Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice

Dive into the compelling narrative of "Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice," a profound exploration of courage and resistance in the face of racial injustice. Published on January 20, 2009, this award-winning book captures the untold story of Claudette Colvin, a brave teenager who, on March 2, 1955, challenged the oppressive segregation laws of Montgomery, Alabama, by refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger—months before Rosa Parks' more famous protest. Author Phillip Hoose enriches this narrative with detailed interviews, presenting Colvin not just as a historical figure, but as a spirited young woman whose fight was as personal as it was political. Despite facing ostracism and danger, she stood firm, later becoming a key plaintiff in Browder v. Gayle, the pivotal case that helped dismantle Jim Crow laws. This book, a National Book Award Winner for Young People's Literature and a Newbery Honor Book, is perfect for middle-school students exploring themes of civil rights and social justice. It invites readers to reflect on the unsung heroes of history and the impact one individual's stand can have on the world.