We've Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children's March

Levinson, Cynthia. 2012. WE’VE GOT A JOB: THE 1963 BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S MARCH. Atlanta: Peachtree. 9781561456277 [Suggested Grade Levels 4 – 8]   

REVIEW

During the Civil Rights Movement, 3000-4000 children and adolescents chose to go to jail in protest of segregation. Levinson presents the historical background of these children and provides the in-depth stories, including their motivations and repercussions suffered, of four of those children: Audrey Faye Hendricks, Washington Booker III, James W. Stewart, and Arnetta Streeter.

Levinson’s narrative is thorough and easy-to read. She provides supplementary materials at the conclusion of the book, including a timeline, a map, and an index of quotations. The presentation is stunning, with clean lines, bold black boxes with additional facts and subtitles, and moving photographs with captions.

CONNECTIONS

This book can be used as a textbook supplement and a research project resource for middle and high school readers when studying the Civil Rights Movement. It also serves as a discussion piece about self-empowerment and the ability of children and adolescents to be positive change agents.

RELATED BOOKS

Other chapter books for young readers about courage during trying times:
Levine, Kristin. THE LIONS OF LITTLE ROCK. ISBN 9780142424353
Rappaport, Doreen. BEYOND COURAGE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF JEWISH RESISTANCE DURING THE HOLOCAUST. ISBN 9780763629762

By Jennifer E. M. Richey