The Lions of Little Rock

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to find their own voice or when they are beginning to notice social injustices in their peer groups. Marlee is a quiet, introverted twelve year old who finds safety in numbers and silence, but her world is upended when her best friend Liz is forced to leave school because she was passing for white. Set during the 1958 Little Rock integration crisis, the story follows Marlee as she overcomes her debilitating shyness to fight for a friendship that the rest of society deems illegal. It is a deeply moving exploration of the courage required to be an ally and the strength found in quiet conviction. While it deals with heavy historical themes of systemic racism and segregation, the focus remains on the emotional growth of a young girl learning that her words have power. It is an ideal bridge for middle schoolers transitioning from personal stories to broader social histories, offering a realistic yet hopeful look at standing up for what is right.