Discover the little-known story of three brave Black girls who integrated an all-white New Orleans elementary school on November 14, 1960.
Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost didn't set out to make history. But when these three Black first graders stepped into the all-white McDonogh No. 19 Public School in New Orleans on November 14, 1960, that's exactly what they did. They integrated their school just ten minutes before Ruby Bridges walked into her school, also in New Orleans. Like Ruby, the trio faced crowds of protestors fighting against public school desegregation efforts and relied on US Marshals to keep them safe. Their teacher protected them every step of the way, and the girls formed a close bond, becoming friends for life.
Award-winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson conducted extensive interviews to bring this little-known story from the Civil Rights Movement to a broad audience. Vivid illustrations by fine artist Alex Bostic highlight the girls' strength, courage, and determination.
“After McDonogh 19: ‘House of Horror’—Thomas J. Semmes Elementary.” More information about school desegregation in New Orleans. “Norman Rockwell’s The Problem We All Live With.” “More About the McDonogh Three.” Information about the US Marshals Service. Author’s note. Glossary. Websites for more information. Selected bibliography. Photographs. Full-color acrylic illustrations.
Title alpha Small Shoes, Great Strides: How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to School Equality
Level Nonfiction Elementary Plus
Pages Count 40
Genre Nonfiction
Topics School integration. New Orleans, Louisiana. Twentieth-century history. African Americans. Education. Civil rights movements. Leona Tate. Tessie Prevost. Gail Etienne. McDonogh No. 19 Public School.
Trim Size 11" x 9 1/2"
JLG Span Winter
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2023-11-06
JLG Release Date Jan 2024
Minimum grade 2
Maximum grade 6
Reading level Elementary
Format Print
Nonfiction Elementary Plus (Grades 2-6)
Nonfiction Elementary Plus
Nonfiction Elementary Plus (Grades 2-6)
For Grades 2-6
A world of discovery awaits in this 14 book category. Elementary readers eager to know more about the world around them will learn much from diving into these nonfiction titles covering a diverse range of topics. A sure way to satisfy inquisitive minds.