Twelve Days in May

By Larry Dane Brimner

Thirteen activists challenge bus segregation, facing escalating danger.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 755 ratings

112 pages· 8,912 words· Est. 50 min read

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Bookroo's summary

In 1961, thirteen brave activists embarked on a perilous journey to challenge bus segregation in the South. Despite Supreme Court rulings, segregation persisted, and these Freedom Riders aimed to expose this injustice. As they traveled deeper into hostile territory, they faced mounting violence and resistance. Will their peaceful protest ignite change, or will they be silenced by the opposition? Discover the gripping true story of courage and determination that marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.

From the publisher

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Winner “An engaging and accessible account” for young readers about the Freedom Riders who led the landmark 1961 protests against segregation on buses (School Library Journal) On May 4, 1961, a group of thirteen black and white civil rights activists launched the Freedom Ride, aiming to challenge the practice of segregation on buses and at bus terminal facilities in the South. The Ride would last twelve days. Despite the fact that segregation on buses crossing state lines was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1946, and segregation in interstate transportation facilities was ruled unconstitutional in 1960, these rulings were routinely ignored in the South. The thirteen Freedom Riders intended to test the laws and draw attention to the lack of enforcement with their peaceful protest. As the Riders traveled deeper into the South, they encountered increasing violence and opposition. Noted civil rights author Larry Dane Brimner relies on archival documents and rarely seen images to tell the riveting story of the little-known first days of the Freedom Ride.