‘Life of Rosa Parks’ named Florida education commissioner’s book of the month
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The Florida Commissioner of Education announced that two books, which were either falsely claimed to be banned or faced recent controversy, are on the “Commissioner’s Book of the Month” list.
Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. chose “I Am Ruby Bridges” by Ruby Bridges and “The Life of Rosa Parks” by Kathleen Connors for his April picks.
“It was great to watch our students undertake the first installment of the book of the month,” Diaz said. “This month, we’re highlighting Civil Rights icons Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges, while also emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resiliency.”
Democrat congressional leaders from across the country made false claims that a Florida school banned “The Life of Rosa Parks.” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Rep. Jim McGovern’s, D-Mass., made the claims.
Duval County Public Schools refuted the notion. The district said that specific book was never purchased. The district has dozens of Rosa Parks related books in libraries.
A Pinellas County school recently voted to keep Disney’s “Ruby Bridges” movie as a content option for elementary students after a parent filed a complaint.
The commissioner’s recommendations for April 2023 are:
- Pre-K – Ten Red Apples by Pat Hutchins.
- Grades K-2 – I Am Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges.
- Grades 3-5 – The Life of Rosa Parks by Kathleen Connors.
- Grades 6-8 – Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt.
- Grades 9-12 – Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton.
Diaz highlights the monthly reading challenge in an effort to promote literacy and reading engagement in public schools.
