Walking to the Bus-Rider Blues

by Harriette Gillem Robinet

"Oh, I'm singing the bus-rider blues,

the Alabamy bus-rider blues.

I got me a feeling, deep down inside,

It ain't never ever gonna be the same."

During the Alabama bus boycott, six months after Rosa Parks made her famous bus protest, Alfa Merryfield and his family struggle to pay the rent. But someone keeps stealing their rent money -- and now someone is accusing them of stealing!

With only a few days left before rent is due, Alfa and his sister, Zinnia, know they don't have much time. To solve this mystery, they must "walk the walk and talk the talk of nonviolence" that Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders preach -- and what they discover may be more than they dreamed...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery, Childrens, Fiction, Chapter Books, African American

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Harriette Gillem Robinet was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She spent her childhood summers in Arlington, Virginia, where her grandfather had been a slave under General Robert E. Lee.
She graduated from the College of New Rochelle, New York, and from graduate studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She is a member of the National Writers Union.
She has written numerous award-winning books for children.

She and her husband live in Oak Park, Illinois, and have six children and four grandchildren.

Reviews

[Anthony Mancia · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think it was okay but it did not have a lot of detail it was kind of boring had one person here then their but it was okay like it i recommend it to people who like stuff from old days

[Sophia Eidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it bc my 6th graders are reading it. It was enjoyable. Good message and portrayal of segregation, cute and idealistic main character. Hit home even as an adult

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is excellent. Alfa is a 6th grader in 1956 Montgomery, Alabama. Alfa lives with his 15 year old sister Zinnia and their great-grandmother "Big Mama". They live in 2 room tar paper shack and need to find another 10 dollars for their rent. Alfa and his family are accused of stealing money from a "wealthy" white doctor's home. This book depicts quite realistically life for an African-American family during the 1950's. The bus boycott is 6 months old. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr has just become pastor of the Dexter Ave church and Alfa is trying hard to "walk the walk" and "talk the talk" of nonviolence.

I'm currently reading this aloud to my 6th graders to help lay some background for their novel study of Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963. They are really engaged, and we've had some good discussions about segregation and the differences in lifestyle. They are having a tough time understanding "having to work" and having to put whatever money Alfa earns toward food and rent.

[Kristen Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short & Sweet: Alfa lives with his sister Zinnia and grandmother in Alabama during the bus boycott and are always struggling to pay their rent money. Someone keeps stealing part of their hidden rent money and they must find out who it is before the rent is due. When they go to clean a house with their grandmother, they are accused of stealing two thousand dollars and must find who did it so they can get their pay before their rent is due. I loved the pace of this book and the intriguing mystery of rent money disappearing. Alfa feels fortunate to have a job in a grocery store, where he gets money along with food to feed his sister and grandmother. The bus boycott pays a big part in the novel, forcing Alfa to walk everywhere, which takes so much longer than riding the bus.

Final Verdict: Walking to the Bus-Rider Blues is a great novel set during the civil rights movement that should be in every elementary school collection.

[Marinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good. I'd say a 3.5. I am fairly educated on the civil rights movement and that is what drew me to the book. When I started it I struggled because it seemed so elementary. Once I reminded myself that this is written for children I could appreciate it more. I thought that the story was fairly engaging once I got into it. The challenges faced by Alfa and Zinnia in the book seemed fairly glossy in comparison to my understanding of what southern blacks really experienced at this time, but overall, I feel that it is a good introduction to the civil rights movement and the Montgomery bus boycott for children who have no understanding of these events. I also appreciated how the author threw in a variety of historical facts regarding the movement.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

WALKING TO THE BUS Book Level :
Genre: Fiction
To start with this book Walking to the bus it a pretty good book and why I choose this book because it talks about how black people were treated in the old day how some other races were disrespectful to the blacks and this all started in June 1956 Alabama. In the story it was a hard life the main character because they were going to get kicked out of there house they had the money but someone kept stealing their money. Also, the author of this book is Harriette Gillem Robinet.

The characters of this story are Alfa, Zinna, Merryfield, Williams, Aunt Lydia, and Paul Adams, and Mr. Greendale they are all the characters in Wailing to the bus this is a really good book it. In this book, the characters in this book have gone through a lot because the white or I should say is that others race treated black wrong because in the story some three white kids kept stealing money from Merryfield then they told the cops that the black people were trying to steal their money but it is not true tho But everything ended happily

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alfred, Zinnia, and Big Momma live in Montgomery in the 1950s bus boycott era. Every month when they try to make rent, the money disappears. Through a series of events, Alfa and Zinnia take it upon themselves to find out where it goes, and in the process risk arrest, loss of jobs, other accusations, and possibly losing their home.

