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Mighty Justice: The Untold Story of Civil Rights Trailblazer Dovey Johnson Roundtree
A young reader’s adaptation of Mighty My Life in Civil Rights , the memoir of activist and trailblazer Dovey Johnson Roundtree, by Katie McCabe.
Raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the height of Jim Crow, Dovey Johnson Roundtree felt the sting of inequality at an early age and made a point to speak up for justice. She was one of the first Black women to break the racial and gender barriers in the US Army; a fierce attorney in the segregated courtrooms of Washington, DC; and a minister in the AME church, where women had never before been ordained as clergy. In 1955, Roundtree won a landmark bus desegregation case that eventually helped end “separate but equal” and dismantle Jim Crow laws across the South.
Developed with the full support of the Dovey Johnson Roundtree Educational Trust and adapted from her memoir, this book brings her inspiring, important story and voice to life.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the height of Jim Crow, Dovey Johnson Roundtree felt the sting of inequality at an early age and made a point to speak up for justice. She was one of the first Black women to break the racial and gender barriers in the US Army; a fierce attorney in the segregated courtrooms of Washington, DC; and a minister in the AME church, where women had never before been ordained as clergy. In 1955, Roundtree won a landmark bus desegregation case that eventually helped end “separate but equal” and dismantle Jim Crow laws across the South.
Developed with the full support of the Dovey Johnson Roundtree Educational Trust and adapted from her memoir, this book brings her inspiring, important story and voice to life.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
208 pages, Hardcover
First published December 15, 2020
4 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Jabari Asim
33 books347 followers
Praise for Only The Strong
"Jabari Asim is such an elegant writer that you won't realize how smoothly he drew you in until you're halfway through this book. Humane and humorous, compassionate and willing to get a little rough, this describes both the writer and the novel. Only The Strong does for St. Louis what Edward P. Jones has done for Washington D.C., Raymond Chandler for Los Angeles---marked it as place on the literary map where you'll want to stay for a long while. A riveting novel." --Victor LaValle, author of The Devil in Silver
“Only the Strong is a lushly atmospheric and passionately written piece of work, bursting with colorful characters that shine on every page.” ---Bernice L. McFadden, author of Gathering of Waters
"Only the Strong effortlessly transmits Jabari Asim’s profound affection for this book's charismatic and varied characters. This is a vivid, revelatory portrait of 1970s America in the disheartened aftermath of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death." —Rafael Yglesias, author of The Wisdom of Perversity
"There's an eerie timeliness to the publication of this fictional study of Saint Louis black communities of the 1970s. Only the Strong reminds me of Chester Himes’ Harlem entertainments—in its deceptively light handling of desperately serious subject matter. Jabari Asim is a writer to watch, and to listen to closely, in these difficult times." —Madison Smartt Bell, author of All Souls’ Rising and Zig Zag Wanderer
"It is like stepping into a time capsule of my old neighborhood in the 1970s...to read about Gateway City, Jabari Asim’s fascinating rendition of St. Louis, as an adult brings back memories of time and place, and also admiration for his storytelling." —Susan Straight, author of Between Heaven and Here and A Million Nightingales
Praise for A Taste Of Honey
"A Taste of Honey has the power of memoir and the poetry of fiction. Suddenly, it is 1968 once more, with all of the hope and violence and seismic change that rocked the cities that summer. It's all here and it's all beautifully rendered. This books is a gem."
—Chris Bohjalian, author of Secrets of Eden
"Jabari Asim has written a brilliant coming-of-age tale filled with compelling characters navigating race relations in 1968, navigating familial and neighborhood demands, and triumphantly reaffirming what it means to be human. A lovely, lyrical collection of connected stories that will leave readers breathless and ecstatic with passion and joy."
—Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Yellow Moon
"Offering the bitter with the sweet, Jabari Asim's first collection of stories, A Taste Of Honey, serves up a multilayered dish. Asim ranges through and across a Midwestern African American community in the wake of the civil rights movement and the social changes of the last forty years, writing from the inside out and unforgettably bringing to life a world that still is too seldom seen in American fiction."
