58 pages • 1 hour read
Warriors Don't Cry
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Book Brief
312
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Little Rock, Arkansas • 1950s
1994
YA
12-18 years
1000L
Super Short Summary
Originally published in 1994, Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals primarily focuses on the 1957-58 school year at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, where Beals was among the Little Rock Nine—the first group of Black students to attend the formerly all-white high school. The narrative recounts the violence, threats, and humiliation the nine faced daily, detailing how Melba found the strength to persevere and complete the school year amidst intense opposition.
Inspirational
Challenging
Emotional
Dark
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
17,112 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Warriors Don't Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals is widely praised for its emotional depth and historical significance in depicting the struggle for school desegregation. Readers find it an inspiring memoir that showcases resilience and bravery. However, some note that the intense, graphic details may be challenging for younger audiences.
Who Should Read Warriors Don't Cry?
Readers who appreciate powerful, personal narratives of courage in the face of social injustice will be captivated by Warriors Don't Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals. Fans of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and The Diary of Anne Frank will find similar themes of resilience and the fight for civil rights.
17,112 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mother Lois Pattillo
Mother Lois Pattillo
Melba's supportive and principled mother who maintains high expectations for her children and defends Melba through the trials of integration despite personal and professional risks.
Grandma India Peyton
Grandma India Peyton
Melba's devout and steadfast grandmother who provides emotional support and guidance, bolstered by her strong religious faith and practical wisdom during Melba's integration journey.
Dan
Dan
A soldier from the 101st Airborne Division assigned to protect Melba during integration, limited by orders but offering critical support and displaying genuine concern for her safety.
Link
Link
A white student at Central High School who assists Melba in avoiding attacks, gradually gaining her trust, and showing compassion despite the tensions at their school.
312
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Little Rock, Arkansas • 1950s
1994
YA
12-18 years
1000L
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