The Bus Ride

By William Miller, John Ward

With its inspiring introduction by Rosa Parks, The Bus Ride is a timely reminder for readers of all ages that no act is too small when it comes to confronting injustice.

Description

Sarah and her mother ride the bus every day. There are lots of other people on the bus, but some passengers aren’t allowed to sit in certain areas.

One day, Sarah decides to see what she’s missing by sitting at the back of the bus. The moment she moves up front she sets off a commotion that reverberates furiously throughout the city.

The award-winning author and artist, William Miller and John Ward, poignantly portray a child who discovers the courage of her convictions. With its inspiring introduction by Rosa Parks, The Bus Ride is a timely reminder for readers of all ages that no act is too small when it comes to confronting injustice.

About the Creators

William Miller

William Miller is the award-winning author of numerous books for children for Lee & Low. Mr. Miller lives in York, Pennsylvania, where he teaches African American literature and creative writing at York College.

John Ward

John Ward has illustrated many acclaimed children's books, including Kente Colors, The Freedom Riddle, and Poppa's New Pants, winner of the Parents' Choice Award. He lives with his wife in Freeport, NY.

Awards

  • United Women in Faith Reading Program

    United Methodist Women

Reviews

  • "Miller offers a streamlined, fictional account of the Montgomery, Ala., bus strike — inspired by Rosa Parks's pivotal act of courage. . . Wards (Kente Colors) closely focused, acrylic paintings are as straightforward. . . Miller's text. [M]ost inspiring to readers will be Parks's brief introduction, in which she frankly states that she had no intention of making history on that day in 1955."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • "Miller reimagines the story of Rosa Parks's historic refusal to give up her bus seat as it might have happened to Sara, a young girl with an intuitive grasp of right and wrong. What makes this book so effective are two things: First, Miller keeps the story intimate, without portentous forebodings of history in the making; second, Ward's terrific realistic illustrations make the story utterly accessible. The approach is low-key, but readers will feel the winds of history rustle in these pages."

    - Kirkus Reviews

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781584300267
  • Publication Date Jul 01, 1998
  • Trim Size 10.75 × 8.5 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781880000601
  • Publication Date Jul 01, 1998
  • Trim Size 11.25 × 9 in
  • Weight 0.9375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Social Themes / Prejudice & Racism
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / People & Places / United States / African American
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Historical / United States / 20th Century
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Civil Rights Movement, Courage, Discrimination, Families, Fiction, Friendship, Heroism, Leadership, Mothers, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Pride, Protest, Realistic Fiction, Respect / Citizenship, Self Control / Self Regulation, Tolerance / Acceptance
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 10
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 5
  • Guided Reading O
  • ATOS Book Level 3.2
  • DRA 34
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 5
  • Lexile Level 540
  • Reading Level 2
  • SRC 4.8
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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