March Forward, Girl

"Beals' recollection of white oppression and her rise above it will haunt readers. A must-read for teens." —School Library Journal

From the legendary civil rights activist and author of the million-copy-selling Warriors Don't Cry comes an ardent and profound childhood memoir of growing up while facing adversity in the Jim Crow South.

Long before she was one of the Little Rock Nine, Melba Pattillo Beals was a warrior. Frustrated by the laws that kept African-Americans separate but very much unequal to whites, she had questions. Why couldn’t she drink from a "whites only" fountain? Why couldn’t she feel safe beyond home—or even within the walls of church? Adults all told her: Hold your tongue. Be patient. Know your place.

But Beals had the heart of a fighter—and the knowledge that her true place was a free one.

Combined with emotive drawings and photos, this memoir paints a vivid picture of Beals’ powerful early journey on the road to becoming a champion for equal rights, an acclaimed journalist, a best-selling author, and the recipient of this country’s highest recognition, the Congressional Gold Medal.

How does a girl who is told to "know her place" find the courage to change the world?
A Childhood in the Jim Crow South: Experience the 1940s and 50s through the eyes of a child asking why she can't drink from a "whites only" fountain or feel safe in her own town.The Making of a Civil Rights Hero: Discover the powerful experiences that shaped Melba Pattillo Beals into a warrior, long before she became one of the legendary Little Rock Nine.Essential Black History: Brought to life with photos and drawings, this memoir provides an accessible, firsthand account of the struggle for equality for young readers studying American history.A Story of Resilience: A must-read nonfiction book for teens about finding your voice, standing up to injustice, and forging a path from adversity to becoming a champion for social justice.