Review: The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

Title: The Lions of Little Rock
Author: Kristin Levine
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 5, 2012
Edition: Hardcover (298 pages)

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Marlee and Liz are both entering the 7th grade in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1958, following the mandated integration of Little Rock schools in 1957. Marlee is shy and rarely speaks, but she and Liz become best friends, and that friendship changes both their lives. To say more would give away too much, but after reading this book, the reason for its title, 'The Lions of Little Rock', will be evident.

This is a book I will never forget and am blessed to have read. In my opinion, it is historical fiction at its finest, to be appreciated and valued by young readers and adults, alike. This is a book that offers much more than historical fact, which often becomes no more than names and numbers on the page. The emotion, the struggles, and the community sentiment are vividly brought to life in a way that causes adults to remember and children to gain perspective through he author's telling of this story.