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Quick answer: The best books on the Little Rock Nine tell the story of the nine Black students who integrated Central High School in 1957. Start with Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals, The Long Shadow of Little Rock by Daisy Bates, A Mighty Long Way by Carlotta Walls LaNier, Elizabeth and Hazel by David Margolick and the novel The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine.
In 1954 the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that segregated public schools were unconstitutional. Three years later, nine Black teenagers enrolled at all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Governor Orval Faubus sent the Arkansas National Guard to block them, and angry white mobs surrounded the school. President Eisenhower finally sent the 101st Airborne Division to escort the students inside. All year the Nine endured insults, threats and violence in the hallways. Their courage became a turning point in the civil rights movement. The books below include memoirs by the Nine and their allies, histories and wonderful books for young readers.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warriors Don’t Cry | Melba Pattillo Beals | Memoir | The essential first read |
| The Long Shadow of Little Rock | Daisy Bates | Memoir | The leader’s story |
| A Mighty Long Way | Carlotta Walls LaNier | Memoir | One student’s journey |
| Elizabeth and Hazel | David Margolick | History | One famous photograph |
| Turn Away Thy Son | Elizabeth Jacoway | History | The full story |
| Crisis at Central High | Elizabeth Huckaby | Memoir | A teacher’s view |
| Bitters in the Honey | Beth Roy | Oral history | The white students’ memories |
| Faubus | Roy Reed | Biography | The governor’s story |
| Simple Justice | Richard Kluger | Legal history | Brown v. Board |
| Brown v. Board of Education: A Brief History with Documents | Waldo E. Martin Jr. | Primary sources | Students |
| Eyes on the Prize | Juan Williams | History | The wider movement |
| Through My Eyes | Ruby Bridges | Memoir for young readers | Ages 8–12 |
| Little Rock Nine | Marshall Poe | Graphic novel | Ages 10 and up |
| The Lions of Little Rock | Kristin Levine | Middle-grade novel | Ages 10 and up |
| Little Rock Girl 1957 | Shelley Tougas | Kids’ nonfiction | Ages 9–12 |
1. Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals
Beals, one of the Nine, wrote this memoir from the diary she kept as a 15-year-old. It’s gripping, painful and inspiring. A young readers’ edition is also available.
2. The Long Shadow of Little Rock by Daisy Bates
Bates, president of the Arkansas NAACP, guided and protected the Nine. Her memoir describes the crisis and the attacks on her own home and newspaper.
3. A Mighty Long Way by Carlotta Walls LaNier
LaNier, the youngest of the Nine, tells her story and describes what came after, including the bombing of her family’s home. It’s honest and moving.
4. Elizabeth and Hazel by David Margolick
Margolick tells the story behind the famous photo of Elizabeth Eckford being taunted by Hazel Bryan, and the women’s complicated relationship decades later.
5. Turn Away Thy Son by Elizabeth Jacoway
Jacoway’s detailed history examines the crisis from every side, including the white leaders of Little Rock. It’s thorough and balanced.
6. Crisis at Central High by Elizabeth Huckaby
Huckaby, vice principal for girls at Central High, kept a journal throughout the 1957–58 school year. It’s a unique eyewitness account.
7. Bitters in the Honey by Beth Roy
Roy interviewed white former students decades later to understand their attitudes during the crisis. It’s revealing and unsettling.
8. Faubus by Roy Reed
Reed’s biography of Orval Faubus explains the politics behind his decision to defy the courts. It’s a nuanced portrait.
9. Simple Justice by Richard Kluger
Kluger’s classic tells the story of the lawyers and families behind Brown v. Board of Education. It’s long but essential background.
10. Brown v. Board of Education: A Brief History with Documents by Waldo E. Martin Jr.
This short book includes the key court documents and a clear introduction. It’s ideal for students and teachers.
11. Eyes on the Prize by Juan Williams
The companion to the PBS series covers the civil rights movement from 1954 to 1965, including Little Rock. It’s clear and illustrated.
12. Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
Ruby Bridges describes integrating a New Orleans elementary school in 1960 at age six. It pairs perfectly with the Little Rock story for kids.
13. Little Rock Nine by Marshall Poe
This graphic novel follows two boys, one Black and one white, during the crisis. It’s accessible and thoughtful.
14. The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine
In 1958, a shy white girl in Little Rock befriends a new classmate who turns out to be Black and passing as white. It’s warm and powerful.
15. Little Rock Girl 1957 by Shelley Tougas
Tougas tells the story of the famous Elizabeth Eckford photograph and how it changed history. It’s short and well illustrated.
Tips for Reading About the Little Rock Nine
- Start with Warriors Don’t Cry. Melba Pattillo Beals makes it personal.
- Learn the background. Brown v. Board explains why the Nine enrolled.
- Look at the photographs. Will Counts’s photos are central to the story.
- Read several voices. Bates, LaNier and Huckaby saw it from different angles.
- Visit if you can. Central High School is a national historic site.
- Read with kids. The Lions of Little Rock is a great middle-grade novel.
Related: best books on the Civil Rights Movement and best books on Jim Crow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book about the Little Rock Nine?
Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals is the essential memoir by one of the Nine.
Who were the Little Rock Nine?
They were Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Pattillo, Gloria Ray, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas and Carlotta Walls.
What is a good Little Rock Nine book for kids?
The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine is a great novel for ages 10 and up, and Little Rock Girl 1957 by Shelley Tougas explains the famous photograph.