The Little Rock Nine: Struggle for Integration

Children's Literature - Barbara L. Talcroft

The "Snapshots in History" series aims to acquaint middle readers with some significant historic events of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Its authors face a challenge: how to make the narrative interesting to students who may be lacking the background in history and politics that would help them fill in gaps left by compressing complex stories into eight short chapters. Aided by photographs, sidebars, and direct quotations, this volume succeeds better than most. Its story of Southern school integration begins with a vivid account of the ordeal of Elizabeth Eckford, one of the black teenagers who volunteered to integrate Little Rock's Central High School in 1957. Left to approach the school by herself, this courageous girl was jeered at and threatened by a crowd of frenzied townspeople, whose conduct young readers will find shocking. The author goes on to tell the story of the nine students who endured a distressful year at Central (protected by soldiers sent by President Eisenhower), and a further year of closed schools ordered by Orville Faubus, Governor of Arkansas. Studying hard and remaining engaged, the students did eventually graduate, though not all from Central High; they later won numerous awards for their dignity and courage. Fitzgerald follows their careers through a 1997 reunion, where President Clinton spoke. The black-and-white photographs are especially striking, revealing the struggle and sacrifice of these young pioneers who "served as an example and inspiration to others who wanted to make a difference." Included are a timeline, a bibliography, a glossary, and source notes.

VOYA - Cindy Lombardo

The seven-volume Snapshots in History series offers students an engaging introduction to key events that have had a long-lasting and substantial impact on American culture. Issues range from the struggle for integration to scandal in the White House, and the series also includes titles dealing with the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the rights of the accused, McCarthyism, FDR's New Deal initiative, and the political, social, and emotional aftermath of a devastating hurricane. Each title features short, easy-to-read chapters that are amply illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs. The set is an excellent resource for both students and teachers interested in examining supplemental materials in the areas of both history and social studies. The Little Rock Nine tells the shameful tale of America's battle to integrate the public school system and provide equal educational opportunities for all children. Riveting black-and-white photographs provide a close look at the hatefulness and bigotry on the faces of those opposed to allowing white and black students to learn together in the same classroom. Even more harrowing are the first-person accounts of the nine students who stood strong in the face of opposition, knowing that their actions would open the door for hundreds of thousands of others. The book provides a fascinating look at an uncomfortable chapter in American history.