Book Description Review ★ “Anderson’s third-person text allows readers under Lizzie’s skin… Lewis’ dappled watercolors depict the action and extend it. A two-page author’s note fleshes out the history, including mentions of Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks. Necessary.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ “Anderson’s vivid, well-researched narrative includes dialogue that “closely follows” accounts of Jennings’ experience that appeared in newspapers at the time. Using brighter hues than his usual palette, Lewis creates a series of vibrant, expressive watercolor paintings that transports viewers back in time, while portraying characters as distinct individuals. A memorable picture book introducing a nineteenth-century defender of civil rights.” — Booklist, starred review ★ “… (T)he first victory in what would become a 100-year-long battle to end segregation on public transportation. Shimmering jewel-toned watercolors blur and delineate details in Lewis’s paintings.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review ★ “In 1854, when Lizzie Jennings was forced off a traditionally “whites only” streetcar, she went to court, winning the right for all black passengers to ride in the same car with white people on the Third Avenue Railroad in New York City. Set on spreads with full-bleed illustrations, the storytelling is straightforward and direct. Dialogue closely follows contemporary newspaper accounts to enliven the historical moment. The well-chosen language… is a pleasure to read aloud. Lewis employs pastel colors, shades of blues, pinks, and purples, and plenty of background yellow… lighten(ing) the story and support(ing) its positive outcome. An important story beautifully told.” — School Library Journal, starred review Read more About the Author Beth Anderson, a former teacher, combines her love of writing with the joys of discovery and learning in her narrative nonfiction and historical fiction picture books. Visit bethandersonwriter.com.E.B. Lewis is an award-winning illustrator and fine artist who has illustrated over seventy books for children. He teaches at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Visit eblewis.com. Read more Customers Review: I love stories that draw the child-reader in. This beautifully illustrated TRUE narrative of Elizabeth Jennings who fought for the right to ride the streetcars in NYC. What is amazing is that this incident happened over 100 years BEFORE Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus. In LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT! we experience early advocacy for equality and Civil Rights.The narrative is gripping and kids will be engaged from the first page tot he last. As a former elementary school teacher, I know this is a book that needs to be on every school library shelf.
The beautiful illustrations will wow you, but the relatively unknown story of Elizabeth Jennings and her early civil rights victory in the 1850’s is extremely well told. It’s rare that there’s original scholarship that comes to light in a children’s book, but this is the best-researched account of the Jennings case, a footnote in Presidential history for Chester Arthur’s involvement, but an incident in the long struggle for equal treatment that should be remembered. Highly recommended.
When Elizabeth Jennings boarded that streetcar in 1854, she had no idea she was about to make history. She was a free African American woman, yet the conductor believed it was within his rights to grab her and throw her from the car. It was then Lizzie decided to fight back against injustice and inequality. Lizzie’s bravery empowered others to speak up and fight for their rights on public transportation. Young readers will be inspired to find their voices and stand up for what they believe in after reading this story. The gorgeous illustrations complement the text perfectly. A must have for any classroom or library collection.
Lizzie Demands a Seat, written by Beth Anderson and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, is the story of an African American school teacher who fought back against a New York City streetcar company when she was refused the right to ride. Whilst this is a little-known story compared to the famous Rosa Parks, it is just as compelling and I couldn’t help but get swept up in the drama of Lizzie’s story right from the outset.Having recently visited America and the Black African Museum in Washington DC, I feel strongly that these stories need to be shared and remembered today. Whilst Lizzie’s ‘streetcar’ problem does not exist, racism is still prevalent throughout the world and those feelings of injustice endure. The wrongs of the past cannot be righted through literature of course, but books do act as a reminder of those injustices and help maintain a dialogue necessary to stop those situations rising again. This book is important! It carries with it a powerful social and moral message about equal rights and proves that through dialogue and a fair judicial system justice can win out. I would love to see this book in every public library and every school, not just in America but all over the world, teaching children (and their parents) that if you believe in something strongly enough then you will succeed, and that everyone has the right to fight for what is fair, just like Lizzie. This book is empowering not just because of its subject matter but also its use of language. Anderson manages to write a story that could appeal to both elementary readers as well as older students. She uses sophisticated language and doesn’t shy away from emotion. She leads us through Lizzies fight step by step giving us a sense that we are on Lizzies journey with her.What I love as much as the writing in this book, are the illustrations, which are simply hypnotic. E.B. Lewis uses a combination of gentle washed water colours with tones of blues, pinks and browns to depict the memory of a bygone era. They really are beautiful. Lizzies skirt always cleverly stands out amongst the crowds and her background whenever visible, giving her an added presence and strength. Her expression is dignified and strong throughout, and without displaying anger Lewis shows her fierce determination to set things right. They also show her as a well-dressed and educated woman who respects the judicial process too. The back matter offers detailed notes and primary sources perfect for teachers to stretch the topic further and invite further investigation.This is an inspiring story with a thankfully positive conclusion!
This book is worth picking up just for the gorgeous, light-drenched watercolor illustrations by E.B. Lewis. I’ve read many books he has illustrated (The Other Side, Each Kindness, Coming on Home Soon) and they are all stunning, but this is the best of them all.The story of Elizabeth Jennings was new to me, and I appreciated learning about this part of American civil rights history. Anderson has done meticulous research, and tells the story of Lizzie’s court case with emotion and suspense, while keeping the book firmly in the realm of nonfiction. A definite must read picture book biography.
This is a terrific and exciting picture book detailing how, in 1854, young African American schoolteacher Lizzie Jennings fought back after a New York City streetcar operator ejected her from a “white” car and told her to take a car marked for “her people.” The incident and the resulting lawsuit are described well for young readers. This book will bring overdue attention to a brave woman and the activist community that supported her.
This is an incredible story of courage, and the fight for equal rights by the lesser-known Eliziabeth Jennings! At 24 she demanded to ride the public streetcar, only to meet harsh opposition from the driver. What enfolds is a gripping story with beautiful illustrations that will have readers cheering for Lizzie every step of the way. A five star picture book recommended for every elementary library.
Most of us have heard of Rosa Parks, but another woman, Lizzie Jennings, also stood up for her right to ride. This powerful nonfiction picture book biography is a wonderful book students can contrast with Rosa Parks’s account. Anderson’s text captivates readers, and E.B. Lewis’s illustrations bring this story to life. Back matter includes detailed author notes, primary sources, and for further reading lists. |
16 reviews