Descriptions, Reviews, etc.
Description:
A bestselling author uncovers the story of a little-known figure in U.S. history who, 100 years before Rosa Parks, refused to leave a segregated streetcar in Manhattan and set into motion a major court case in New York City. Includes sidebars, extensive illustrative material, and significant backmatter.
Review Quotes:
★ "Hearth draws on her journalism roots to carefully piece together the story of a mostly forgotten figure in the struggle for racial equality in the United States. ...Heart grounds Jennings' story in vivid sensory detail...a book that belongs in any civil rights library collection." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"[A] gem of a story...illustrations from the era and extensive notes and references help readers follow the story. Those interested in the myriad origins of the civil rights movement will be fascinated by the case and how it galvanized the black community of its day." - Booklist
"Weaving together historical background with a portrait of Jennings, Hearth has created a compelling account of the court case Jennings vs. Third Avenue Railroad Company--an early landmark case in desegregating New York City transit. ... A superb mentor text . . . brings the story of Elizabeth Jennings to vivid life." - School Library Journal
★ "Hearth steps out of the role of omniscient narrator, making the work a personal journey, allowing readers to follow as she describes her process from inspiration to researching and building the tale, one bit of evidence at a time. Completely fascinating and unique." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"[A] fascinating book chronicling a little-known but important chapter of the battle for civil rights...This is a fine addition to the growing body of excellent books form children about the long battle for civil rights in the U.S." - The Buffalo News
"Wrapped up in Hearth's detailing of Jennings's courage is a sobering recognition that the shame of our nation's history was widespread....Hearth reminds us that Jennings was not only blocked from riding in a streetcar, she also faced institutional obstacles." - New York Times Book Review
