I recently read Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose, a biographical account of  the impact of teenager Colvin on the civil rights movement, and specifically the bus boycott and segregation laws.

This book, which has multiple starred reviews and several awards, is a Miller Battle of the Books title for the upcoming year, but should also be read by any teacher or student who is studying the civil rights era.

Claudette refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white woman in  Montgomery, Alabama several months before the famous act by Rosa Parks spurred people into action that ultimately changed the laws of our country. Frustrated by the unfair treatment she witnessed daily, Claudette took a stand that had very negative consequences for her personally, but really helped the civil rights movement gain momentum.

The book is an easy, engaging read, and gives a very good sense of the step-by-step process that lead to the organized boycotting of the bus lines in Montgomery, and the huge sacrifices made by those involved.

I highly recommend this book to all ages from elementary students through adults as a great example of how young people have had a huge impact on positive social change.