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Girls Survive
Lena and the Burning of Greenwood: A Tulsa Race Massacre Survival Story
In the early 1920s, the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the wealthiest Black community in the United States. But Tulsa is still a segregated city. Twelve-year-old Lena knows this, but she feels safe and sheltered from the racism in her successful, flourishing neighborhood. That all changes when a young Black man from Greenwood is accused of assaulting a white woman. Racial tensions boil over. Mobs of white citizens attack Greenwood, terrorizing Black residents and businesses. It will take all of Lena’s courage to help her family survive one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history.
103 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2022
12 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Shannon Smith
39 books36 followersI was born and raised in Oakland, CA and now live in Davis, CA with my husband and two children. I love to read, write, listen to music, dance, act silly, and visit the coast. I've worked at elementary schools for over 25 years, and love spending my days with children. My books include: The Little Christmas Elf (2011), Treasure Hunt (2019), Ann Fights for Freedom: An Underground Railroad Survival Story (2019), Noelle at Sea: A Titanic Survival Story (2019), and Charlotte Spies for Justice: A Civil War Survival Story (2019). I have two new titles releasing in 2020! The first is my new series with Capstone titled The Amazing Life of Azaleah Lane, releasing January 1st. The second is Sarah Journeys West: An Oregon Trail Survival Story, releasing February 1st.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 9, 2022
I've been seeing quiet a few of these Girls Survive books around the library so I decided to pick this one up. From my understanding, each of these books takes a historical event and tells it from the perspective of a young girl. They are written in a way that is both educational and accessible for a younger audience. This was no different. It covers what life was like for Black residents of Greenwood before the Massacre and what eventually led to the tragic events. I appreciated the fact that Smith didn't shy away from the facts of what happened, but continued to tailor the story in a way that made sense to the target audience. As parent/caregiver, this book will definitely serve as a great read aloud and will be a great way to openly discuss historical events. With the 100th anniversary just taking place last year, I definitely see this book being a great teaching tool/resource. If you haven't considered picking up these books for your own enjoyment or for the little ones in your life, I highly recommend it.
February 2, 2022
Last year, May 31, 2021, marked a century since the Tulsa Race Massacre. This historic event was thrust into the public spotlight last year due to the anniversary of this tragedy with some learning about Greenwood and Black Wall Street for the first time.
I did not learn about Black Wall Street until I was an adult. Thankfully, my identical twin sons, who are currently in 5th grade, will not be able to say the same. I was grateful for the opportunity by Capstone to read an advance copy of Lena and the Burning of Greenwood: A Tulsa Race Massacre Survival Story by Nikki Shannon Smith and illustrated by Markia Jenai because it not only gave me an opportunity to learn more about this topic but it also gave me the opportunity to ensure my sons were not adults when they learned about Black Wall Street and the jealously, hate, and racism that tore it down.
This book is part of the Girls Survive series. Other books in the series are Audrey Under the Big Top: A Hartford Circus Fire Survival Story, Molly and the Twin Towers: A 9/11 Survival Story, and Constance and the Dangerous Crossing: A Mayflower Survival Story. Each book in the series is written by a different author. The thread that ties these books together is the story in each book is told from the viewpoint of a young girl. After my sons and I finished reading the book, my son James said, “I’m glad the main character was a kid. I liked seeing the story from the viewpoint of a kid like me.” These books are historical fiction since the events are real but the character being followed in each book is not.
Reading this book reminded me of the words of Viola Fletcher. Fletcher was seven years old when Greenwood, the place she knew as home, became the site of a Black people massacre. She turned 107 weeks before the 100th anniversary of the tragedy. When speaking to Congress, she said, “I have lived through the massacre every day. Our country may forget this history, but I cannot.”
One aspect of the book that I appreciated was how the author brought to life what life was like for Black residents who built and lived in Greenwood. Due to the prosperity and success of Black people who lived there, Booker T. Washington called it the “Negro Wall Street of America,” and the name changed over time to Black Wall Street. It was described as a place that would be wonderful to live in.
As the events unfolded, my sons had a lot of questions. We would stop and talk about their inquiries. Towards the end, my son Jeremiah said, “But why? I don’t understand why some people died when they did not do anything wrong.” Although we felt sad reading, at times, we knew that it was much worse to live through the events that all started over a Black man being accused of assaulting a white woman. Later, the assault accusation would be proven to be false. I reminded my sons that the least we could do is read the story so the history lives on.
