Freedom Walkers: The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott by Russell Freedman

Freedman, R. (2006). Freedom walkers: the story of the Montgomery bus boycott. New York: Holiday House.
ISBN-10 0823421953
ISBN-13 978-0823421954
114 pgs
Format: Book
Genre: Historical
Classification: Nonfiction
Age level: Age 13 and up

Reader's annotation
In 1955, African Americans riding the bus in Montgomery, Alabama were forced to sit at the back of the bus and leave the first ten rows available for white passengers. Many blacks used the bus to commute to work but during the Montgomery Bus Boycott they walked to work instead and launched a series of peaceful protests that were met with violent opposition from segregationists until their goal of integrated buses was achieved.

Summary
This book gives a riveting account of the key events of the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, the most famous one being on December 1, 1955 when Rosa Parks refused to moved to the back of a public bus, as was the rule for African American passengers. The bus boycott carried on for over a year and eventually ended segregation on buses. The story is more complex than a few key personalities and events, however, and the author weaves a skillful narrative accompanied by archival photographs. Lawyers, politicians, community organizers and teenagers also played important roles. Also, many of the boycotters were black cooks, students, laborers, teachers, housekeepers, and nurses who walked to work instead of riding the bus. Any protestors were arrested and risked threats to their lives by police and racist segregationists. The peaceful protests continued against formidable odds and by the end of 1956 the Montgomery buses were integrated.

Notes
This inspiring work of non-fiction is a complement to biographies as it digs deeper past Rose Parks famous act and details the acts average citizens who helped ensure the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and launch the Civil Rights Movement.