This Promise of Change

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This Promise of Change

One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality

Children’s / Teenage general interest: History and the past Children’s / Teenage general interest: Places and peoples Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Body and health Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Racism and anti-racism

Authors: Jo Ann Allen Boyce, Debbie Levy

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Language: English

Published by: Bloomsbury Children's Books

Published on: 8th January 2019

Format: LCP-protected ePub

Size: 228 pages

ISBN: 9781681198538


Historical Context

In 1956, one year before federal troops escorted the Little Rock 9 into Central High School, fourteen year old Jo Ann Allen was one of twelve African-American students who broke the color barrier and integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee.

Challenges Faced

At first things went smoothly for the Clinton 12, but then outside agitators interfered, pitting the townspeople against one another. Uneasiness turned into anger, and even the Clinton Twelve themselves wondered if the easier thing to do would be to go back to their old school.

Jo Ann's Role and Personal Struggles

Jo Ann--clear-eyed, practical, tolerant, and popular among both black and white students---found herself called on as the spokesperson of the group. But what about just being a regular teen?

Story and Features

This is the heartbreaking and relatable story of her four months thrust into the national spotlight and as a trailblazer in history. Based on original research and interviews and featuring backmatter with archival materials and notes from the authors on the co-writing process.

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