BACK OF THE BUS 

Author: Aaron Reynolds

Illustrator: Floyd Cooper

Date Published: 2010 

About the book: The book commemorates Rosa Parks historic act of defiance that changed a nation. The story is told through the eyes of a boy child. The author dedicated this book to his parents, Paul and Barbara Reynolds, who taught him to believe in himself. 

Summary: On an ordinary Winter's day in Montgomery, Alabama, a boy and his mother rides the bus from way in back, exactly where they're supposed to be.  Many of the adults wear tired faces, but the boy finds joy in watching his shiny marble roll on the aisle's grooves, guided by the motion of the bus - up and back. Up and back. Like he's got it on a string. Before long the bus makes a stop and more passengers pile on. Now folks are jammed up tight, and soon a commotion breaks out up front. Angry looks are thrown at the boy and his mama. "We do somethin' wrong?" he asks her. "Don't you worry none," she says. "Tomorrow all of this will be forgot." But it won't.    

Genre: The genre of this book is historical fiction.  "Historical fiction tells stories set in the past; it portrays events that actually occur or possibly could have occurred.  Authors create plots and characters within an authentic historical setting. Once a genre where history was retold from an all-white, and usually all-male, point of view, today we are fortunate to have skilled authors writing from careful research and from various cultural perspectives. Historical fiction ranges from prehistoric times to those reflecting the issues and events of the twentieth century. The stories are usually told through the perspective of a child or adolescent who is living life in a particular time and place." (Galda, Cullinan, & Sipe. 2010, p.17)  The event on the bus is true. It took place on December 1, 1955. This is the historical part of the book. However, Aaron's recount of the event through the eyes of the little boy is fictitious. This is why the genre is historical fiction. 

Illustration: 

The beautiful illustrations done by Floyd Cooper compliments the text very well. The illustrations  correctly depicts the time period in which the event took place. The type of art the illustrator portray is representational art. This is literal, realistic depiction of characters, objects and events. The technique used to create the illustration seems to be painting and the medium is paint and possibly canvas. Majority of the colors used in the illustration are subdued colors; Subdue colors can express weariness, boredom, and serenity. The illustrator also uses texture, lines, and shape in his work. All elements of visual art came together beautifully in the illustrations. 

Motivational Activity:  

Activity 1:                                         General Discussion

• Before reading the story, teacher will show students the front cover of the book, read the title and ask students to guess what the story will be about. Teacher will note students prediction on the board for later reference. 

• After reading the story Back Of The Bus, by Aaron Reynolds, teacher and students will have a general discussion about the book.They will compare their prediction of the book to see if they were right about the story. Some questions that will be asked are; 

1. Do you know who Rosa Parks is?
2. What do you think of the story?
3. Do you believe it is a real story?
4. What did you not like about the story? Why?
5. What did you like about the story? Why?
6. What would you do if you were a passenger on the bus?
7. What would you do if you were Rosa Parks?
8. How does this story makes you feel? Explain. 
9. What does it mean to show respect?
10. Was Rosa Parks shown respect? What evidence do you have to support your answer? 

Activity 2:                 Protecting Human Rights (older students) 

• Using class computers, tablets, and cellphone,  students will research laws that protects people's right with the help of teachers. Students will cut and paste important information and laws. This information will be presented to the class and discussed. It is best if students work in small groups of mixed abilities. The information will then be used to create a chart for the classroom.                               

Personal Opinion: The book is a great book but the topic is a sensitive one. I love that the book took an historical event and turned it into something that children can easily read and relate to. I like how the author tweak the dialogue to represent how people back then would talk. This book is a great book that teachers can use to teach younger children about historical events in a fun way. The book is also well illustrated which is another reason why I like it. I would definitely recommend this book  to everyone. 

How the Suggested Activities Correlates with Saint Leo University's Core Value of Respect: 

Saint Leo University Core Value of Respect states that "Animated in the spirit of Jesus Christ, we value all individuals' unique talents, respect their dignity, and strive to foster their commitment to excellent in our work.  Our community's strength depends on the unity and diversity of our people on the free exchange of ideas, and on learning, living, and working harmoniously."  Activity 1 will help children to sympathize with Rosa Parks and the lack of respect she was shown on the bus by putting themselves in her shoe and stating how they think they would feel. Activity 2 will help us identify the right of humans, especially the right of freedom. By researching the different laws, students will learn that we are all equal and should be treated as such with respect. 

Other books by the Author:

• Chicks and Salsa.

• Metal Man. 

• Joey Fly Private Eye Series.

• Pirates Vs. Cowboys.

References: 

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2010). Literature and the child (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning. 

Reynolds, A., & Cooper, F. (2010). Back of the bus. New York: Philomel Books.