From Unit Plan: Liberty and Justice for All

The following books are helpful for exploring diversity and teaching students a variety of facts about the Civil Rights Movement.

Celebrating Diversity Grades K-3 (10 books)
Various leveled-reading titles that explore diversity.

Classroom Tip: These books can be used to illustrate differences and similarities as they relate to different cultures and people.

The Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Was Shot: A Photo History of the Civil Rights Movement) by Jim Haskins
A stirring look at the history of the fight for civil rights and the gains made since the fateful day of King's death. Includes powerful photographs and illustrations.

Classroom Tip: Offer this title as another research tool.

If a Bus Could Talk — The Story of Rosa Parks by Faith Ringgold
Engage students with a biographical account of Rosa Parks.

Classroom Tip: Read this version and compare it to another biography.

If You Lived at the Time of Martin Luther King by Ellen Levine; illustrated by Anna Rich
Vivid full color illustrations and question and answer text bring historical events, eras and people to life.

Classroom Tip: This book can be used as an additional reference tool for providing students with an understanding of Civil Rights history in a "child friendly" format.

Scholastic First Biographies: Let's Read About...Rosa Parks by Courtney Baker
Biographical account of Rosa Parks and her contribution in the struggle for equality.

Classroom Tip: This book can be used as a read aloud to illustrate the atmosphere of inequality during the Civil Rights Movement.

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles; illustrated by George C Ford
A beautifully illustrated true story of the first African American child to de-segregate a New Orleans school.

Classroom Tip: This book can be used as a resource for providing students with a link to the past and the first steps towards achieving liberty and justice for all.

Super Social Studies Quick & Easy Activities ,Games, and Manipulatives by Camille Cooper, Shirley Lee, Liz Van Tine, Barbara White
A great resource filled with classroom-tested, creative, hands-on activities like wonder circles, fold-up maps, paper-chain timelines, and more. Find mapping, timeline, and report-writing ideas that will make Social Studies a highlight of your students' days.

Classroom Tip: Use this resource as a creative alternative to constructing a traditional timeline in Lesson Two.