The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

by Kristin Levine

Excellent Book

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Teen, Childrens, Read For School, School, Friendship

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Mitzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dear friend gave me this book about a year ago and it didn't manage to make it to the top of my tbr pile until now, but it was worth the wait! The story takes place in Little Rock, Arkansas, basically in 1958. I learned about The Little Rock Nine when in 1957 nine African American students integrated Little Rock Central High School. This story takes place the following year when all Little Rock public high schools were closed to prevent the continuation of integration, something I had never realized happened. I also learned that race mixing was associated with communism at that period of time. In this story, two middle school girls (one white, one black) become close friends and not only is their friendship deeply tested but their relationship with their parents and teachers are affected too as they try to understand what is happening in the world. I liked this quote from a teacher in the story, "We pretend the world is straightforward ... You're a good person and try your best and nothing bad will happen. But the truth is, the world ... is complicated and messy. Sometimes there's more than one answer and sometimes there is none. Sometimes we don't even know how to solve the problem." This hit a little too closely as to what is occurring in our world right now. What gave me hope, however, was discovering in the author's note that Levine was raised by parents who had bussed her to an integrated school "because it was a great opportunity to go to school with people who were different from 'me' by race, social class, religion, et cetera." Books like this can be so helpful to keep us moving forward.

[Evie :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked it. not the best book. buddy read it with my cousin. sooo fun. definitely liked it but didnt love it. i am proud i read it in 4 days though :) i would probably recommend but i may forget about it.

[Emily Hamburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I was so sad by the end and it was hard for me to believe this was just fiction because the author wrote it in such a realistic way. Overall, great read!

[Megan Everitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ (own physical) Read aloud w 14yo daughter. Such a great book about the very difficult time of school segregation and how a friendship changed the lives of entire families - some of the ugly parts of American history for sure.

[andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I first read this book back in seventh grade, and I remember loving it—constantly trying to play the same game of magic squares in class. Last year I tried to read a bit of the same books I read when I was younger and this was one I wanted to pick up again. I want to not be as harsh because this book is meant for a younger audience, but that doesn't exactly diminish any criticisms for it all together as well. Firstly, it very unrealistic in several scenarios. That one policeman saying they were gonna keep an eye out on Betty Jean's house? Unfortunately, not realistic—especially for the south in this time period and for how connected racist groups (e.g. the KKK, the Citizens' Council, etc.) could be to local police. Marlee's mom's character development? Too hurried. We could've gotten a sliver of her being a bit more decent and that would've been better than what we got because it would imply she's going in that direction. Like other historical fiction that features racism and has a white main character, it slid into white-savior territory for me and I don't really care too much for that. I've been a girl of color who lives in the rural south and racism isn't kind (obviously), and it unfortunately isn't as muted as it was in this book. It's directed toward tweens, yes, but washing racism down so it is better palatable for tweens doesn't help anyone. I'm not saying insert unnecessary violence/gore to get the point of racism being deplorable across, but rather, showcase the true horrors of racism and they affected, and still affect, minorities. It's significant that we show this in all forms of media—especially for younger crowds. Not everything was achingly horrible back in the past, but it definitely wasn't all amazing by all accounts. We can still highlight how we've done good in bad times, but this book just placed the good before the bad too much.
This book and Deborah Wiles' Countdown were the start of my blossoming love and appreciation for historical fiction. Although I don't love this book as much as I did as then, I still appreciate its place in my life. At whatever age I was when I read this book, I had already experienced discrimination plenty of times but to see racism highlighted in it (though not perfectly) was a big thing to me. It sounds a bit strange given what I wrote earlier, but it helped in my growth surrounding my values and morals. Plus, younger me liked it at the time, so that's gotta be worth something.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very good book. When it comes to friendship and having to do with racism it was a very good book to read. Liz is going to an only white school and everyone thinks she is white because of how light her skin is. Liz experiences with a lot of racism and Marlee tries her best to protect Liz but everyone tells them they should not be friends because of the color of their skin. Liz tries to tell Marlee that it is better if they stopped being friends. But Marlee does not want that to happen. Marlee is a very shy and quiet person. While Liz is very outgoing and talkative. I loved how their skin color did not have an impact on their friendship. I love how Liz was so outgoing and caring towards Marlee which is why Liz is my favorite character. The book also had very good details throughout the book as well.

