Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates

Gr 2-4–To open any discussion of civil rights, this is a great title to have on hand. Alton’s greatest wish was to join the Air Force and soar the skies. He was unaware that the color of his skin would be a defining force in his life. When he was able, he left Jacksonville, FL, and enlisted, turning his wish into a reality by working to make flying safer. He served his country, endured hardships, and was angered that he has not been treated as an equal. Once again he went to work, dedicated to ending Jim Crow and making sure that all people were accorded the basic dignity they deserved. Readers new to the story of the Civil Rights Movement will come away with a general overview. Walthall does a wonderful job at bringing Alton’s story to life with digitally created color illustrations. Barton’s expertly composed descriptions of events give readers a glimpse of the dangers and violence protesters endured for their cause. Back matter includes a time line of events. No matter how many books are already in the collection, this is a solid and groundbreaking addition.