On May 4, 1961, thirteen activists—black and white, young and old, male and female—board two buses in Washington, D.C., for New Orleans, Louisiana. Their Freedom Ride will last just twelve days. But their mission is clear. The laws prohibiting segregation on buses crossing state lines and at bus stations are being violated. These Freedom Riders are determined to draw attention to the laws’ lack of enforcement. But what starts as a peaceful protest turns violent as they travel deeper into the South.

This is their story.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award

An ALA Notable Children’s Book

Booklist Editors’ Choice

A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books

“Brimner … presents a straightforward narrative approach to the subject that will appeal to readers. … An essential part of civil rights collections and a worthy addition to all nonfiction shelves.”—School Library Journal, starred review