SARAH KEYS EVANS

Nathan’s middle-grade chapter book tells the inspiring story of an undersung civil rights hero.

Sarah Louise Keys (later Sarah Keys Evans) grew up as a Black girl on a farm in Washington, North Carolina. As an adult, Evans joined the Women’s Army Corps to work at a U.S. Army hospital in New Jersey. On August 1, 1952, she boarded a bus for her first trip back home since joining; after entering North Carolina, a new white driver demanded Evans move to the back. When she politely refused, two police officers arrived to arrest her before throwing her in jail for the night. The next morning, they escorted her home on a new bus—and made her sit in the back. After she’d revealed her terrible ordeal to her family, Evans’ father took her to see a lawyer in Washington, D.C. Together, they took the Interstate Commerce Commission to court to demand fairer bus laws. Despite setbacks, they eventually succeeded, paving the way for more just legislation that eventually resulted in the desegregation of all buses, trains, and airplanes. Powell brings Evans’ journey to life through expressive, cartoonish illustrations featuring bold lines and a strong sense of movement. Nathan recounts Evans’ story with a clear narrative voice, using details appropriate for a young audience (“She was afraid they might hurt her”). Still, the book has some truly chilling moments, such as when Evans asks the police why they’re arresting her, and they respond, “We can get you for anything. For disorderly conduct…We don’t really even have to get you to jail.” While younger readers of this early chapter book may find the legal proceedings a bit tedious, the overarching themes of fairness, justice, and kindness toward all—supported by the bright, detailed illustrations—clearly shine through.

A moving tale of courage and persistence, told simply and succinctly.