Cracking the Wall: The Struggles of the Little Rock Nine

On My Own History

by Eileen Lucas, Mark Anthony (Illustrator)

A brief introduction to the nine African-American students who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957.

Genres: History, Cultural

48 pages, Library Binding

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

Eileen Lucas has lived in Fontana, Wisconsin, for 18 years. Several years ago, she returned to school to earn teaching certification from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She is currently employed full-time as a middle school social studies teacher.

Reviews

[Mary L.]

This book is written for early readers and gives them a little bit of an idea of what it was like for the black students who were the first to attend a white high school. We now have other types of minorities that need to continue to break down the walls that separate us from each other. Because these nine dared to do it when the wall was between black and white maybe others will stand up for anyone who is different from the majority.

[Cecoiya Johnson]

This was a great book for 3rd-5th grade students. This would be idea to read for a history lesson, or black history month. The book had a great storyline and gave information about this event in history very well.

[Shaeley Santiago]

This is an appropriate introduction to the Little Rock Nine for upper elementary school students. There is a photo at the end of the book along with a note from the author and a brief timeline of events surrounding the year Central High 1st integrated.

[Lin Lin]

If racial segregation was like a huge tight wall, the Little Rock Nine who challenged the segregation of public schools in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957 were successful in cracking the wall of bigotry, hatred, and white supremacy.

[Brittney Swetmon]

book about the little Rock nine and the struggles they went through

[Pam Williams]

A great book about the Little Rock Nine for low level readers!

[Amzette]

This is a book written for upper grade elementary school readers, telling the story about the 9 black students that were chosen to go to an all white school and “crack the wall” of segregation. I was able to listen to the story and it angered me to hear the jeers of the crowd but then it gave me chills and a sense of pride once the soldiers came (after 4 weeks of the students not being able to enter the school) to walk the students into the school and stay with them in their classes. I applaud the courage of each of these students! I can only imagine the fear that they felt and also the pride of the one senior that graduated later that school year.

[Elise]

Very interesting story about historical events, good illustrations, and a great conversation starter.

[Katelyn]

Great book for students grade 3-5.
Perfect book to read for a history lesson or black history month.

Gives readers good information and a great timeline of events.