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.