Warrior's Don't Cry is the story of Melba Pattillo, a young girl living in Arkansas during the time of segregation. The main focus of the story is about Melba Pattillo and her fellow students who were part of the Little Rock Nine - the students that dared to be a part of Arkansas' first attempt at integration in public schools.
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The case, Brown vs. The Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, was heard before the U.S. Supreme Court. The case was quite controversial as many supporters of each side were vocal and sometimes violent. The Supreme Court ruled on the case on May 17, 1954. The ruling stated that it is illegal to operate segregated public schools. School systems were given a time frame in which they had to comply with the ruling.
Despite the actions of Arkansas' Governor Faubus, Little Rock's Central High School was scheduled to be integrated in 1956. Melba, a 15 year old student, is selected to participate in the integration. Melba is both excited and scared as is her family. However, Melba was raised in strong, loving household influenced greatly by her mother, Lois, who held a master's degree in English, and her matriarchal grandmother, India.
Although the students are eventually integrated into the school system, accompanied by guards, the opposition continues to fight and have the black students expelled. The students are supposed to be protected but are often left to their own devices. They are harassed, beaten, raped, and in at least one case, almost murdered. The opposition refuses to give up. Melba is fortunate to be saved by Link, a white boy whom she befriends. Link, who has his own issues with racism, struggles to fight against the opposition to gain rights for his beloved nanny who has fallen ill.
The Little Rock Nine eventually prevail by enduring everything that the opposition throws at them. The eldest of the group, Ernest Green, becomes Central High School's first black graduate.
The story ends with a 30 year reunion of the Little Rock Nine. Melba recalls Grandma India's prediction: that someday it would all be worth it.
Best part of story, including ending:
I liked this story because it was filled with hope and determination despite the circumstances.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene was the one in which Melba and the other students walked into the school in Little Rock for the first time. It showed tremendous courage.
Opinion about the main character:
I like Melba's fortitude and ambition.
