Mason Stewart's Reviews > Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice

There are many unsung heroes of the civil rights movement. However to be praised was not the primary inspiration of these heroes, such was the case for young Claudette Colvin. Colvin was not the ideal candidate according to African American civil rights leaders to represent the movement. A few months after she was arrested for not giving up her seat to a white person, she became pregnant as an unwed teenager. This along with her aggressive and unruly personality led people to shun instead of support her for her bravery and sacrifice. Although both Rosa Parks and Claudette Colvin took a stand (or should I say a seat) against the injustices towards black people of the time, there are many contrasts which you will have to read more to find out about.

Rosa Parks being deemed as an icon of the Civil Rights movement was a political move made by the civil rights leaders. I found myself thinking about a larger picture of how some strong characters throughout history, such as Claudette Colvin, are passed by because they don’t fit the mold and we will never hear there story. Like all good stories, Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice has layers and gives the reader something to think about. The narration between Claudette Colvin and Phillip Hoose painted an exceptionally keeps the reader engaged while providing a well-rounded historical picture. The quoted dialogue adds intrigue and credibility to this non-fiction story. If deepening gaining a perspective different from what we commonly discuss in classrooms across the United States, I highly recommend reading this story. Appropriate for grades 5-9, however by reading this story there is much to be gained by everyone.