—John Keene, author of Annotations
"Jabari Asim's rich short stories read like a novel . . . full of people we love getting to know—Rose, Gabriel, Pristine, Ed, Reuben, and Guts. I particularly loved the male characters in these pages . . . men who live by their brains and their brawn, shelter their children, their community. They embrace their wives. They love hard, laugh deep, and cry inside."
—Denise Nicholas, author of Freshwater Road
"Asim successfully delves into politics, domestic violence, racial identity, young love, and more in this humorous and poignant collection..."
—Publishers Weekly
"With his debut work of fiction, the Guggenheim Fellow proves himself to be a promising storyteller." -Library Journal
"This fiction rings true." -Kirkus Reviews
More about Jabari Asim
He is the author of What Obama Means . . . For Our Culture, Our Politics, Our Future,, The N Word
"Jabari Asim is such an elegant writer that you won't realize how smoothly he drew you in until you're halfway through this book. Humane and humorous, compassionate and willing to get a little rough, this describes both the writer and the novel. Only The Strong does for St. Louis what Edward P. Jones has done for Washington D.C., Raymond Chandler for Los Angeles---marked it as place on the literary map where you'll want to stay for a long while. A riveting novel." --Victor LaValle, author of The Devil in Silver
“Only the Strong is a lushly atmospheric and passionately written piece of work, bursting with colorful characters that shine on every page.” ---Bernice L. McFadden, author of Gathering of Waters
"Only the Strong effortlessly transmits Jabari Asim’s profound affection for this book's charismatic and varied characters. This is a vivid, revelatory portrait of 1970s America in the disheartened aftermath of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death." —Rafael Yglesias, author of The Wisdom of Perversity
"There's an eerie timeliness to the publication of this fictional study of Saint Louis black communities of the 1970s. Only the Strong reminds me of Chester Himes’ Harlem entertainments—in its deceptively light handling of desperately serious subject matter. Jabari Asim is a writer to watch, and to listen to closely, in these difficult times." —Madison Smartt Bell, author of All Souls’ Rising and Zig Zag Wanderer
"It is like stepping into a time capsule of my old neighborhood in the 1970s...to read about Gateway City, Jabari Asim’s fascinating rendition of St. Louis, as an adult brings back memories of time and place, and also admiration for his storytelling." —Susan Straight, author of Between Heaven and Here and A Million Nightingales
Praise for A Taste Of Honey
"A Taste of Honey has the power of memoir and the poetry of fiction. Suddenly, it is 1968 once more, with all of the hope and violence and seismic change that rocked the cities that summer. It's all here and it's all beautifully rendered. This books is a gem."
—Chris Bohjalian, author of Secrets of Eden
"Jabari Asim has written a brilliant coming-of-age tale filled with compelling characters navigating race relations in 1968, navigating familial and neighborhood demands, and triumphantly reaffirming what it means to be human. A lovely, lyrical collection of connected stories that will leave readers breathless and ecstatic with passion and joy."
—Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Yellow Moon
"Offering the bitter with the sweet, Jabari Asim's first collection of stories, A Taste Of Honey, serves up a multilayered dish. Asim ranges through and across a Midwestern African American community in the wake of the civil rights movement and the social changes of the last forty years, writing from the inside out and unforgettably bringing to life a world that still is too seldom seen in American fiction."
—John Keene, author of Annotations
"Jabari Asim's rich short stories read like a novel . . . full of people we love getting to know—Rose, Gabriel, Pristine, Ed, Reuben, and Guts. I particularly loved the male characters in these pages . . . men who live by their brains and their brawn, shelter their children, their community. They embrace their wives. They love hard, laugh deep, and cry inside."
—Denise Nicholas, author of Freshwater Road
"Asim successfully delves into politics, domestic violence, racial identity, young love, and more in this humorous and poignant collection..."
