Published by Random House Studio

Summary:  “Georgia Gilmore was cooking when she heard the news.”  Rosa Parks had been arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a city bus, news that came as no surprise to Georgia who had had her own run-in with a bus driver and no longer used the buses.  She was delighted when a boycott was announced and enjoyed the company of others when she walked to work.  Georgia started cooking to raise money for the drivers giving rides to those whose commute was too far to walk.  Later, she helped her friend and neighbor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by testifying in court at his trial for organizing the boycott.  King reciprocated by giving Georgia money to start her own restaurant when she was fired from her job.  Soon, the restaurant overflowed with enthusiastic diners, and Georgia was cooking once again when she heard the news that the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled that segregated buses were unconstitutional.  Includes additional information about Georgia Gilmore, a list of sources, and a note about research that should be required reading for all young researchers.  40 pages; grades K-5.

Pros:  Mara Rocklin’s engaging writing style and Caldecott honoree R. Gregory Christie’s vivid illustrations bring to life this unsung heroine of the civil rights movement.  Readers will be inspired to learn how humble actions like cooking and walking to work helped bring about important changes.

Cons:  I could have enjoyed a recipe or two.

February 11, 2022 at 04:44PM Janet Dawson