A Mighty Long Way: My Journey To Justice At Little Rock Central High School (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
I picked up this book while visiting the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site in Arkansas. Like many others, I was familiar with the iconic images and stories associated with the school's integration in 1957, but even after spending several hours inside the visitor's center, I wanted to continue reading more about the stories that surrounded the events at the school that year. I loved Carlotta's story and her honesty regarding the pain she had to face in revisiting her past. While it can be easy to read the history and news stories associated with the integration, it's another thing entirely to read about the details of everyday life for one of the students who experienced it. The book shows how Carlotta's story fits in with so many others, both in Little Rock and across that nation. I especially appreciated her recap of life after Central, up to and including present day events. To be honest, I only read two chapters of this book. For whatever reason, it was kind of hard for me to get into. Maybe it's because I was kind of forcing myself to read it, which makes reading less fun. I did, however, go hear the author speak (which was why I'd started reading the book in the first place), and I really appreciated her message.Mrs. LaNier, the other members of the Little Rock Nine, and their family, neighbors, and friends, went through a lot to help make a difference in the world. At the author talk, one of Mrs. LaNier's main points was that injustice still goes on today; it is up to us to stand up for what we believe in and look out for those who are being oppressed. I hope I can remember that and act on it.
What do You think about A Mighty Long Way: My Journey To Justice At Little Rock Central High School (2009)?
This was a good book. It shows how a little girl just wanted to get a good education.
—cargra
Recommend highly. Such an interesting time in our nation.'s history.
—Ameesha45
I think this would be a good read for middle/high school ages.
—samtillie
Recommended in the 2011 Booklover's Calendar.
—Mr69Buttcheeks