—Publishers Weekly
"With his debut work of fiction, the Guggenheim Fellow proves himself to be a promising storyteller." -Library Journal
"This fiction rings true." -Kirkus Reviews
More about Jabari Asim
He is the author of What Obama Means . . . For Our Culture, Our Politics, Our Future,, The N Word
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 5, 2023
From page one, I wanted to know this woman named Dovey Johnson Roundtree-- a key (but lesser known) figure in the civil rights movement. Her personal protests against racism changed the way Black female members of the Women's Army Corp were treated during World War II. As a lawyer, some of the court cases she won set a precedent for decisions on other cases. She was amazing!!!! Katie McCabe is the author of adult version & Jabari Asim is the author of adaptation for young adults. Along with typical bio details there are many moments of tension that make you want to turn the page and see what happens next, moments when you think, "Oh goodness. That's awful. What's she going to do now?" and then Roundtree figures out how to overcome yet another obstacle.
Think this would be a good fit for 7th-12th grade students who have particular interests in civil rights or in law. I'd recommend teachers "book talk" this book by sharing or reading aloud excerpts and then leaving students hanging so they'll want to read more. "What happened when the bus driver was so rude to Dovey and her grandmother? You'll have to read to find out!" "What happened to this court case? Were they able to help their client get justice? You'll have to read to find out!" For students who are contemplating going to law school (maybe 8th grade and above), teachers might recommend this book during a reading conference and maybe discuss some of the cases as a way to spark their interest.
LOVED McCabe's note at the end. McCabe describes the tight relationship she developed with Dovey Johnson Roundtree over several years and how they addressed the issue of McCabe being a white author writing about a Black person. After reading the book and getting to know Dovey Roundtree, I was not surprised that she embraced (and educated) McCabe.
Think this would be a good fit for 7th-12th grade students who have particular interests in civil rights or in law. I'd recommend teachers "book talk" this book by sharing or reading aloud excerpts and then leaving students hanging so they'll want to read more. "What happened when the bus driver was so rude to Dovey and her grandmother? You'll have to read to find out!" "What happened to this court case? Were they able to help their client get justice? You'll have to read to find out!" For students who are contemplating going to law school (maybe 8th grade and above), teachers might recommend this book during a reading conference and maybe discuss some of the cases as a way to spark their interest.
LOVED McCabe's note at the end. McCabe describes the tight relationship she developed with Dovey Johnson Roundtree over several years and how they addressed the issue of McCabe being a white author writing about a Black person. After reading the book and getting to know Dovey Roundtree, I was not surprised that she embraced (and educated) McCabe.
Want to read
June 12, 2020Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
previewed
July 11, 20217/11/2021 ~ I read sections of each chapter to determine whether this would fit in my elementary library collection. School Library Journal (starred review) & Book List suggests grades 7 -10.
Roundtree broke several barriers and the writing is compelling. I particularly enjoyed Chapter 8 which described her work as an attorney and her successful effort to win acquittal for the Black man accused of murdering JFK's mistress.
I'll be adding this book to my elementary library; it isn't any more challenging than many longer chapter books in our collection.
Roundtree broke several barriers and the writing is compelling. I particularly enjoyed Chapter 8 which described her work as an attorney and her successful effort to win acquittal for the Black man accused of murdering JFK's mistress.
I'll be adding this book to my elementary library; it isn't any more challenging than many longer chapter books in our collection.
September 17, 2021
Important book to add to classroom or personal libraries. The stories we have not known are important to learn in order to grow an understanding of the past. This story is important and perfect for middle and high school students.
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2025
Wait, wait, wait. This book only has 72 ratings? The original text about Dovey's life only has 200ish at the time of this writing? WHAT THE HECK. I thought I was behind the curve learning about this lady's amazing work, but I guess we're all missing out.
I read the kid's edition because it was available through Libby (and because it's read by Bahni Turpin, who is one of my favorite audiobook narrators) but now I'm wondering if I should try to get my hands on the original text. Dovey Johnson Roundtree was a bada** woman who joined the military at a time when being a Black woman in the service was making white men clutch their... pearls or whatever. *ahem* She also became a lawyer--again, a Black woman lawyer in the 1960s--whose work directly and indirectly informed many of the transportation cases being tried at the time, as well as all the 'separate but equal' cases being levelled against private train companies, etc. And because that wasn't enough, she also decided to put her boot through the glass ceiling of traveling ministers within the AME, since women weren't allowed to do that at the time. She really was not having any of it, and I'm a little bit in love with her as a result.
