The Lions of Little Rock

Kristin Levine

Jan 2012 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

"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 

Ratings and reviews

This is a great book to work through young readers with. It grapples with the difficulties of young friendships while also exploring the complexities of identities and race. Will be using in a class in the future - thank you!

Really sweet and brave. Lovely story... But its also sad because I'm in middle school and there are people like them and others who think that its fine to put other people down, no matter how hard the teachers try to stop it before it begins. All I'm saying, is that segregation its still here!!! I'm glad there is someone who is bringing it to peoples attention through a book!!!....

This is taught me that if someone is different from other people by their color, DONT JUDGE THEM! It really matters about the inside only. Thank you writer for teaching me that and thank you guys for reading. I hope you guys get a similar message as mine. Writer, you write awesome books so, DONT GIVE UP! :-)

About the author

Kristin Levine, the author of ALA Best Book for Young Adults The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had, lives in Alexandria, Virginia.