This Promise of Change: One Girl's Story in the Fight for School Equality

Recipient of a Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor
Winner of the 2019 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Nonfiction
2020 National Council for the Social Studies Carter G. Woodson Honor Recipient
A NYPL Top Ten of 2019
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

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. 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--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? 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.

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 01/08/2019
Pages: 320
Weight: 0.9lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.70w x 1.10d
ISBN: 9781681198521
Age: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 6.3
Point Value: 4
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 199651 / This Promise of Change: One Girl's Story in the Fight for School Equality


Award: Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award - Honor Book
Award: Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards - Winner


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2018
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2018
Booklist 11/01/2018 pg. 42
School Library Journal 12/01/2018 pg. 91
Publishers Weekly 12/24/2018
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2019 pg. 111
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2019 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author

Debbie Levy is the New York Times bestselling author of many books, including I Dissent; The Year of Goodbyes: A True Story of Friendship, Family, and Farewells; and Imperfect Spiral. She lives in the Chesapeake Bay area.

Jo Ann Allen Boyce was one of twelve students to desegragate Clinton High School in 1956. She has worked as a professional singer and a nurse. She lives in Los Angeles.