Small Shoes, Great Strides
How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to School Equality
On November 14, 1960, first graders Leona Tate, Tessie Prevost, and Gail Etienne stepped into history by going to school.
Escorted by U.S. Marshals and facing swarms of shouting protestors, they became the first children in New Orleans to integrate a previously all-white school, just ten minutes before Ruby Bridges. Like Ruby, the trio faced crowds of protestors fighting against public school desegregation efforts and relied on US Marshals to keep them safe. That day was just the beginning of their journey.
Despite hate mail, death threats, and ongoing protests, Leona, Tessie, and Gail continued attending McDonogh No. 19 Public School. To ensure their safety, classroom windows were covered with paper, and they weren’t allowed outside for recess. With the love and protection of their parents, the Marshals, and their kindly teacher, the girls carried on and formed a close bond, becoming friends for life.
Award-winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson conducted extensive interviews to bring this little-known story from the Civil Rights Movement to young readers. With vivid illustrations by fine artist Alex Bostic that highlight courage and determination, this book celebrates how three little girls made great strides to ensure all children could receive the education they deserve.
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
|
978-1-7284-1923-7
|
$14.99 | |
|
978-1-7284-9407-4
|
$24.99 |
| Interest Level | Grade 2 - Grade 5 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 3 |
| Genre | Picture Books, Social Studies |
| Category | 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Biography, Diverse Books: Feminism, Diverse Books: #OwnVoices, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diverse Books: Social Justice, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning |
| Copyright | 2023 |
| Publisher | Lerner Publishing Group |
| Imprint | Carolrhoda Books ® |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 40 |
| Publication Date | 2023-11-07 |
Author: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Vaunda Micheaux Nelson is the author of The Book Itch, as well as three Coretta Scott King Award-winning books: No Crystal Stair, Bad News for Outlaws, and Almost to Freedom. She is a former youth services librarian in New Mexico. Visit her online at vaundanelson.com.
Illustrator: Alex Bostic
Alex Bostic is a nationally award-winning realist painter based in Mississippi. He holds a BFA in Illustration from Pratt Institute and an MA in Illustration from Syracuse University. With more than forty years of being an illustrator, Alex decided to further develop and focus on his personal work and he is now a traditional figurative artist.
Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!
Small Shoes, Great Strides
On November 14, 1960, first graders Leona Tate, Tessie Prevost, and Gail Etienne stepped into history by going to school. Escorted by U.S. Marshals and facing swarms of shouting protestors, they became the first children in New Orleans to integrate a previously… View available downloads →
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In an everchanging world, the often-difficult concept of understanding different perspectives is more important than ever. The well-rounded selection of biographies depicted in this blog post provides insight and offers simplicity while also answering difficult questions for younger… View →
Librarian Prep Post: Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month honors both the struggle that women have faced throughout time, as well as the many important achievements women have made that haven’t always been recognized. Books can give us extra insight into influential figures and the stories of women that aren’t always… View →
Small Shoes, Great Strides: An Interview with Author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Many students know the story of Ruby Bridges, but how about the McDonogh Three? Small Shoes, Great Strides: How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to School Equality tells the powerful true story of how Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost courageously integrated a New Orleans school View →
Awards
- Dogwood Readers Award Finalist
- Booklist Top 10 History Books for Youth
- Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year 2024
- New Mexico-Arizona Book Award Finalist
- Booklist Editor's Choice
Reviews
School Library Journal
“[B]rutal, enlightening, hopeful, and realistic. An important piece of history, the book is a treasure and will require classroom discussion.”—starred, School Library Journal
The Horn Book Magazine
“Bostic’s evocative illustrations add tenderness to a narrative of real terror. . . An important addition to civil rights movement literature with which readers can connect on a human level.” —starred, The Horn Book Magazine
Foreword Reviews
“[A]n unmissable story about everyday courage whose notes about the importance of overcoming discrimination remain timely.” —starred, Foreword Reviews
Publishers Weekly
“Micheaux Nelson and Bostic’s information-packed picture book examines an overlooked story of civil rights . . . Art in browns, purples, and golds juxtaposes saturated portraits of the girls with sepia-tone scenes of protesters.”—starred, Publishers Weekly
Booklist
“Bostic invokes the school’s brown paper window coverings as a moving background for glorious acrylic portraiture featuring violets and purples that summon feminism and the threesome’s status as civil rights royalty . . . A welcome spotlight on the undersung history of three girls whose bravery and endured torment carved a path for generations.” — starred, Booklist