In A Seat for Everyone, we journey back to the Civil Rights Movement—a time when people united to build a fairer and more just world. This story is inspired by the courage of everyday individuals who believed that, together, they could make a difference. Sociologists Mustafa Emirbayer and Matthew Desmond remind us in The Civil Rights Movement that small actions can lead to big changes. During this pivotal time in history, people came together, taking small but deliberate steps that ultimately had monumental impacts, empowering them to stand as one in the fight for justice. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by a young Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists, serves as a shining example of this principle. Their peaceful protest against bus segregation demonstrated how seemingly small acts of defiance could create transformative change. In this story, Maia learns about the bravery of those who came before her and the extraordinary power of working together. We hope this tale inspires young readers to see that kindness and courage are more than just ideals—they are tools capable of shaping a better world. Like Maia, we all have a role to play, and together, we can make a meaningful difference.

PREFACE

Today was like every other day. Maia rode the bus to school with her best friend Ben. They loved waving to people as 

they went by. 

Every morning! He's always there.

Look! There's Mr. Jones with his dog Sally. 

At school, Maia’s teacher, Mrs. Clark, standing at the front of the classroom, introduces an elderly woman with kind eyes and a warm smile, Mrs. Harris.

Class, this is Mrs. Harris. She’s lived in our town for many years, and she has some stories to share with us.

Hello, everyone! Today, I’m going to tell you about a special time from when I was your age.

When I was little, there were rules about who could sit where on the bus. Kids like me were very affected by this.

Back then, Black and White passengers had to sit in separate sections, with Black people usually having to sit at the back. If the front seats filled up, Black passengers were expected to give up their seats for White riders. 

But why would there be rules like that?

It was unfair, Maia. People were judged by the color of their skin, not by who they were on the inside.

Maia raised her hand to ask a question.

After school, Maia couldn’t stop thinking about Mrs. Harris’s story. Walking home, she turned to her mom.

It was wrong, honey. People back then didn’t treat everyone fairly. But there were brave people who stood up for what was right.

Mom, why did people make those rules?

As they walked home, Maia's dad joined them and her parents shared more about what Mrs. Harris had said.

People like Mrs. Harris decided they wouldn’t ride the buses anymore. They walked instead to show the world that things needed to change. 

It did. Some people walked miles, every day, rain or shine. But they believed in making things fair for everyone.