Something this edition doesn't get into (but which the adult version might?) is the relative success of the Civil Rights movement, and whether integrating into the military, for example, is really the goal. At any rate, I appreciated that this book also focused on some of the people in Dovey's life who helped her get where she was going. I suspect that the focus on finding mentors and then paying it forward was heightened in this version, but it seems to have been a central tenet of DJR's worldview as well.
Anyway, maybe next time you're looking for a book for middle school-ish-aged kids about a hardcore civil rights activist, you can hand this off as a reminder that Black women have always been leading the fight for equality and justice.
I read the kid's edition because it was available through Libby (and because it's read by Bahni Turpin, who is one of my favorite audiobook narrators) but now I'm wondering if I should try to get my hands on the original text. Dovey Johnson Roundtree was a bada** woman who joined the military at a time when being a Black woman in the service was making white men clutch their... pearls or whatever. *ahem* She also became a lawyer--again, a Black woman lawyer in the 1960s--whose work directly and indirectly informed many of the transportation cases being tried at the time, as well as all the 'separate but equal' cases being levelled against private train companies, etc. And because that wasn't enough, she also decided to put her boot through the glass ceiling of traveling ministers within the AME, since women weren't allowed to do that at the time. She really was not having any of it, and I'm a little bit in love with her as a result.
Something this edition doesn't get into (but which the adult version might?) is the relative success of the Civil Rights movement, and whether integrating into the military, for example, is really the goal. At any rate, I appreciated that this book also focused on some of the people in Dovey's life who helped her get where she was going. I suspect that the focus on finding mentors and then paying it forward was heightened in this version, but it seems to have been a central tenet of DJR's worldview as well.
Anyway, maybe next time you're looking for a book for middle school-ish-aged kids about a hardcore civil rights activist, you can hand this off as a reminder that Black women have always been leading the fight for equality and justice.
August 24, 2020
Dovey Johnson Roundtree was a respected lawyer and leader in the Civil Rights movement. “At each step in her journey, Dovey had been lifted up by strong, brilliant, and fearless women.“ Beyond the brave and beautiful life Dovey lived, this story is about people championing others to become more than they could become on their own. Dovey had many champions in her life.
The love of Dovey’s mother and grandmother was foundational. Her English professor at Spelman College, Mary Mae Neptune, loaned her money to finish college. This made a huge difference in her life. Mary also encouraged Dovey to pay her kindness forward, which Dovey purposed to do throughout her life. She looked up to and gleaned wisdom from role models, such as W. E. B. Du Bois, a sociologist, Civil Rights activist and professor whom she heard speak many times at Atlanta University and Mary McLeod Bethune, President of the National Council of Negro women and a member of President Roosevelt’s black cabinet. Her pastors also played an important role in her life.
Over the course of her life, Dovey argued and won many important court cases as related to Civil Rights issues. She also defended and won a case where a black man was accused of murder. Dovey believed and proved him innocent. She fought for truth and justice.
This book would be a perfect biographical read for middle school and high school students. I found this book, and Dovey herself, to be engaging and interesting. One who overcomes the obstacles of life and self to find success and make a positive difference for others is inspiring. Be inspired!
The love of Dovey’s mother and grandmother was foundational. Her English professor at Spelman College, Mary Mae Neptune, loaned her money to finish college. This made a huge difference in her life. Mary also encouraged Dovey to pay her kindness forward, which Dovey purposed to do throughout her life. She looked up to and gleaned wisdom from role models, such as W. E. B. Du Bois, a sociologist, Civil Rights activist and professor whom she heard speak many times at Atlanta University and Mary McLeod Bethune, President of the National Council of Negro women and a member of President Roosevelt’s black cabinet. Her pastors also played an important role in her life.
Over the course of her life, Dovey argued and won many important court cases as related to Civil Rights issues. She also defended and won a case where a black man was accused of murder. Dovey believed and proved him innocent. She fought for truth and justice.
