Fire from the Rock

Fire from the Rock is a 2007 novel by American author Sharon Draper. The book was named a 2008 Notable Social Studies Committee Trade Book for Young People and was among the 2008 New York Public Library Best Books for the Teen Age. Fire from the Rock is a work of historical fiction that follows 15-year-old Sylvia Patterson as she and her family navigate the tension in Little Rock, Arkansas, in the months leading up to the historic racial integration of Central High School. One day, her teacher, Miss Washington, tells her that she is putting her name on the list of students who could be selected to integrate Central High. As the deadline approaches, Sylvia and her family must contend with the uptick in racist harassment in Little Rock as members of the white community are forced to reconcile with the reality of integrated schools. While she is flattered to be named to the list, Sylvia is not so sure she wants to be among the first Black students to attend Central High School. Though she knows it is time for school integration to happen, she must decide what is best for herself and her community.