Small Shoes, Great Strides - by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A powerful true story about three Black girls who courageously integrated a New Orleans school on November 14, 1960, told by award-winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson"--

Book Synopsis

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. They integrated their school just ten minutes before Ruby Bridges walked into her school, also in New Orleans. Like Ruby, the trio faced crowds of protestors fighting against public school desegregation efforts and relied on US Marshals to keep them safe. Their teacher protected them every step of the way, and the girls formed a close bond, becoming friends for life.

Award-winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson conducted extensive interviews to bring this little-known story from the Civil Rights Movement to a broad audience. Vivid illustrations by fine artist Alex Bostic highlight the girls' strength, courage, and determination.

Review Quotes

"[B]rutal, enlightening, hopeful, and realistic. An important piece of history, the book is a treasure and will require classroom discussion."--starred, School Library Journal

-- (12/18/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"Bostic's evocative illustrations add tenderness to a narrative of real terror. . . An important addition to civil rights movement literature with which readers can connect on a human level." --starred, The Horn Book Magazine

-- (11/30/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"[A]n unmissable story about everyday courage whose notes about the importance of overcoming discrimination remain timely." --starred, Foreword Reviews

-- (11/1/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"Bostic invokes the school's brown paper window coverings as a moving background for glorious acrylic portraiture featuring violets and purples that summon feminism and the threesome's status as civil rights royalty . . . A welcome spotlight on the undersung history of three girls whose bravery and endured torment carved a path for generations." -- starred, Booklist

-- (9/12/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"Micheaux Nelson and Bostic's information-packed picture book examines an overlooked story of civil rights . . . Art in browns, purples, and golds juxtaposes saturated portraits of the girls with sepia-tone scenes of protesters."--starred, Publishers Weekly

-- (9/25/2023 12:00:00 AM)