This book would be a perfect biographical read for middle school and high school students. I found this book, and Dovey herself, to be engaging and interesting. One who overcomes the obstacles of life and self to find success and make a positive difference for others is inspiring. Be inspired!
March 23, 2021
Dovey Johnson Roundtree was a force in the civil rights movement and for all 104 years of her amazing life. This is the young reader’s adaptation of a compelling biography of a little known hero. Raised by her grandmother and mother in Charlotte, Dovey was taught that she could be anything she wanted to be. She put herself through Spelman and graduated in the 1930s. She joined the army and was a WAC in WWII where she faced racism and sexism. Then she decided to become an attorney and put herself through law school at Howard despite rampant sexism. She took on many cases in Washington DC with her supportive law partner and won Keys v Carolina Coach Company in 1955, which wasn’t enforced until RFK forced it to be followed for the Freedom Rides in 1961. Many cases like this one set the stage for Brown v Board to dismantle separate but equal and Jim Crow that Dovey had been under the yoke of for so long. She practiced law until late in life, always fighting for children. She became a minister too and spoke all over the country. This book contains paragraphs of Dovey’s own words, which are very powerful. I would love for a teacher to do a civil rights memoir/biography reading club- I have so many to recommend, this one right at the top. Fascinating and inspiring.
December 18, 2020
I picked this book up from NetGalley because I love learning about the Civil Rights movement and because Dovey Johnson Roundtree was unfamiliar to me. It's books like this that made me angry that I never learned about heroines like Dovey when I was in school. She was an amazing woman who overcame so many barriers to enlist in the military, attend law school, and become a civil rights attorney as well as a minister. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in civil rights and/or strong women.
February 28, 2021
Incredibly well written nonfiction middle grade chapter book about Dovey Johnson Roundtree. This personalizes the civil rights movement so well as it sweeps across the decades through the eyes of Dovey Johnson Roundtree. The authors well combine Ms Roundtree’s own words with narrative and photographs from the time period. Detailed, but well paced. Encompassing her life from childhood to old age, but stepping into important moments and bringing them to life. A well told story of a civil right trailblazer most will have never before heard of and a story certainly worth hearing.
July 24, 2022
Fantastic narrative about Dovey Johnson Roundtree. Great way to explore how racism affected Dovey and her family and clients while focusing on resistance and fighting back.
Chapters move along with stories about court cases, Jim Crow experiences, and and events linking the two. Some students might have trouble following the complexities about the laws and nuance of Supreme Court decisions v. ICC (Interstate Commerce Commission) rulings.
Chapters move along with stories about court cases, Jim Crow experiences, and and events linking the two. Some students might have trouble following the complexities about the laws and nuance of Supreme Court decisions v. ICC (Interstate Commerce Commission) rulings.
December 6, 2022
This book is an awesome read for young students learning about the Civil Rights movement, particularly black soldiers stationed in post-World War II. The main character reports the trials faces by the soldiers, and she lands a job at the Chicago Defender. She also became one of the first African American members of the White House press corps.
July 6, 2020
An excellent introduction to a woman who played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement. I'm disappointed that I hadn't heard of her before. I am glad I know about her now! Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
September 12, 2021
Incredible story about a fierce lady. She was in the army, a lawyer, civil rights activist, and a minister. She took on cases no one else would touch. Enjoyed reading about a lady from my home state.
November 26, 2021
A great read.
February 4, 2022
Inspirational! The author did a great job of parring down Roundtree’s book for younger readers while still using Dovey’s own words liberally.
August 24, 2023
I only read a page or two but wasn't hooked and don't think kids would be.
June 24, 2025
Fabulous book!
September 24, 2020
Dovey Johnson Roundtree is a fascinating person, and it's a true privilege to be introduced to her life and work through some of her own words. It's kind of a dry book, to be perfectly honest, but it does tell her story well, and shine a light on parts of the Civil Rights Movement that are less well-known. Strong work, and I'm sincerely glad to see it added to the canon of children's lit.
Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.
Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews