This Promise of Change

One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality

By: Jo Ann Allen Boyce, Debbie Levy

Narrated by: Donna Allen

Bloomsbury presents This Promise of Change by Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy, read by Donna Allen.

Recipient of a Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor
Winner of the 2019 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Nonfiction
2020 National Council for the Social Studies Carter G. Woodson Honor Recipient
A NYPL Top Ten of 2019
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

In 1956, one year before federal troops escorted the Little Rock 9 into Central High School, fourteen year old Jo Ann Allen was one of twelve African-American students who broke the color barrier and integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee. At first things went smoothly for the Clinton 12, but then outside agitators interfered, pitting the townspeople against one another. Uneasiness turned into anger, and even the Clinton Twelve themselves wondered if the easier thing to do would be to go back to their old school. Jo Ann—clear-eyed, practical, tolerant, and popular among both black and white students—-found herself called on as the spokesperson of the group. But what about just being a regular teen? This is the heartbreaking and relatable story of her four months thrust into the national spotlight and as a trailblazer in history. Based on original research and interviews and featuring backmatter with archival materials and notes from the authors on the co-writing process.©2019 Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy (P)2020 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Excellent for Kids & Adults

My 10 year old daughter read this and learned a lot from it. I read it after her and felt the same. The author was adeptly able to really put her feelings into this experience. It made it much more real to me than reading about it in the history books.