Small Shoes, Great Strides

Wow. To think this happened in the USA only 63 years ago. What a history lesson. These girls are true pioneers.

It's ironic, to think how far we've come, and to see how far we have yet to go.

This book is powerful. It should be required reading for all our kids, in every classroom, school, and library.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review on the book!

This illustrated nonfiction book tells the story of the three girls who integrated a formerly all-white school just ten minutes before Ruby Bridges started her school day in a different part of the same city. Although Ruby Bridges has received lots of press, most people have never heard of Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost, and this author shares their little-known stories in an incredibly powerful way.

The author did a wonderful job weaving in historical context throughout the book, and she shares the girls' perspectives in a way that feels authentic and touching, representing the ways that their experiences both overlapped and differed. The illustrations throughout the book are beautiful, and they greatly enrich the true story. There is also even more information at the end, along with photographs.

This is aimed at a middle-grade reading level, and although it is too wordy for younger elementary students, parents and teachers can read it aloud. I would also recommend this to teens and adults, both because of the story's historical importance and because the book is so well-crafted and engaging.

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.

Incredibly important history that should be required reading for children everywhere.

This book puts the integration of McDonogh 19 Public School in New Orleans in its historical context, explaining how three young black girls entered the school ten minutes before Ruby Bridges entered the William Franz Elementary School. The girls faced white protestors outside each day and harassment even when at home, including death threats. The clearly written, engaging text explains the process of integrating the school and focuses on the experience of the three girls The illustrations are vivid and informative and support the text well. The back matter extends readers' understanding by providing additional information about school segregation in New Orleans, information about the Norman Rockwell painting, "The Problem We All Live With," additional information about the three girls, a glossary and a bibliography. This large format picture book is an exemplary example of high quality nonfiction--clear, engaging, and informative. A fine choice for social studies classes, read alouds, and libraries. By focusing on the three girls' experiences, it makes the larger social context also understandable.

This is a good nonfiction book for upper elementary age children. It provides a new prospective on desegregation of schools in the south. Most children learn a small bit about Ruby Bridges, but this book provides a unique perspective on another group of young girls who helped pioneer desegregation. The back of the book also provides information on these women today. Wonderfully written book with a powerful message.