Lions of Little Rock
Kristin Levine
Set back in
the 1950s, Lions of Little Rock brings about a new story dealing with
segregation in schools. In a time where
African American people were separated for everything, there are a lot of
changes going on in Arkansas that will change the future. After the Little Rock Nine, the 9 black
students that were accepted into the “white” school failed to meet the goals of
the government, life in Little Rock is back to a life of segregation.
Marlee is a middle schooler who
hates speaking in general, but absolutely loves math. She compares people she meets to different
beverages, i.e. hot cocoa, sweet tea, apple juice, but when she meets Liz, the
new girl, it seems like Marlee might have
found a new friend—one that will help her overcome her shyness. The two team up for a project, and they
practice their public speaking for the animals at the zoo. But when Liz doesn’t show up at school one day,
Marlee finds out that Liz is, in fact, a black girl, but light enough to pass
for a white girl, but one of the student’s mothers found out the secret. The two girls are separated and must sneak
around in order to stay friends, even though it is potentially dangerous and
extremely rebellious. When school
closes for Marlee’s sister, she ends up losing her as well. Judy must move to their grandmother’s house
to attend a real school. Marlee, feeling
alone, must summon the courage to speak up for what she believes in, but avoid
being attacked by local racists.
This is a great coming of age/segregation story set during a time in our history that remains bleak and disappointing. However, we have overcome most of this segregation, thank the Lord, and this story is a fantastic representation of some individuals who were born black, but light enough they could pass for white. Not only does Levine describe the segregation in the 1950s, she also adds the story of Marlee and her trouble with public speaking. The interweaving of the two girls is incredible, and it just goes to show that it doesn't matter who you are or what you look like, if you're a good friend, you can help anyone overcome anything.
I cannot WAIT to do book club for this story next month!
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