Today the World Is Watching You

May 1, 2011

Gr 6-9-Readers may be familiar with this historic event, but Magoon provides a deeper look into the students' lives and discusses the isolation, frustrations, and very real dangers they faced both inside and outside of Central High School. In this extensively researched volume, the author also presents information about the political and judicial decisions that were made in relation to this event and how it forever changed the landscape of race relations in the country. Well-paced and engaging, the book is broken up into manageable chapters and gives background information on racial tensions in America starting with the days of slavery. The information is carefully documented, and source notes are appended, along with an extensive time line and a "who's who." Black-and-white photographs and text boxes give additional information and context. Although Stephanie Fitzgerald's The Little Rock Nine: Struggle for Integration (Compass Point, 2006) addresses the topic, Magoon's offering is broader in scope and makes an ideal purchase for research purposes.-Rita Meade, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

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