The Lions of Little Rock book cover
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The Lions of Little Rock

By Kristin Levine

“Satisfying, gratifying, touching, weighty—this authentic piece of work has got soul.”—The New York Times Book Review

As twelve-year-old Marlee starts middle school in 1958 Little Rock, it feels like her whole world is falling apart. Until she meets Liz, the new girl at school. Liz is everything Marlee wishes she could be: she’s brave, brash and always knows the right thing to say. But when Liz leaves school without even a good-bye, the rumor is that Liz was caught passing for white. Marlee decides that doesn’t matter. She just wants her friend back. And to stay friends, Marlee and Liz are even willing to take on segregation and the dangers their friendship could bring to both their families.


Winner of the New-York Historical Society Children’s History Book Prize

A New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice 

Educator Resources

  • The Lions of Little Rock Educator Guide

    Download
  • The Lions of Little Rock Reader's Companion

    Download

State Awards

Recommended reading lists from your state's teacher or librarian associations!
  • Connecticut
    • Teen Nutmeg Book Award, 2012-2013
  • Illinois
    • Chicago Public School Battle of the Books, 2014
    • Illinois Children's Choice Award, 2012-2013
  • New York
    • New York Historical Society Children's Book Prize, 2015
    • NYC Reads 365 Reading List
    • NYPL's 100 Books for Reading and Sharing, 2012-2013
  • Oklahoma
    • Children's Sequoyah, 2015
  • Oregon
    • Oregon Young Readers Choice Award, 2015
  • Texas
    • Texas Lonestar Reading List, 2012-2013
  • Florida
    • Sunshine State Young Reader's Award, 2014-2015
  • Georgia
    • Georgia Children's Book Award, 2014-2015

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