Monday, February 18, 2013

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: The Lions of Little Rock

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine (G.P. Putnam's Sons 2012)

This was a Cybils' MG finalist, and I completely adored it--although I have to admit that the cover did not immediately draw me in. However, once I was involved in the story, I did not want to put it down!

What It's About: (Via Goodreads) Two girls separated by race form an unbreakable bond during the tumultuous integration of Little Rock schools in 1958

Twelve-year-old Marlee doesn't have many friends until she meets Liz, the new girl at school. Liz is bold and brave, and always knows the right thing to say, especially to Sally, the resident mean girl. Liz even helps Marlee overcome her greatest fear - speaking, which Marlee never does outside her family.

But then Liz is gone, replaced by the rumor that she was a Negro girl passing as white. But Marlee decides that doesn't matter. Liz is her best friend. And to stay friends, Marlee and Liz are willing to take on integration and the dangers their friendship could bring to both their families.

Opening Lines: "I talk a lot. Just not out loud where anyone can hear."

What I Liked: You lovers of historical fiction: this one is for you. I admit I am not well-versed in the history of the Civil Rights movement, beyond knowing Martin Luther King Jr. So this was eye-opening for me, that fact that Governor Faubus of Arkansas in 1957 was willing to close down the high schools rather than integrate them.

I really liked Marlee, and her arc was superb. She went from being incredibly shy to being incredibly brave. Her friendship with the more outgoing Liz was beautifully rendered. Kristin Levine also made Marlee's family very well-rounded, with understandable tensions arising between the parents and the children as they all face the fact of segregation and violence in their own way.

There is also quite a bit of action, including a scene where a character is locked in the trunk of a moving car being driven by the story's villain, and a bombing which narrowly misses being fatal.

The writing itself was beautiful and engrossing, and I found myself emotionally moved numerous times. This would be a great novel to read to a 5-8 grade class, or as part of a unit dealing with the civil rights movement.

About the Author: (From the back cover of The Lions of Little Rock) Kristin Levine, author of the critically acclaimed The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had, received her BA in German from Swarthmore College and an MFA in film from American University. She spent a year in Vienna, Austria, working as an au pair and has taught screenwriting at American University. Currently, she lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband and two daughters.


13 comments:

  1. I really enjoyed this one when I read it, even though I didn't expect to from the cover or description (I wondered if it might be cliched). But I loved the strong bond of friendship between the girls and I'd read it again.

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  2. Sounds like a good book. I really like that time period. I agree that the cover isn't my favorite.

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    1. You're right, Natalie--a great time period. (And, as a writer, no cell phones etc. to have to deal with!)

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  3. Historicals dealing with race issues are among my favorites. It helps readers put on different 'clothes' and walk around in them. Such a powerful thing.

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    1. As I was reading Michael's post, I immediately thought you would like this book, Barbara. Sounds like a good read.

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    2. Barbara is the first writer who pops into my head when there's any mention of historical fiction!

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  4. I enjoyed this one too. Marlee is a great character, I agree. I wish there there more of Liz in the book; her story is so much more intense and dramatic. I would have loved to learn what it was like for her; risking everything to try to get an education...

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    1. That is a great point, Andromeda. Liz did have an awful lot at stake. It would be an interesting question to ask Kristin Levine...

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  5. This sounds like a wonderful book. And that it was a Cybils finalist is really something!

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    1. Okay, I feel a little fanboyish whenever a great writer stops by the blog. The Don's had to revive me with some cappuccino.

      If you want to know more about Kathryn's latest, go to Jennifer Rumberger's blog today!

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  6. Great review, Michael. I wish I had known about this when I put my new class reading list together (middle grade creative writers). Although it was hard enough to limit my decisions.

    This book seems to fit right in with what Barbara was discussing today - sitting in that upper middle grade area where the issues are more complex and the characters more well-rounded.

    Danika

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  7. I have heard great things about this one. I enjoy HF and this sounds like one I will really enjoy. Great review! Sold. :)
    ~Jess

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