A historical fiction novel, The Lions of Little Rock takes place
in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1958, a tumultuous time in American history, known as the Lost Year, when Little Rock closed its schools in an effort to block desegregation. The protagonist, Marlee Nisbitt, is a 12-year old girl of silence. So silent, in fact, that she'd rather count prime numbers in her head than speak to another human being. Speaking five words to someone other than her family is an accomplishment. But that all changes she she meets a new girl in the first week of school. Liz Fullerton, confident and loquacious, was the exact opposite of Marlee, which is depicted when she strides up to Marlee during lunch and strikes up a conversation. Thus, a friendship is born.
Liz is determined to help Marlee conquer her fear of speaking and convinces her to participate in a oral presentation with her for one of their classes. But on the day of the presentation Liz is inexplicably absent. It turns out that she was pulled from school because she was caught "passing" - that is, an African American trying to pass as white for a better education and more opportunities.
The devastation consumed Marlee, but she and Liz soon devised ways to see each other in secret, and ultimately igniting a series of unfortunate and heroic events.
Filled with facts, this novel educates readers on the lost year of 1958 in Little Rock. But the friendship built between Marlee and Liz drives the story forward and makes the reader cling to idea of unconditional love, renounce ignorance, and, just as Marlee did, find their voice.
Liz is determined to help Marlee conquer her fear of speaking and convinces her to participate in a oral presentation with her for one of their classes. But on the day of the presentation Liz is inexplicably absent. It turns out that she was pulled from school because she was caught "passing" - that is, an African American trying to pass as white for a better education and more opportunities.
The devastation consumed Marlee, but she and Liz soon devised ways to see each other in secret, and ultimately igniting a series of unfortunate and heroic events.
Filled with facts, this novel educates readers on the lost year of 1958 in Little Rock. But the friendship built between Marlee and Liz drives the story forward and makes the reader cling to idea of unconditional love, renounce ignorance, and, just as Marlee did, find their voice.