In addition to being a mom, I am an educator. I was an English teacher for years and later a literacy coach. I appreciated that the author provided a forward at the beginning and an author’s note at the end to provide readers with additional historical facts. After the author’s note, there was a making connections section and a glossary. The making connections section provided open-ended questions for readers to respond to or discuss which makes it also a perfect opportunity for students to show their reading comprehension of the text, critical thinking skills, and to provide an opportunity to meet the requirements of some of the literacy standards.
In chapter seven, Lena said, “Greenwood has its own spirit. It’s in the town, but it lives inside the people, just like Daddy says. Look around …They’ll never take who we are away. They can’t.”
Even after the last survivors pass away, the Greenwood spirit can live on in all of us. Despite the horror of the event, the book ended with a sense of hope. I believe the Greenwood spirit is a mix of big dreams, hope, joy, achievement, and tenacity.
As a parent, educator, and learner, I highly recommend this book. This book would be a great addition to a home, classroom, or library!
*I received a copy of Lena and the Burning of Greenwood: A Tulsa Race Massacre Survival Story for free in exchange for offering an honest review for the Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2022.*
I did not learn about Black Wall Street until I was an adult. Thankfully, my identical twin sons, who are currently in 5th grade, will not be able to say the same. I was grateful for the opportunity by Capstone to read an advance copy of Lena and the Burning of Greenwood: A Tulsa Race Massacre Survival Story by Nikki Shannon Smith and illustrated by Markia Jenai because it not only gave me an opportunity to learn more about this topic but it also gave me the opportunity to ensure my sons were not adults when they learned about Black Wall Street and the jealously, hate, and racism that tore it down.
This book is part of the Girls Survive series. Other books in the series are Audrey Under the Big Top: A Hartford Circus Fire Survival Story, Molly and the Twin Towers: A 9/11 Survival Story, and Constance and the Dangerous Crossing: A Mayflower Survival Story. Each book in the series is written by a different author. The thread that ties these books together is the story in each book is told from the viewpoint of a young girl. After my sons and I finished reading the book, my son James said, “I’m glad the main character was a kid. I liked seeing the story from the viewpoint of a kid like me.” These books are historical fiction since the events are real but the character being followed in each book is not.
Reading this book reminded me of the words of Viola Fletcher. Fletcher was seven years old when Greenwood, the place she knew as home, became the site of a Black people massacre. She turned 107 weeks before the 100th anniversary of the tragedy. When speaking to Congress, she said, “I have lived through the massacre every day. Our country may forget this history, but I cannot.”
One aspect of the book that I appreciated was how the author brought to life what life was like for Black residents who built and lived in Greenwood. Due to the prosperity and success of Black people who lived there, Booker T. Washington called it the “Negro Wall Street of America,” and the name changed over time to Black Wall Street. It was described as a place that would be wonderful to live in.
As the events unfolded, my sons had a lot of questions. We would stop and talk about their inquiries. Towards the end, my son Jeremiah said, “But why? I don’t understand why some people died when they did not do anything wrong.” Although we felt sad reading, at times, we knew that it was much worse to live through the events that all started over a Black man being accused of assaulting a white woman. Later, the assault accusation would be proven to be false. I reminded my sons that the least we could do is read the story so the history lives on.
In addition to being a mom, I am an educator. I was an English teacher for years and later a literacy coach. I appreciated that the author provided a forward at the beginning and an author’s note at the end to provide readers with additional historical facts. After the author’s note, there was a making connections section and a glossary. The making connections section provided open-ended questions for readers to respond to or discuss which makes it also a perfect opportunity for students to show their reading comprehension of the text, critical thinking skills, and to provide an opportunity to meet the requirements of some of the literacy standards.
In chapter seven, Lena said, “Greenwood has its own spirit. It’s in the town, but it lives inside the people, just like Daddy says. Look around …They’ll never take who we are away. They can’t.”
Even after the last survivors pass away, the Greenwood spirit can live on in all of us. Despite the horror of the event, the book ended with a sense of hope. I believe the Greenwood spirit is a mix of big dreams, hope, joy, achievement, and tenacity.
As a parent, educator, and learner, I highly recommend this book. This book would be a great addition to a home, classroom, or library!