This was a fantastic intermediate read about the civil rights era. Robinet captures the mind of these two child/teen characters exquisitely, all of them with distinct personalities. I love how we find out what happened to Alfa and Zinnia's mother, and though it's painful, I love how Big Momma is depicted, a pivotal matriarch in the community (black and white) with likely dementia.

I'm looking forward to reading more of Robinet's work! Her handling of the subject matter is age appropriate, but doesn't make any excuses. She keeps you interested with small inserts of details and real, raw depictions of surroundings. I also appreciated her author's note at the end of this book.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid historical fiction. Can work well when paired with other civil-rights-era knowledge-building.

One thing the author does extremely well is show how different interactions between POC and white folks sounded vs how they felt. Verbally supporting the “southern hospitality” while harboring feelings of hate and resentment. This happens intermittently, but quite accurately, throughout the book.

The added twist of it being written as a mystery drives the story forward as well.

Be prepared to address use of the n-word in the text. The author uses it appropriately to show the imbalanced power between characters. While it does help to illustrate, it is likely to impact many readers very deeply.

[Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have a number of copies of this book in the classroom, and since it's shorter than other Civil Rights era books, I've successfully given it to a number of kids when I've mandated everyone reading a Civil Rights era book. However, none finished it or sounded excited about it, and the cover sniffs of outdated writing... so I tried it. Couldn't get into it. Oh well! Luckily there are so many compelling other Civil Rights era books.

[Madison Littleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read with a complex story that really dives into the emotions and thoughts of those who were oppressed during the civil rights movement era. Had a hint of a mystery as they try to solve the injustice they were facing. However I was captivated and angered as I read about the terrible ways in which the Merryfields were treated. Felt the bit about the stealing of the rent money was unneeded for the original story line.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

For being a short little book, this novel definitely touched upon several issues including segregation, the bus boycott, false accusation, Alzheimers and/or dementia, respect for elders, drug use. extortion, gambling. and theft. It was a well-done book for a younger crowd and would appear to be a good introduction to understand how African-Americans were treated in Alabama in the 1950s.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkably complex for such a short read -- set in Montgomery, Alabama during the bus boycott in 1956. Hard reading -- the Merryfield's lives are harsh, and Alfa's ability to embrace the message of non violence is astonishing under the constantly degrading and dangerous circumstances. I loved the mystery aspect in the middle of the book, and Alfa's strong narrative voice. Powerful.

[Trudy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate this book and look forward to reading it with my 5th graders. What better way to create understanding of our history than to step into it? It is accessible and provides much to discuss. It will be a great addition to our study of civil rights.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and interesting read. A great books for kids to learn how it was like back in the days when racial tensions were high. A bit of mystery adds to it, too. Definitely a pass for the school library.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good mystery book

[Libby]

A good, simple read aloud that opened the door to some good conversations with my girls.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org

[Daniel]

is amazing

[Aliceyia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book because it had good details . I wish the author had more music. i would recommend this book to who ever likes rosa parks

[Rubiella Carrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't you ever want to go back into the past? Well if you have then what would the event be? The Birmingham Boycott, The French and Indian War, Or The Revolutionary War. There are many more event that took place in the past.The book is called "Walking to The Bus Rider-Blues", By Harriette Gillem Robinet. Its a Historical Fiction. I wanted to read this book because it seemed interesting. My favorite genre is Mystery.
The Person telling this story is a young boy about to be a teenager. His name is Alfa Merry field. He has a older sister named Zinnia Merry field. Alfa and his family struggles to pay rent. Somebody has been stealing their rent money. He has been working in a Grocery store. To get his mind out of money troubles he would sing the bus rider blues. He had this haunting dream were only bare feet showed men, Women, and children's brown feet, all walking softly. Then shoes with white toes sticking out of them stomping like an army toward the bare brown feet.
This happened around December 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama, Because instead of riding the buses colored folks had been walking up and down hills. He has been living with big mama, also known as grandma. They had big money problems at the end of every month. Nobody had known who had been stealing their rent money. On the other hand big mama was strong. She was as strong as an ox she called herself. She was confused in the head, but she was responsible for Alfa and Zinnia. His sister was 15 and in high school and he was in 6 grade. Zinnia wanted to be a teacher. He wanted to be a scientist. He wanted to leave school and earn more money. He was tall and could lie about his work age.
The author does a good job of explaining how segregation was experienced by the whites and blacks. There were only a few days left before rent was due.........Wait did you think i was gonna tell you more? Well i guess you will have to read the whole story to find out what happened with Alfa and his family. And also find out about the Boycott. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars because the author who wrote this explained alot about the boycott, and about Alfa's life. I think the moral to this story is to be grateful of what you have and your parents because not everybody has what you have and not everybody parents have money for rent, like for example back then some people did not have the same rights. Just take a minute and give thanks to these important people who gave us the right we have today.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great middle school read. A pretty accurate description of life in Alabama in 1956.

[Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of the book Walking to the Bus Rider Blues ,Harriette Robinet has exceptionally well explained and shown the troubles of blacks during segregation. Through this story Harriette explained history in an exciting way through a fictional person ,Alpha Merryfield someone who sang of money troubles and segregation troubles. Throughout the book Harriette mentions Historic things such as Rosa Parks and the Bus Boycott showing examples of bad and good outcomes.

The historical-fiction novel Walking to the Bus Rider Blues shows grit through one of the worst things in history segregation. As for Alpha a black poor women she's stuck in the middle of all this action as she just started living through the Bus Boycott. As for Alpha getting through all this happens through extensive work and grit. The novel Walking the Bus Rider Blues shows an exciting way to learn about segregation in america through the life of someone who's suffering from it and fighting for what she wants through overcoming obstacles.

Through the whole book Harriette showed history in it's easiest form but didn't include as much information on the history of segregation. Through all this I give Walking to the Bus rider blues 4 stars for a great exciting story but not enough history.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book.
Set against the backdrop of Alabama in 1956 during the bus boycott, it provides an engaging way to garner a deep understanding of historic events. The reality of living in those times and the impact of Rosa Parks actions is experienced vicariously through the protagonists.
It is the story of two black children, Alfa, and his sister, Zinnia, who live with their aging grandmother, Big Mama. They all have to work to get by, but their rent money keeps disappearing. When they are accused of stealing from a rich white doctor, it is up to Alfa to figure it all out.
While there is much to like about this book, I have to admit that it was slow, even for me, an adult reader. It begins just fine and I was engaged for the first 1/3 and then I just got bored. I had to persevere to complete the book - not a good thing at all if I am thinking about recommending it to kids.

[Debra Landay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book takes place one week in June during the Birmingham bus boycott of 1956. The narrator is a boy on the cusp of becoming a teenager. The story is written as a mystery; and while the story is not all that interesting, rather simplistic actually, the author does a good job of explaining how segregation was experienced by whites and blacks. Further, the author, through the characters displays how the boycott changed how blacks thought of themselves. Some of the characters, particularly the shop owner did not ring true or consistent. However, for a late elementary school reader or middle school reader, the book would satisfy the objectives of reading and learning history at the same time.

[Heather B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place six months after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus for a white person in Montgomery Alabama. It tells a story about a twelve year old boy, Alfa, he and his sister live with their great grandmother in a shack with plently of money issues. Alfa and his family joined the boycott in not taking the buses and instead walking everywhere, which makes their long hard day even longer. This book gives a pretty good sense of how African Americans were treated in the south during this time. The language and treatment toward African Americans can get very cruel as well, but thats how it was. I would recommend this book for 3rd through 6th grade students. Published 2000.

[Jennifer Moss · Rating 3 out of 5]

This civil rights themed book uses easy language that tries to do everything a good historic fiction book should do plus a bit of mystery built in. Robinet puts you in the middle of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1956. The reader is able to see, hear, and feel what it might have been like to be an African American preteen during this time. Young readers will learn why boycotting was difficult for people. Readers also get brief sideline view of famous leaders like King and Abernathy in the context of the story and movement. Issues of racial tension and unfair treatment will spark discussion. Story and character development are not overly complex, but the author does a lot with only 145 pages.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

We have a book discussion lunch once a semester at my job at a college health service. This book was suggested by a co-worker who is a woman of color whose daughter uses this book in her middle school classes in Providence, RI. I haven't read a lot of YA books but I enjoyed this. The descriptions of the smells, the intense heat, the fear and humiliation in Montgomery, Alabama during the bus boycott were vivid. The author uses a mystery to hold kids'attention but at the same time, she uses a lot of historical details to bring history alive. Particularly interesting are the points of Dr. King's philosophy of non-violence. How apropos as I sit here waiting for the grand jury's decision in the Michael Brown case.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book a while ago. Then it got boxed and was only recently found.

I liked the characters of the book and how they applied the scientific process to solving their problems... but I didn't like the ending... and maybe I wasn't supposed to. No one acknockledged any wrongdoing; no on apologized; no "real" happy ending was in sight.

I will still recommend this book to my students as they study the Civil Rights Movement.

[Edy Gies · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was good but not great. The story is kind of weak and the telling is acceptable. Some of the plot lines are left hanging and characters are somewhat underdeveloped. It is short though so that may appeal to some students. The struggle of the black population of Montgomery, Alabama is very well depicted, though. I will warn that they use the "n" word many times so some immature readers may be unable to handle this.

[Dominique Dantzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its about kids our age in the 50's or 60's back when slavery was going on. I learned that its not where you've been but where you're going. A lot of people look at the past and dwell on that and let it hold them back but you have to know that you have to go forward in life.