Back of the Bus

Reyolds, A.  (2010). Back of the Bus. Floyd Cooper, (ill.). New York: Penguin.
 

Award: Notable Book

Exposition: Little boy and his mother board a bus in Montgomery, AL 1955. He is entranced with his marble and the bus ride.

Conflict: Mrs. Parks won’t give up her seat and go to the back of the bus. Little boy is not sure what to do.

Rising Action: Little boy and his mother ride on bus toward home after a long day at work.

Climax: After a bus stop, bus won’t continue until Mrs. Parks gives up her seat.

Falling Action: Mrs. Parks is escorted off bus in handcuffs and bus continues traveling.

Resolution: Little boy realizes that he doesn’t need to be afraid as his mother is strong and even though he may be afraid at that moment, things are going to change.

Illustrations: full page color illustrations help to give ambiance to the story, but the real story is felt in the text. The text is written in bold font since the story is told from the view point of a little boy. The emotions of the mother and little boy are well illustrated and realistically done. The marble is seen subtly as a symbol of looking through a crystal ball into the future of hope.