The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

Edition: Hardcover, 304 pages
Publisher: Penguin, Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: January 2012
Genre: Contemporary fiction, historical fiction, 1950s, Civil Rights Era, Friendship
Other Books By Author: Best Bad I Luck I Ever Had
Overall Rating: 4/5

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Two girls separated by race form an unbreakable bond during the tumultuous integration of Little Rock schools in 1958.
Twelve-year-old Marlee doesn't have many friends until she meets Liz, the new girl at school. Liz is bold and brave, and always knows the right thing to say, especially to Sally, the resident mean girl. Liz even helps Marlee overcome her greatest fear - speaking, which Marlee never does outside her family.
But then Liz is gone, replaced by the rumor that she was a Negro girl passing as white. But Marlee decides that doesn't matter. Liz is her best friend. And to stay friends, Marlee and Liz are willing to take on integration and the dangers their friendship could bring to both their families.

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There are quite a few books now about the civil rights movement or integration in the 1950s/60s. After awhile I kind of felt like that once I read a few books with this topic, I read them all. With The Lions of Little Rock, it was not just another integration story...it was way more. Although it followed the classic white girl meets black girl scenario, it had a unique twist and a lot of history. 
The main character in The Lions of Little Rock is twelve year-old Marlee who struggles with shyness and speaking for herself. When she meets the new girl in school, Marlee becomes fascinated with her. Liz is everything Marlee wishes she could be...and soon they become inseparable friends. After a troubling discovery one morning at school, Marlee realizes that although Liz wasn't what she seemed, their friendship and Liz's lesson about being courageous is more important. Even though being friends with Liz is fast becoming dangerous as the racial tensions between whites and blacks rise, Marlee learns to find her voice.


Combining a heartfelt come-of-age story in the backdrop of a turbulent time in American history, Levine shows us that friendship and making a stand are sometimes the most important lessons learned in life.
The Lions of Little Rock was nice, different look on the segregation wars. Taking place a year after the "Little Rock 9", Levine incorporates alot of history–sometimes little known–into a wonderful story of a very shy girl on the brink of change. Levine's writing was very lyrical and I'm glad the the events that were going on didn't take over the entire story of Marlee. I liked how everything was presented much better than any other novel I've read about this topic in history. Great book for middle graders and teens. (Ages 11+)

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BLT's Best of 2011

Goodbye 2011, hello there 2012! This means BLT will be celebrating its 3rd year anniversary in February :D I'm so excited...I can't believe three years have gone by so fast. 2011 was a busy year for me. Last semester of high school (yippy!) and a sort-of-kind-of first taste of college. I daresay I've been extremely busy this past fall and I apologize for no updates or reviews for a good couple of months. Alas, this spring will probably be just as busy but I still read a bit in my spare time. *Will try hard for blogging*

Because 2011 was quite a whirl-wind, I didn't read nearly as many books as I did in 2010. However, I do have some awesome favorites that YOU need to read this new year! Enjoy:

The Water Seeker by Kimberly Willis Holt

Following the life of the son of a fur-trapper, Amos knows he has his father's gift at an early age. Determined to make of the best of his abilities, young Amos sets of into the wild American West, touching the lives he in comes in counter with. Every Holt novel I read, I love and this book is no exception. Amos's story is a wonderful look not only in a historical perspective, but a lovely example of family, love, and survival on the Oregon Trail. Not to mention the art of...dowsing?! Highly recommend if you are a Kimberly Willis Holt fan!

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

A mysterious death. Strange photos. A peculiar quest to find the answer. Setting it apart from any other paranormal/fantasy novel, Miss Peregrine's is filled with authentic vintage photographs that tie into the story–and that of course is the reason why you should read it! A eerily fantastic novel for teens or adults. Stay tuned for the sequel in 2012!

Jane by April Linder
A brooding, modern-day twist on the classic story of Jane Erye, Jane finds herself in dire need of a job. Utterly alone and with no money for college tuition, Jane applies for a nanny position; and by chance is hired look after the young daughter of a famous rock-star. Not knowing what to expect Jane, is determined to make the best of her situation...despite Nico Rathburn not being the type of celebrity Jane assumed he would be. True to the manner of the original story, Jane, is a great novel for fans of Bronte and contemporary romance.

Forgiven (Faithful #2) by Janet Fox
A little romance, a little turn-of-the century San Francisco, and a whole lot of danger. A stunning sequel to Faithful, this time it is Kula's turn in the spotlight. The daring daughter of an outlaw, Kula knows how to handle herself...but is she prepared for the dark secrets that lurk in Chinatown's streets? Haven't read Faithful yet? Not worries, you can still pickup Forgiven!

Across the Universe (Bk. 1) by Beth Revis
Locked in a bed of ice that will not be unfrozen until nearly 200 years have passed, Amy is suddenly awakened...only to find it is too early. Faced with an almost alien way of life aboard the spaceship, Amy meets Elder, the soon-to-be ruler of Godspeed who has become wary of his teacher's dictatorship. Together they must unlock the secrets and deceit that have taken over while Amy was sleeping. The clock is ticking...
(Book #2 is out this month!)

Bitter Melon by Cara Chow
An unforgettable story about one girl's quest to defy perfection, resist bitterness, and follow her heart. Chow's raw emotional tale will be an inspiration to teens everywhere. This was one of the first "best books" I  read in 2011. Highly recommend!

The Queen's Daughter by Susan Coventry
Although probably more of a personal fav, this historical fiction is brimming with royal life in the 16th century. History buffs will be lured into Conventry's fictional account of the daughter of the infamous Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II.

The Accidental Genius of Weasel High by Rick Detorie
In this hilarious take on 9th grade, Larkin is the ultimate "wimpy teen" and he's got points to prove it. Told in text and illustrations, any high schooler will fall head over heels for Larkin's comical take on high school, friends, and first love.




--> Runner's Ups, Read These Too!


The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher
Girlfriend Material by Melissa Kantor
In The Shadow of the Lamp by Susan Dunlap
On the Volcano by James Nolan
After the Kiss by Terra Lynn McVoy
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohen & David Levithan
Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell
Blood Wounds by Susan Beth Pfeffer


Awesome Middle Grade Fiction
Sparrow Road by Sheila O'Connor
Stones for my Father by Trilby Kent
The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

Wrapping Up 2011 Read-A-Thon Final Update

Remarkable Read's Wrapping Up 2011 Read-A-Thon as come to a close, just as the year has too! I read all the books I planned to read except one (which I replaced with another). Overall I wrapped up:

• Unclaimed Heart - Kim Wilkins
• The Lions of Little Rock - Kristin Levine
• Wither (The Chemical Gardens Tril) - Lauren DeStefano
• Ten Miles Past Normal - Frances O'Roark Dowell

That's a total of about 1,169 pages!! I kind of slowed down a bit after Christmas but I was still pleased with my progress. Did you participate in the read-a-thon too? Stay tuned for a special turn-of-the-year giveaway celebrating the end of this read-a-thon and the beginning of 2012:) Have a happy new year!