*I received a copy of Lena and the Burning of Greenwood: A Tulsa Race Massacre Survival Story for free in exchange for offering an honest review for the Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2022.*
July 30, 2025
"I love this book because it is historical fiction and it is just really good. You should read it." -Cadee, age 10
March 28, 2022
Powerful story perfectly written to be relatable to a younger audiences. A very important time in history that needs to be remembered I feel so few people even knew about this until recently.
Narration by Caroline Sorunke was well done and brought the emotion well.
Narration by Caroline Sorunke was well done and brought the emotion well.
July 5, 2022
This was a dark chapter in our nation's history. It must be remembered, so that it does not happen again.
June 2, 2022
Man, I don't know if Capstone publishers or Nikki Shannon Smith suggested this topic for the Girls Survive series, but they are on it. So glad to see literature for kids about this horrific part of American history that has all but been erased. The Greenwood neighborhood was a thriving and financially powerful Black community in Oklahoma, wiped out by a racist massacre in 1921. It's not an easy story, but it is powerfully told. One of the better books in the series, and that's saying something.
March 3, 2023
Creating a fictional account of the Tulsa Race Massacre that is developmentally appropriate for children is no easy feat, yet Smith does it so eloquently! The captivating illustrations bring each moment to life, making the reader feel deeply connected to the characters and Greenwood. Deeply moving and tangible, this middle grade novel is a necessary read for young learners!
June 7, 2024
This book “Girls Survive” series, Lena and the “Burning of Greenwood” by Nikki Shannon Smith was copyrighted in 2022. It won the Oklahoma Book Awards and was given a good rating from Kirkus and Goodreads.
This heartfelt story was about a 12 year old fictional character named Lena and her family undergoing a life changing event in 1921, the Tulsa Race Massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In the segregated city of Tulsa, is a proudly established black community of Greenwood, a colored, young individual named Dick Rowland who was accused of assaulting a white female from Tulsa. Dick Rowland was taken into custody and the community of Greenwood were afraid that they may kill this young man. With this, the people wanted to save Dick Rowland and also somehow put a stop to unfair treatment of their people and so they went to the courthouse, where they held Dick, with guns . The story then turned into a violent and brutal event that Lena and her family had to endure and escape. The book was intense and eye opening. The verdict of Dick Rowland was also exposed at the end of the book. Was the brutality and hatred worth all the deaths and trauma at the expense of an assumed assault?
The artwork on this book was all in black and white throughout the book. It almost seemed like it could be a cartoon on tv. Although it was in black and white, the artwork of the character’s facial expression did a wonderful job of portraying the feelings of the characters and the horrifying event. I think this would be a good book to expose the students to a story that was silent for too long. This book would be more appropriate for 4th grade and up, due to some scenes and events that younger grades may not be ready to read just yet. It is a great opportunity to start a lesson on segregation on black history month. Inclusivity in the classroom and “looking through that window” to be able to empathize how colored people were treated and how that is still prevalent now. Although the book was fictional, the history was ever so true and with this book it was again brought to life in hopes that maybe, just maybe, awareness and knowledge can stop the hatred and injustice that still haunts us.
This heartfelt story was about a 12 year old fictional character named Lena and her family undergoing a life changing event in 1921, the Tulsa Race Massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In the segregated city of Tulsa, is a proudly established black community of Greenwood, a colored, young individual named Dick Rowland who was accused of assaulting a white female from Tulsa. Dick Rowland was taken into custody and the community of Greenwood were afraid that they may kill this young man. With this, the people wanted to save Dick Rowland and also somehow put a stop to unfair treatment of their people and so they went to the courthouse, where they held Dick, with guns . The story then turned into a violent and brutal event that Lena and her family had to endure and escape. The book was intense and eye opening. The verdict of Dick Rowland was also exposed at the end of the book. Was the brutality and hatred worth all the deaths and trauma at the expense of an assumed assault?
The artwork on this book was all in black and white throughout the book. It almost seemed like it could be a cartoon on tv. Although it was in black and white, the artwork of the character’s facial expression did a wonderful job of portraying the feelings of the characters and the horrifying event. I think this would be a good book to expose the students to a story that was silent for too long. This book would be more appropriate for 4th grade and up, due to some scenes and events that younger grades may not be ready to read just yet. It is a great opportunity to start a lesson on segregation on black history month. Inclusivity in the classroom and “looking through that window” to be able to empathize how colored people were treated and how that is still prevalent now. Although the book was fictional, the history was ever so true and with this book it was again brought to life in hopes that maybe, just maybe, awareness and knowledge can stop the hatred and injustice that still haunts us.
