The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Primary Source Exploration of the Landmark Legislation

by Heather E. Schwartz

Overview

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a groundbreaking law. Under this law African-Americans could no longer be segregated from white Americans. The law changed the country forever. Explore the points of view of the lawmakers who passed the law and the people who opposed it through powerful primary sources and historical photos.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781491402245
Publisher:	Capstone Press
Publication date:	07/01/2014
Series:	We Shall Overcome
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.30(d)
Lexile:	960L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 10 Years

About the Author

Heather E. Schwartz writes books for kids from her home in upstate New York. She loves writing because she loves learning new things, brainstorming creative ideas, and moving words around on a page. In her spare time, she runs a website for young writers (WriteintheMiddle.co). She also enjoys baking cookies in fun shapes, throwing holiday parties, walking in the woods, eating cider donuts, and spending time with her family.

Table of Contents

Signed into Law 4

Southern Segregation 6

A New President 12

Crisis in Birmingham 16

A Federal Call to Action 20

Selected Bibliography 30

Glossary 31

Critical Thinking Using the Common Core 31

Internet Sites 32

Index 32

Interviews

Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. Provides context for key historical topics through the use of primary sources, balanced presentation from multiple perspectives.

Editorial Reviews

11/01/2014
Gr 6 Up—First-person accounts from white and African American activists, protesters, politicians, and eyewitnesses are woven into the text of this informative series on the civil rights movement. The quotes, borrowed from newspapers, government records, interviews, and speeches, reflect a variety of viewpoints. For example, there is the vehemently pro-segregationist Governor Wallace: "I say, segregation now, segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever," as well as concerned college student and activist Diane Nash: "It was critical that the Freedom Ride not stop, that it be continued immediately." The illustrations are revelatory and sometimes chilling. One 1957 photograph shows stone-faced National Guardsmen forming a barricade with their bodies to block black teens from going to school in Little Rock, AR, while another depicts a 1965 KKK nighttime rally in which hooded members congregate beneath a tall burning cross. An ideal purchase.HighlightsConvincing students that history is important can be a tricky task. Many write the subject off as dull and irrelevant. With these new, exciting series, emphasizing history's importance gets easier. After all, who can resist a well-told chronicle about beavers or a gripping, first-person account of violence and injustice? Be sure to check out Powerkids' unique "How Animals Shaped History," Rosen's moving "A Celebration of the Civil Rights Movement," and Cavendish's expansive "Life in Colonial America." A great variety of events and people are represented in these books, many of which will make excellent additions to school and public libraries.

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