This article describes four picture books ("Mississippi Morning" written by Ruth Vander Zee, "Dad, Jackie, and Me" written by Myron Uhlberg, "Freedom on the Menu" written by Carole Boston Weatherford, and "A Sweet Smell of Roses" written by Angela Johnson) that provide a concise (yet nuanced) chronicle of the civil rights movement--from the Jim Crow era of the early 20th century to the movement for integration in the 1960s. The use of picture books is one method to bring students closer to the past. This format brings relevance and understanding to all students through text and images. Students who may not normally be able to participate in class discussion and activities due to language difficulties or learning disabilities are included through their connection with the images, developing and enhancing their visual literacy. As for students who are proficient readers and can gather meaning from text, their understanding of the time period is enhanced by the emotions and details portrayed in the visual images. Whether used as an introduction, exploration of an event or person, or as a concluding activity, picture books have a place in every secondary classroom. (Contains 21 notes.)