The Lions of Little Rock

Title: The Lions of Little Rock

Author: Kristin Levine

Summary: Marlee, 12 years old, is just about to start middle school. Meanwhile, her sister's school isn't even open because of all the segregation things going on. She's painfully shy and then she meets Liz, a girl who is nearly the opposite of her in shyness. Liz helps her open up to the world and talk more. They become friends, but then, one day, Liz doesn't show up at school, and Marlee later finds out why. Liz is black, but she is trying to pass for white, and the school kicked her out. They continue to meet each other though; sometimes in the woods, sometimes by the lions at the Little Rock Zoo. One day, the parents find out and bad things start happening, putting Liz's family and Marlee's family in danger. Marlee goes on some daring adventures to help save them, and Liz and Marlee, even though they do not talk much anymore because it would put them in more danger, both hope that everything will turn out alright.

Comments: I loved, loved, loved this book! It was so sad and so eye-opening about what went on during that time. Marlee and Liz are both likeable characters and this book is great historic fiction. I would probably recommend it to 10+ though, just because younger children may not understand this part of history and it may be confusing for them or maybe even a bit hard to read.

Complaints: None. I think that this book is amazing and every girl should read it!

Rating: 5 stars!