Two Schools, One Story!

This is exciting!

Our first Two Schools, One Story summer reading program is underway!
This summer students from McDevitt Middle School and Kennedy Middle School will read
The Lions of Little Rock, by Kristin Levine.

What's the book about?

A historical fiction novel, The Lions of Little Rock takes place 

in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1958, a tumultuous time in American history, known as the Lost Year, when Little Rock closed its schools in an effort to block desegregation. The protagonist, Marlee Nisbitt, is a 12-year old girl of silence. So silent, in fact, that she'd rather count prime numbers in her head than speak to another human being. Speaking five words to someone other than her family is an accomplishment. But that all changes she she meets a new girl in the first week of school. Liz Fullerton, confident and loquacious, was the exact opposite of Marlee, which is depicted when she strides up to Marlee during lunch and strikes up a conversation. Thus, a friendship is born.

Liz is determined to help Marlee conquer her fear of speaking and convinces her to participate in a oral presentation with her for one of their classes. But on the day of the presentation Liz is inexplicably absent. It turns out that she was pulled from school because she was caught "passing" - that is, an African American trying to pass as white for a better education and more opportunities. 

The devastation consumed Marlee, but she and Liz soon devised ways to see each other in secret, and ultimately igniting a series of unfortunate and heroic events.

Filled with facts, this novel educates readers on the lost year of 1958 in Little Rock. But the friendship built between Marlee and Liz drives the story forward and makes the reader cling to idea of unconditional love, renounce ignorance, and, just as Marlee did, find their voice. 

borrowed from:http://lionsoflittlerock.weebly.com/book-summary.html 

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What will students do before school ends this year? 

Students will participate in a variety of grade level activities aimed at generating excitement about the summer reading program. The activities will emphasize a theme of identity, community, and tolerance. Before the last day of school, students will create community mural. Stay tuned for pictures!

What will students do this summer?

Read!

Every student will be given a print copy of the book. Students will have the option of reading the book or listening to the audio version of the book on OverDrive. Incoming 5th graders and current 6th and 7th graders will receive a packet of information including a letter to parents and guardians and a list of activities to choose from and complete over the summer.

Happy Reading and Listening!