Twelve-year-old Marlee doesn't have many friends until she meets Liz, the new girl at school. Liz is bold and brave, and always knows the right thing to say, especially to Sally, the resident mean girl. Liz even helps Marlee overcome her greatest fear - speaking, which Marlee never does outside her family.
But then Liz is gone, replaced by the rumor that she was a Negro girl passing as white. But Marlee decides that doesn't matter. Liz is her best friend. And to stay friends, Marlee and Liz are willing to take on integration and the dangers their friendship could bring to both their families.
First line:
"I talk a lot."
An intriguing read about a year during the civil rights movement set in Little Rock in the 50's. I get frustrated with anyone being bullied or picked on by people who think they are bigger and better than someone else. This story brought out some of the frustration and I wanted to knock a few heads together. I have to say I enjoyed all the characters because they all changed or ended up suffering with the natural consequences of their actions.
Marlee hardly speaks. Her family encourages her but she's shy. Then she meets Liz who helps her speak. Then Liz is gone and there is a rumor that she was a black girl passes as a white girl. Marlee is forbidden from seeing Liz and at first is fine with that edict because she feels Liz lied to her. But after thinking about Liz and missing her, Marlee decides to see her friend anyway.
Marlee becomes more and more courageous as she tries to help her friend.
Rating: G
V: Bullies
S: No
L:No
Liked:
Character arc
Marlee
Liz
The lions
Teaching of the era through story
Disliked:
Some preaching
4 STARS
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