I'm a huge fan of Kristin Levine's first book [b:The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had|4570908|The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had|Kristin Levine|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255890624s/4570908.jpg|4620259], so I was predisposed to like this one, too. Again, she creates a compelling unlikely friendship between kids that are divided by race and racism. Again, the history is well researched and you feel like you're being educated and entertained at the same time.

Did you know that the year after the Little Rock Nine integrated Central High the governor of Arkansas closed the school rather than let it remain integrated? I didn't, and so I was impressed that Levine chose a less famous part of history for her setting. We get the story of quiet little 13-year-old Marlee, a white girl who loves math and hardly talks. Marlee makes friends with the new girl in school, Liz, who teaches her to have confidence in herself--but when it's revealed that Liz is passing as white, their friendship takes a dangerous turn.

Kids reading this book may ask themselves, would I take risks for a friend? Would I be brave in the face of discrimination? It's a little long for a read-aloud, but it would pair really well with Civil Rights curricula.

For those who may be concerned about language, the n-word is used a few times in this book. ( )

The book “The Lions of Little Rock” by Kristin Levine is based in 1958 about two girls that found each other during school integration. I would connect this with during a lesson about civil rights. The intended audience would be middle schoolers. ( )

Stayed up too late to finish this because I could not put it down. Excellent! ( )

This dynamic story of friendship, courage, and life set in 1958 Little Rock is told through the eyes of a painfully shy Marlee. Readers join 12-year-old Marlee as she takes on both her shyness and segregation. Author’s Note.

My ultimate fav book-- i've read many times and each time i love it more -- the fact that the main character makes the right decision makes me happy :) ( )