The Lions of Little Rock

The Lions of Little Rock

Kristin Levine decided to set her second historical fiction book
in Little Rock. Her mother was born there. She was sure that 1957
when Central High was integrated would motivate a great story. When
she traveled to Little Rock and interviewed people, however, she
discovered that what they wanted to discuss even more was 1958, when
all public high schools were closed in a desperate effort to avoid
integration. This less known but equally fascinating "lost year"
provides the background for The Lions of Little Rock.
Marlee, Levine's protagonist, is a bright, shy girl who talks
very little to folks other than favored family members. She packs a
lunch so she doesn't have to tell the cafeteria ladies what she
wants. She's starting junior high and worried that she'll end up
eating by herself. "There are worse things in life than sitting
alone. Like leprosy. Or losing a limb. Or maybe getting your period
in the middle of gym when you're wearing white shorts and the teacher
is a man and you've left all your sanitary napkins at home."
Imagine her delight when an outgoing new girl, Liz, befriends
her and helps her start to come out of her shell. They work together
on an oral report. Liz teaches her ways to speak in front of the
class. Abruptly Liz leaves school. The official story is that she's
sick. Rumors fly that she's been discovered to be a black girl
passing for white. Marlee is desperate to not lose her only real
friend. However, in a time when police would ignore prejudice
inspired violence, even a secret friendship puts them both in danger.
Marlee's family is split on the issue of integration. Her
father thinks it's just plain wrong to keep the schools closed and
deprive students of education. He doesn't see why it would be so
dangerous for white and black kids to learn together. He refuses to
let her big sister, Judy, go to a segregated private acadamy, even
though it means she has to live with her grandmother to continue her
education. Her mother, however, wants the races kept separate, sure
that anything else will lead to racial mixing.
If you want a compelling coming of age story in which the
protagonist finds her voice under very challenging circumstances I
highly recommend The Lions of Little Rock.
On a personal note, well I just took a little walk to the town office
to put my name in to be on a committee to explore the town's fire
service options. I have no idea if I'll get appointed.
A great big shout out goes out to fire fighters who risk their lives
to keep us and our homes safe.
Julia Emily Hathaway


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