book review for The lions of Little Rock

  

The Lions of Little Rock by: Kristin Levine

What would you do if the friend you have been waiting for your whole life is suddenly taken away from you? That is what happens to Marlee, a quiet, shy 12 year old girl living in Little Rock Arkansas in 1958. Kristin Levine portrays a story of trust, true friendship, hard work, and a hope for the future in this beautiful well written novel.

Marlee Nisbett's live changes for good when her older brother moves off to college and her sister moves out of the room they have shared since before Marlee can remember. Whats more is Marlee is starting middle school, where she has to start all over making sure everyone knows that she doesn't like to talk. Marlee barely says a word to anyone outside the family, and she doesn't plan on changing that, until she meats Liz. Liz is the new girl in the middle school. She is brave, bold, and basically the complete opposite of Marlee. But Marlee's and Liz's differences are what makes them perfect friends. Liz helps Marlee learn to speak up, and Marlee teaches Liz how she can less outspoken when she needs to be. But when Liz suddenly dissapears, people are led to believe Liz was really a colored girl passing as white. Desprate to keep thier friendship, Marlee searches for Liz, all the wile trying to think of a way they could still be friends. But being friends is harder than Liz thinks. Being friends with a colored girl can bring danger to both Marlee, Liz and both their families. What are they willing to risk to hold true to "Best friends forever"?

I think The Lions of Little Rock is a very touching story filled with characters who make you feel as though you are actually there, living in 1958. They way Kristin Levine craftily weaves this story's characters together, forms an unbreakable bond that makes me, when I read the book, feel as though I am a part of it. Marlee and I are both shy, which makes it easier for me to understand her, and her place in the story. I loved this book, and I think you might enjoy it to. If you are interested in the fight against segregation, then this is the book for you.

"Because all the words in the world won't do much good if they're just rattling around in your head." says Liz in The lions of little rock, when she is convincing Marlee that she needs to speak up. This quote is important beacuse it states how important words are. You can't change anything just by thinking somthing, you have to voice it. Marlee's older sister, Judy, also says; “I think a friend is someone who helps you change for the better. And whether you see them once a day or once a year, if it's a true friend, it doesn't matter.” I think that quote is so true, and it states the whole purpose of the book perfectly.

I think this book is amazing and tells a story more people need to hear. Hear about what a true friend is, and how to find one. This book will make you laugh, cry, and smile through all the twists and turns in Marlee's life. It may not be a high-in-action book, but it will have you on the edge of your seat with anticipation of what might happen next. I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who will read it. It is a story well-worth telling.

Posted: Adelaide Chatelain B6