April 3, 2025
I got this title along with another one, also on the horrific Greenwood, OK race massacre.
The factual content is similar, but this one is more personal for children, with the feelings and experiences of Lena, a 12-year-old girl, and her family.
I can't say i like the style of the illustrations, but then, i'm not the youthful target audience.
After the story are thought questions (MAKING CONNECTIONS) one of which asks if things have changed in the US.
My comment would be that we have made slow but steady progress in equality, especially in the law, but unfortunately, with our current administration and his/its anti-diversity and equality slogans, we are very quickly going backwards. His mob has been planning this since his first administration, especially Steven Miller, etc. His cabinet is a sick joke, their only qualifications being absolute loyalty to him.
SO SAD n TRAGIC!
The factual content is similar, but this one is more personal for children, with the feelings and experiences of Lena, a 12-year-old girl, and her family.
I can't say i like the style of the illustrations, but then, i'm not the youthful target audience.
After the story are thought questions (MAKING CONNECTIONS) one of which asks if things have changed in the US.
My comment would be that we have made slow but steady progress in equality, especially in the law, but unfortunately, with our current administration and his/its anti-diversity and equality slogans, we are very quickly going backwards. His mob has been planning this since his first administration, especially Steven Miller, etc. His cabinet is a sick joke, their only qualifications being absolute loyalty to him.
SO SAD n TRAGIC!
April 17, 2022
This story is about Black peoples RESILIENCE when we are surrounded by anti-black racism we choose to love ourselves and each other. Love is the greatest activism anyone can practice. And we have pride in our bonds.
I just finished a different book that was written about this time. Murder on the Orient Express. When America was mentioned, many talked abt how "progressive" it was. The next morning I had co-workers saying the same thing about the novel. And I thought, it's almost as if white ppl choose to live on an entirely different planet.
But, I got Greenwood. Like the author said, that ability to focus on US and LOVE each other is all I need and it has nothing to do with buildings or geography. Still, Tulsa govt needs to GIVE BACK THE RESOURCES THEY STOLE.
I just finished a different book that was written about this time. Murder on the Orient Express. When America was mentioned, many talked abt how "progressive" it was. The next morning I had co-workers saying the same thing about the novel. And I thought, it's almost as if white ppl choose to live on an entirely different planet.
But, I got Greenwood. Like the author said, that ability to focus on US and LOVE each other is all I need and it has nothing to do with buildings or geography. Still, Tulsa govt needs to GIVE BACK THE RESOURCES THEY STOLE.
June 17, 2022
I am embarrassed and ashamed to admit that before this book I knew *nothing* of the Tulsa Massacres. This book was a great way to educate and tell a story about a part of history that America really needs to start sharing with it’s youth (so they don’t end up like me, nearly 30, a “history lover” and literally unaware).
However, I think this is a fairly intense book for a middle grade reader and personally would recommend an adult read it first, or at least be open to discussion or lead with a discussion about the situation. We live in a time where hate crime is, sadly, increasing. This book deals with some seriously scary situations that, like also racially motivated crimes, don’t have a simple cause or way to prevent it (like telling kids “look both ways” to not get hit by cars) that we can share with kids.
The above being said, please don’t shy away from this fantastic book with your child or students. The audio book is about two hours which I feel like makes it accessible to all readers! I’m happy to see more books like this hitting shelves.
However, I think this is a fairly intense book for a middle grade reader and personally would recommend an adult read it first, or at least be open to discussion or lead with a discussion about the situation. We live in a time where hate crime is, sadly, increasing. This book deals with some seriously scary situations that, like also racially motivated crimes, don’t have a simple cause or way to prevent it (like telling kids “look both ways” to not get hit by cars) that we can share with kids.
The above being said, please don’t shy away from this fantastic book with your child or students. The audio book is about two hours which I feel like makes it accessible to all readers! I’m happy to see more books like this hitting shelves.