[Marlee B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went back between 4 & 5 stars, so I’d say 4.5 really. Usually I only give 5 stars to books that totally blew me away & I would read again- I don’t know that I would actually read it again, maybe with my kids when they’re a little older. But I thought it did a beautiful job covering a piece of history that isn’t well known- that Little Rock high schools were closed for a year after the Little Rock Nine. I loved the way Liz and Marlee’s friendship progresses, and how Marlee gradually finds her voice and courage. Loved the variety of family dynamics too.

[Kassel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Discovered it at my son's middle school library and was totally worth the read. I loved the way Marlee's mind worked and how she developed as a character throughout the book. The change was obvious and well done, woven in seamlessly through the book's development. The ending did leave me a little sad, mainly because I wondered what happened in the future, but it was a very good read overall, and I highly recommend.

[Ellie Danker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this book so much. It’s such an interesting portrayal of the events after the Little Rock 9 in the following school year. I read this for my lit class, but I remember reading this in middle school and my feelings for this book have only grown, being able to appreciate it even more as an adult.

All I have to say is, “read this book!”

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a parent child read a loud. There are some truly heavy topics in this book, but also topics that lead to very meaningful discussion. My kids are 11, 7, and 6 at the time of finishing this book. They all would bring up characters and topics in everyday conversation and I love how much it made them think. I highly recommend!

[Ashley Cahoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Such a creative take on the racial injustice during intense segregation in the south. Surprising historical accuracy about the Little Rock nine and the lynchings that occurred in Arkansas. 15/10 recommend

[Nancee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction told through the eyes of twelve-year-old Marlee. From the book: “In 1958 Little Rock, Arkansas, these best friends refuse to give up on each other, no matter the cost.” This is a book about segregation and integration in the public schools at that time.

[MyaPaints · Rating 5 out of 5]

🛑✋🛑🛑🛑🛑🛑 HUGE SPOILER WARNING AHEAD PROCEED WITH CAUTION!This was a amazing book I loved it so much it was very touching book I was heartbroken when Liz couldn’t see or talk to Marlee anymore but I was so happy when Liz gave Marlee her new number this book was amazing ten out of ten would recommend!

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

For our homeschool: We really enjoyed this book about the year after the Little Rock 9 when the schools were closed all year because of the separatists who didn’t want the schools to be desegregated.

[Maryam Grasham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really did a good job of showing how segregation affected those who lived in Little Rock.

The main character is likeable, relatable and human. Her journey really shows how you can grow and learn to stick up for yourself.

[RJE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a few years ago and just got Goodreads and so I thought I would put the books I have read in. This one wasn’t there so now it is! This is a great book that I highly recommend!!

[Liseli Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book that actually got me interested. I love the purpose and the era that it was based in was such a vibe.

[Isabelle Esau · Rating 4 out of 5]

For school. Really good for children’s lit.

[Elizabeth C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. By a great author too!!!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about what happened after the Little Rock 9.

[Jamie Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet story

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-5 ⭐️’s

[zara thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

favorite book of all time. read in 2014, my comfort book since.

[Sanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The Lions of Little Rock aloud to my kids this summer. It is the 72nd family read aloud we've done. Very fitting for current events.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books on Tap

[Zelyia Medina · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was good not the greatest but good would recommend to read for education of segregation.

[Brittany McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Great portrayal of historical events for its target audience.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Would recommend. Probably wont remember it in 3 years. Has some bad words.

[Annabelle Eckert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. Better than I was expecting. Little discouraging how good Marlee is at math!😆 But it seems like a very probable situation.

[Kelsey Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was a class novel but nonetheless it was very wholesome!! I lovedd Marlees progress