A Sweet Smell of Roses

Johnson, Angela. 2005.  A Sweet Smell of Roses. ill. Eric Velasquez.  New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689832524.

Summary
Two young girls, sisters, sneak out of their house.  They run through their neighborhood to meet with the many people who listen to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak and "march for equality and freedom."  They hear shouts of negative words and the positive words of Dr. King, all while smelling the sweet smell of roses.

Analysis
This book takes a difficult concept, the fight for freedom, and puts it into words children can understand without talking down.  The illustrations that accompany this book are charcoal and life-like and truly seem to evoke the emotions people are feeling.  The look on the faces of both the marchers and the "hecklers" seem to reveal every emotion they are feeling: from angst, anger, and disappointment to contentment, peace, and freedom.  Within the illustrations, the only color is a little bit of red on every two-page spread: the teddy bear's ribbon, the stripes on the flag, or the roses.

This book touched me to the core.  It spoke of the civil rights movement and the unknown people who marched, boycotted, and worked for the freedom the constitution granted them.  We all know the names of Rosa Parks, Dr. King, Malcolm X, etc.  However, countless individuals, including children, strove for freedom alongside them.

The skin tones, facial features, and hairstyles (especially the children's) are accurate portrayals of the African-American populations.  The adults featured in the illustrations are wearing the styles typical of the time.  The portrayal of the white family shouting at the marchers is also accurately portrayed, both in their words and features.

This book is, by far, my favorite from this module.  It brings me to tears every time I open it.  I keep staring at the faces that marched (including the man who appears to have white features) and reading the emotions on their faces.  It's touching.  I loved this book.

Review Excerpts
"The pervasive smell of roses is an effective metaphor for the scent of freedom in the air, and Johnson's poetic text is powerful." -- Horn Book

"This book is not only about segregation; it's also about the crowds of people 'walking our way toward freedom,' the thrilling portrait of Dr. King, and the two brave kids who cross the line." -- Booklist

"Powerful and moving." -- Kirkus Reviews

Connections
Look for the other picture books about the civil rights movement.
Wiles, Deborah.  Freedom Summer. ISBN 9780689830167.
Woodson, Jacqueline.  The Other Side. ISBN 9780399231162.
Coleman, Evelyn.  White Socks Only.  ISBN 9780807589564.
Weatherford, Carole Boston.  Freedom on the Menu.  ISBN 9780142408940.