9 Books About the Civil Rights Movement

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist, by Cynthia Levinson, Vanessa Brantley-Newton
In 1963, Audrey Faye Hendricks was just nine-years old and was arrested during a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama. She has dreams about going places, but jail was not one of them. She heard the adults around her talking about segregation and she used her voice to stand up for her rights, and the rights of those she loved. A detailed and approachable account of a confident and daring child participating in the civil rights movement. Ages 5-10.

The Story of Ruby Bridges, by Robert Coles, George Ford
Court-ordered desegregation in 1960 meant African-American children were ordered to attend all-white schools. Ruby Bridges was the only child to be sent to William Frantz Elementary and had to be escorted by federal marshals her first year of school. Parents at the school were angry and mobs descended, but Ruby showed up to school every day and held her head high. This book helps children understand what life was like at school during the civil rights movement. Ages 4-8.

Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter, Shane W. Evans
With an election season having just passed, many kids learned about voting and what it means to elect a president and other political figures. What your child may not know is that before 1965, racial discrimination in voting was prevalent all over the country. This book helps children look back at the Voting Rights Act of 1965 through the eyes of a 100-year-old African American woman named Lillian, providing children with insight as to why every vote matters. Ages 5-9.

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, by Doreen Rappaport, Bryan Collier
A picture book biography that will introduce your young children to one of the most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Many of Dr. King’s famous speeches and memorable words are woven into the text, creating an account of his life and his impact on others. Beautiful illustrations help to bring the words of this important man to life and leave a lasting impression of a pivotal time in the history of our country. Ages 6-8.

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, by Carole Boston Weatherford, Ekua Holmes
Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of voting rights for more than twenty years. She spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 1964, experienced severe prejudice and abuse, and leaves a legacy of fierce determination. The mixed media pages showcase photos, maps, and newspaper clippings sprinkled amongst the text, with the story told from Hamer’s perspective. Her social and political activism is presented well and will leave your kids (and you) with a new civil rights hero. Ages 10-14.

Who Was Rosa Parks?, by Yona Zeldis McDonough, Nancy Harrison, Stephen Marchesi
If your child rides the bus to school, there is a good chance there are seat wars, with older kids vying for the back of the bus. Imagine life in the 1950’s, when African-Americans were forced to ride at the back of the bus and weren’t given a choice of where to sit. Rosa Parks was named “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement” all because she refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a white person. That single act sparked the freedom movement and redefined the way we all live today. Ages 8-12.

Glory Be, by Augusta Scattergood
Glory is turning twelve the summer of 1964 and is set to celebrate her birthday at the town pool over the Fourth of July. But with the civil rights movement spreading through the region, the town’s segregated pool becomes a hot topic and is eventually closed. Glory is confused and just wants to play in the pool with her friends, but it’s not that simple. This novel portrays what a complicated time it was for not only the country, but for children as well, with racial tension and tenuous friendships set against the backdrop of the changes occurring in our country at that time. Ages 8-12.

One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia
A middle grade novel focused on three sisters, this story takes us to California in 1968. With a mother that wants nothing to do with them, the girls end up at a summer camp run by the Black Panthers. It is there they learn about their mother, the visitors that show up in black berets, and gain an education on the civil rights movement through the eyes of what was considered a radical group. Education, entertaining, and a good portrayal as to what life was like at that time for African-American kids. Ages 9-12.

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March, by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, Elspeth Leacock, Susan Buckley, PJ Loughran
A vivid memoir of life as a teenager during the voting rights march in 1965. Lowery fought alongside civil rights leaders, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and was arrested eleven times before her fifteenth birthday. A young hero with a story that leaves an impression more than fifty years later, this is an excellent book to show children what it means to protest without violence, stand up for your rights, and give voice to your beliefs. Ages 12 and up.