67 pages • 2 hours read
A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School
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Book Brief
A Mighty Long Way
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Middle Grade | Published in 2009336
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Little Rock, Arkansas • 1950s
2009
Middle grade
12+ years
1040L
Super Short Summary
A Mighty Long Way by Carlotta Walls LaNier and Lisa Frazier Page recounts LaNier’s experience as the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine, detailing the trials she faced integrating the all-white Little Rock Central High School. It also covers her life growing up in the Jim Crow-era South, the struggles she endured after Central, and her eventual reconnection with her fellow Little Rock Nine members. The memoir underscores the resilience required to pursue educational integration amidst systemic racism and highlights the significance of these Civil Rights events from LaNier’s unique perspective. This book contains racial slurs used against LaNier and her peers, as well as descriptions of racial violence.
Inspirational
Challenging
Hopeful
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
2,441 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
<A Mighty Long Way> by Carlotta Walls LaNier and Lisa Frazier Page is hailed for its compelling, personal account of the fight for desegregation. Readers praise LaNier's resilience and storytelling. However, some find it slow-paced and desire deeper historical context. Overall, it's a vital, impactful read on civil rights.
Who Should Read A Mighty Long Way?
Readers who are interested in civil rights history, personal memoirs, and stories of resilience would enjoy A Mighty Long Way by Carlotta Walls LaNier and Lisa Frazier Page. Comparable to The Autobiography of Malcolm X and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, this book provides a firsthand account of overcoming racial adversity.
2,441 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Cartelyou Walls “Daddy”
Cartelyou Walls “Daddy”
LaNier's father, a brick mason who supports his daughter's decision to attend Central High School. He faces injustice and trauma when accused of a crime.
Juanita Cullins “Mother”
Juanita Cullins “Mother”
LaNier's mother, who supports her family while her husband serves in WWII. She maintains a composed demeanor during LaNier's time at Central High School.
Porter Walls “Big Daddy”
Porter Walls “Big Daddy”
LaNier's paternal grandfather, known for his business acumen and dignified presence. He has a significant influence on LaNier's understanding of respect and social stature.
Med “Grandpa” Cullins
Med “Grandpa” Cullins
LaNier's maternal grandfather, a contractor, and baseball enthusiast. Though he struggles with alcohol, he remains knowledgeable and politically aware.
Daisy Bates
Daisy Bates
President of the Arkansas State Conference of the NAACP, who mentors the Little Rock Nine. She provides critical support during the Central High School integration.
Thurgood Marshall
Thurgood Marshall
NAACP civil rights lawyer who advocates for the Little Rock Nine in court. Known for his confidence and legal prowess, he fights for educational integration.
Orval Faubus
Orval Faubus
Governor of Arkansas and a leading figure in opposing school integration during LaNier's time at Central High School. He is remembered for his segregationist stance.
Herbert Odell Monts
Herbert Odell Monts
A lifelong friend and neighbor of LaNier's, who faces wrongful accusation during the events surrounding her time at Central High School. His story is part of LaNier's later reconciliation efforts.
336
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Little Rock, Arkansas • 1950s
2009
Middle grade
12+ years
1040L
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