June 5, 2025
JUST WOW…How can this happen
What a great retelling of a major tragedy. Love the way the author tells the story from a young lady’s perspective. The story is sad but the determination of the people of Greenwood is encouraging. Thank you for giving us insight of what happened. I have purchased this book for my grandchildren to read on our journey to Tulsa this summer to learn more about the wrongs that were done to black people, but also in this story it shows hope in us working together.
What a great retelling of a major tragedy. Love the way the author tells the story from a young lady’s perspective. The story is sad but the determination of the people of Greenwood is encouraging. Thank you for giving us insight of what happened. I have purchased this book for my grandchildren to read on our journey to Tulsa this summer to learn more about the wrongs that were done to black people, but also in this story it shows hope in us working together.
December 30, 2022
What a great series for upper elementary students! This story/topic has only just begun to be written about since marking its 100 anniversary. The author’s note at the end provides background information about how the Greenwood District was developed and more detail about the aftermath of the massacre. The story is a bit graphic in its descriptions but has a good message of sticking together and not giving up.
April 12, 2022
I read this aloud to my 8yo son. I hadn't heard of the Tulsa Race Massacre until a couple years ago, so I was happy to find this book for young readers. There wasn't much to the plot, but it told the story well of what happened in the before/during/after. I just shake my head at what was considered okay back then. No white person was punished in the aftermath! I can't/can believe it.
March 2, 2023
Easily one of the best written books in the Girls Survive series.
Smith does an incredible job at describing one of the darkest days in American history for young readers. As someone who did not learn about the Tulsa race massacre growing up, it’s good to see books like this for future generations to be more informed.
Smith does an incredible job at describing one of the darkest days in American history for young readers. As someone who did not learn about the Tulsa race massacre growing up, it’s good to see books like this for future generations to be more informed.
July 16, 2023
This book was absolutely devastating, and the fact that I had never even heard of this event before reading this is just as bad. We need to learn from our past, not hide from it. I'm so glad this book was published.
February 8, 2024
Amazing book, but absolutely heartbreaking to read. The soul of this book shone through and it was extremely powerful and necessary.
I love how similar it is to the I survived series, with a focus on diverse communities and girls.
I love how similar it is to the I survived series, with a focus on diverse communities and girls.
May 5, 2022
Our heart wrenching history.
July 18, 2022
Loved the art work.
September 5, 2022
A true story that definitely needs to be told, and taught in schools.
October 11, 2022
4.5 stars
February 17, 2023
Even though written for children it's impact was amazing. I feared with the characters and hoped with them.
January 21, 2024
Very well written, age-appropriate telling of this tragic event in history for my 9-year-old.
January 25, 2024
An interesting book. This is my first book of the Girls Survives series. I am curious as to how the others are.
March 2, 2024
Incredibly sad
July 23, 2024
Review to come
December 18, 2024
I cried, I could not believe this happened and that so many people went through this.
September 10, 2025
This story is about a true story of the Tulsa race Massacre Survival Story. It's amazing that nothing has been said about this. Read this and learn the awful things people do to each other.
July 18, 2023
Should be on the shelf in every middle grade classroom. We need to teach history and not hide the ugly parts. Lena and her family are incredibly brave. The stories of the families of Greenwood, Oklahoma deserve to be shared.
September 9, 2023
Given the recent denial of reparations for Tulsa Race Massacre survivors (don’t let me get started on a rant right now), we need more books like Lena and the Burning of Greenwood out there to educate people about the Tulsa Massacre. (If the book doesn’t get banned, I guess 😒) This is part of the “Girls Survive” series for elementary students about “girls with grit,” which includes books about 9/11 and the Mayflower crossing. I thought the book handled the violence and trauma with skill — not sugarcoating or turning to vague euphemisms but also keeping it age appropriate. I easily picked up on the pride that residents had in their successful district and appreciated the way Lena’s family and community are shown helping each other survive and rebuild.
Prolific children’s author Nikki Smith — who happens to also have been Matthew and Ben’s elementary teacher! — writes that this was a “heartbreaking” book to research and write. I am so grateful that she persevered; this story must be remembered and retold as much as we remember and honor the victims of 9/11 or talk about the bravery of early colonial Americans.
Prolific children’s author Nikki Smith — who happens to also have been Matthew and Ben’s elementary teacher! — writes that this was a “heartbreaking” book to research and write. I am so grateful that she persevered; this story must be remembered and retold as much as we remember and honor the victims of 9/11 or talk about the bravery of early colonial Americans.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews