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

On November 14, 1960, first graders Leona Tate, Tessie Prevost, and Gail Etienne stepped into history by going to school.

Escorted by U.S. Marshals and facing swarms of shouting protestors, they became the first children in New Orleans to integrate a previously all-white school, just ten minutes before Ruby Bridges. Like Ruby, the trio faced crowds of protestors fighting against public school desegregation efforts and relied on US Marshals to keep them safe. That day was just the beginning of their journey.

Despite hate mail, death threats, and ongoing protests, Leona, Tessie, and Gail continued attending McDonogh No. 19 Public School. To ensure their safety, classroom windows were covered with paper, and they weren't allowed outside for recess. With the love and protection of their parents, the Marshals, and their kindly teacher, the girls carried on and 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 young readers. With vivid illustrations by fine artist Alex Bostic that highlight courage and determination, this book celebrates how three little girls made great strides to ensure all children could receive the education they deserve.

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)