Mexico: ¡la lucha libre!

      Mama's Window

      After his mother dies, "Sugar" Martin is sent to live with his gruff uncle Free, a loner who makes his living fishing in a swamp in the Mississippi Delta in the early 1900s.

      Miosotis Flores Never Forgets

      Perfect for fans of Meg Medina and Barbara O'Connor, this heartfelt novel about family, pets, and other things we hold close is one that you'll never forget.

      ¡Olé! Flamenco

      A photo-essay about flamenco, a centuries-old living art form, originating in southern Spain, that incorporates traditional dance, song, and music.

      On My Block

      Fifteen fine artists portray, in words and pictures, the places and spaces most special to them.