Cracking the Wall: The Struggles of the Little Rock Nine (On My Own History) [Paperback]

Eileen Lucas (Author), Mark Anthony (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1997 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: On My Own History

A brief introduction to the nine African-American students who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3AIn 1957, nine African-American students entered Central High, an all-white high school in Little Rock, AR. This picture book tells their story. It is well written and describes personal characteristics of the individuals involved, making the events memorable for young readers. The full- and double-page illustrations lend drama to the text. An introductory "Author's Note," an afterword, and a time line provide background information. This easy-to-read title will fill a void in many libraries. Used in conjunction with biographies on Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr., etc., it is the ideal supplement to units on civil rights and African-American history. Students will glean much information on segregation and teachers will find it particularly useful as an introduction to school integration.ALauri McKain-Fernandez, Highlands School, Birmingham, AL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 3^-5. This simply written book recounts the story of the desegregation of Central High in Little Rock, Arkansas. An author's note briefly summarizes the conditions of segregation, the 1953 Supreme Court decision against school segregation, and the decision of nine black students to enroll in Little Rock's Central High. Lucas introduces each of the students as individuals, then follows them through their three-week ordeal, concentrating on the day they tried to enter the school; the day they succeeded in entering by a side door but were forced to leave after a few hours for their safety; and the day federal troops ensured their right to enter through the main door and attend classes. An afterword provides follow-up information on the students as well as the 1957^-58 shutdown of the Little Rock high schools. Bringing the story to life are expressive paintings that clearly show the rage, unhappiness, and dignity of the people involved in the conflict. Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 56 pages
• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157505227X
• ISBN-13: 978-1575052274
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #834,339 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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