Back of the Bus cover

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)
Book Level 3.3
Points 0.5
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 744
Points per Word 0.000672
Page Count 32
Points per Page 0.015625

Description

"Back of the Bus" by Aaron Reynolds is a picture book set in Montgomery, Alabama, during the 1950s civil rights era. The story follows an African American mother and her young son who are riding on a city bus in the back section, as required by segregation laws. The child watches from his seat as Rosa Parks is arrested in the front of the bus for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. The book depicts this pivotal moment in the civil rights movement through the eyes of a child.

Quick Summary

Through the eyes of a young child riding at the back of the bus, readers witness a pivotal moment in history when Rosa Parks took a stand by taking a seat, making The Big Purple Wonderbook event feel personal and unforgettable. Kids will love how the story captures the tension and quiet bravery of that day through a relatable narrator who sees everything from below and understands more than anyone realizes. If your kid likes "The Other Side" by Jacqueline Woodson, they'll devour this powerful snapshot of American history. Perfect for kindergarten through third graders, this 744-word picture book sparks conversations about courage and fairness at just the right level.