She Stepped Up: Barbara Johns Starts the Fight for Equality in Education

by Rebecca Keese

About the Book There are many names quickly recognized in the battle for civil Martin Luther King Jr., Ruby Bridges, and Rosa Parks - but another you should learn of is Barbara Johns, a sixteen-year-old African American from Farmville, Virginia, who, in 1951, organized and launched a school strike demanding a public high school equal to the one for white students. She and her classmates walked out because they wanted a better education, an equal education, leading to better opportunities. At the time, Barbara didn't know if her actions would achieve what she wanted. She certainly had no idea she was starting a thirteen-year fight for equality in public education that would involve the entire country. She never would've imagined that her school strike would help change American history. She was just doing what she believed was right. The fight for true equality in not just education, but in many aspects of American life continues. Young people, black and white, do not know the extent of the history of racism in our country and schools are now facing challenges to the content of history education. She Stepped Barbara Johns Starts the Fight for Equality in Education tells the story of Barbara Johns, another name to recognize in our battle for civil rights in the US.
About the Author Rebecca Keese is a retired elementary and upper elementary school librarian and reading specialist in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was difficult to find African American history for challenged readers and for library shelves that spoke to and about young people. A visit to the Moton Museum in Farmville, Virginia spurred her to write an approachable biography, including all the features of expository text, about a young person who spoke up for what she believed was right.

62 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2023

Reviews

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

She Stepped Up: Barbara Johns Starts the Fight for Equality in Education by Rebecca Keese is an extraordinary work that follows the life and impact of Barbara Rose Johns who was born in 1935 in New York City. As a teenager, Barbara Johns helped organise a strike that eventually led to the desegregation of schools in the United States. She broke barriers, created change, and inspired other people in the fight for equality and civil rights in America. This work chronicles her accomplishments and how they changed her life and the lives of many people.
This is an incredibly hopeful work that encourages people from all backgrounds to choose their path. I found each woman’s story interesting and uplifting. The book offers a realistic look into what it took for Barbara to become an agent of change, showing the value of dedication and commitment in her journey. I found many sections in the book eye-opening. Highly recommended.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredibly thought-provoking and insightful book!
This is an absolute potent and significant piece of work that sheds light on Barbara Johns' sometimes undervalued and forgotten contributions to the American civil rights struggle. I really appreciate the way in which the narrative highlights her tenacious efforts to fight for equitable education in the face of racial segregation.
It’s imperative to mention the sublime and respectful author’s writing style which gives the book a deeper perspective to a totally relevant matter.
Throughout this title, we can also find the difficulties schools have in teaching students about racism's history, which is a relevant and crucial topic in education. This feature gives the book more substance and veracity.

[Conscientious · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an eye-opening account of an often-overlooked hero in the civil rights movement. In a landscape dominated by well-known figures, Barbara Johns' story is a revelation. The author chronicles the incredible journey of a determined sixteen-year-old African American girl who, in 1951, took a bold stand by leading a school strike in pursuit of equal education.
The book not only sheds light on her bravery but also emphasizes the importance of equal educational opportunities in the fight against racism and inequality. It serves as a timely reminder of the tireless efforts of individuals like Barbara Johns, who played pivotal roles in shaping American history. A must-read.

[Hal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice story. Told with completeness, urgency, and sass. And educational, even for adult readers.