The book begins with nonfiction background information about Brown Vs. BOE in Topeka, Kansas, but it's not written in such a way that would render it useful in the middle school classroom. The introduction was, in my opinion, a terrible read. However, I did not give up. The rest of the book is a collection of personal narratives, poems, and essays about school segregation & desegregation. So far, I've only read Jerry Spinelli's narrative (fiction or non, I'm not sure!) about a black friend he had who moved into his all-white neighborhood. I enjoyed it, and think that my students will, too. I'm actually looking forward to reading the rest, even though it's off to such a poor start.

1 month later: Since it's taken so long to get through, it's clear that this was not a captivating read! I AM glad that I read it, though.
There were some excellent essays in this collection, all seeming to be a result of famous authors being asked to write a reflection on what Brown vs. BOE means to them. Lois Lowry's reflection on her 4 years as a host to a Fresh Air child was my favorite, because I could totally relate, having had a similar experience. I also was able to see desegregation from new perspectives; I had never considered the negative impact it has had on black communities before! Overall, this collection, which seemed to target an adult audience but is ironically formatted as if it is a children's book, allowed me study the topic of desegregation more thoroughly, from the personal experiences of many, instead of from a dry, nonfiction account of it.

For teachers:
I recommend the poem in here by Eloise Greenfield, "Desegregation" for teachers to use in any unit on desegregation (especially along with the picture book "Walking to School").

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Beginning with a little background info in the intro entitled "Who Is Linda Brown?" this compilation of poems, essays and memories by children's authors provides insight to what the world was like at the time of the Brown vs. The Board of Education decision to desegregate schools. Linda Brown, was the little girl caught in the crossfire. She was 8 years old. This book is filled with the memories of others who were kids at the same time, like Jerry Spinelli, Lois Lowry and the author herself, Joyce Carol Thomas. The entries are candid which is very much appreciated. They are from whites, blacks, men and women with varying experiences and outlooks. Some have happy memories, some are sad, angry, indifferent. No matter what the experience, each author teaches a valuable to lesson to today's young readers-- they are not alone. Just as Linda was not alone. These accounts offer young readers various diverse voices of a time period that is often taught very one-sided. It's good to hear from so many different people in so many different ways. There's no way at least one entry won't reach someone while reading. The illustrations are so colorful, rich and realistic that they transport readers into the tumultuous time period but also share with them some happy times-- like joyous times with family as depicted by the little girls on page 42 or the happy graduating African American high school senior on page 108 that accompanied Leona Welch's story about graduation. This book has something to offer everyone. Though I wish there was a list of suggested further reading about the time period and Linda Brown.

This book contains a collection of stories, poems, and personal reflections written by famous authors based on the Brown v. Board of Education decision. ( )