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The Lions of Little Rock Audiobook
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(4.00) - 2,188 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Everything’s changing for twelve-year-old Marlee. Her brother’s gone off to college and her sister’s moved out of the room they’ve shared since Marlee was born. To Marlee, it feels like her whole world’s falling apart. On top of all that, she’s starting middle school and has to break in new teachers—teachers who don’t yet know Marlee doesn’t talk. At least not until she meets Liz, the new girl at school. Liz is she’s brave, brash and always knows the right thing to say, especially to the resident mean girl, Sally. Liz even helps Marlee overcome her fear of speaking. But when Liz leaves school without even a good-bye, the rumor is that Liz was really a colored girl caught passing for white. Marlee decides that doesn’t matter. She just wants her friend back. And to stay friends, Marlee and Liz are even willing to take on segregation and the dangers their friendship could bring to both their families.
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"Re-read. First time through I listened to it. This time through I read it with a small group who read it during a civil rights unit. I liked it even better this time! My students loved it! This is such a well-told story about two girls living through a tumultuous time in Little Rock, AR, in 1958, and the complicated friendship they forge. The narrator of the audio version is very good. Marlee, the main character, is called "The Mute" by a few bullies in her town because she's shy to the point of never talking. Liz, her new friend, on the other hand, can't seem to stop saying whatever is on her mind. The two try to help each other with these character challenges, but there is way more to the story. It is a year after the Little Rock Nine, and schools have been closed because of the integration controversy. Marlee and Liz unintentionally end up right in the middle of the storm. I think Levine does a great job facing race issues head on but being sensitive to intermediate readers. The "n" word is used, however, so be be aware if you use it as a read aloud or hand it to kids. This book can be used for all kinds of literary elements - character development and motivation, importance of setting, theme, and symbolism (the lions at the local zoo are central symbols in the story). I'll definitely be introducing it to our Mock Newbery 2013 book group. I finished the audio on the way up to the Dublin Literacy Conference. I loved hearing Donalyn Miller and Sharon Draper!!"
— Holly (4 out of 5 stars)
Awards
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One of Audible’s Best Audiobooks of 2014: Narrator of the year
The Lions of Little Rock Listener Reviews
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" This story to me was realistic fiction. The setting takes place in Little Rock in the 1950's when racial discrimination is at its greatest. The main characters in the story are Liz and Marlee. Marlee is extremely shy and doesn't talk much. When Liz becomes her friend, things begin to change. This book touches many topics like racial discrimination, justice, and voicing out your opinion. It's a great book for youth today. "
— Elizabeth, 2/13/2014 -
" I love it when I'm totally surprised by new historical information. And I found lots of surprises in LIONS OF LITTLE ROCK. I knew about the Little Rock 9, but had no idea that the schools in Little Rock were closed for a year after that. I agree with Karen Terlecky that this would be a great read aloud. If I was going to read it, however, I think I would spend a little time building background knowledge first. Maybe I'd show some footage of the Little Rock 9, and also read the author's note in the back before we read the book. Think this would be a great January read aloud. "
— Carol, 1/27/2014 -
" Historical fiction, civil rights movement, integration, mild violence, language (n-word). Possible buy for the library., "
— Shauna, 1/20/2014 -
" I adored this book. It astounded me! I had no idea negroes were so mistreated. "
— Jessica, 1/12/2014 -
" Wonderful work of historical fiction set in 1958 Little Rock, Arkansas where high schools were closed in a last ditch attempt to prevent integration. This book has everything, history, friendship, suspense, all while feeling very plausible. A lovely and powerful book. "
— Sarah, 1/8/2014 -
" Loved, loved, loved this book. What a wonderful cast of characters! Oh my gosh, I can't wait to share with my students... "
— Patrick, 1/6/2014 -
" Really good historical novel about friendship and finding a voice. "
— Betsy, 12/9/2013 -
" I thought this was an excellent book about the struggles during segregation. The main character was inspirational and many children will identify with the obstacles that she needs to overcome. I highly recommend this book. "
— Sharon, 11/29/2013 -
" Fascinating read! I learned so much from this book. I highly recommend it. "
— Harla, 11/26/2013 -
" I really liked this book, it made me laugh and cry. Though hard to believe a girl that was once so shy would end up so involved so quickly. This is my favorite time period to read about. Librarians beware of language if in a conservative community. A strong contender for Newbery. "
— Stephanie, 11/15/2013 -
" Historical YA fiction is one of my favorite genres, so I did enjoy this book. You've likely heard of "The Little Rock Nine", this story is set in the following year when the high school was closed down for an entire year to avoid integration. "
— Lorra, 10/27/2013 -
" great book. I read with my daughter for a book club, this was a terrific story about life in the late 50's in the south. Comes at a good time to read / finish as it approaches MLK day. good for discussion "
— Susan, 7/20/2013 -
" Anyone who enjoyed reading The Help will enjoy reading this book. It was great! "
— Alise, 4/3/2013 -
" this is a heartwarming story about friendship and doing what you know to be right even if everyone else thinks its wrong. marlee and liz struggle to stay friends in a time when segregation was the norm and integration was looked down on. "
— Katielibrary, 10/21/2012 -
" Really fantastic. One I think my kids should read. "
— Charmaine, 6/16/2012 -
" Sooo good...if you're a kiddie historical fiction junkie like myself. "
— Louisa, 5/25/2012 -
" This was an amazing book. It was hands down one of the best books i have ever read. Everyone should read this book! "
— ✨Frances✌, 3/3/2012
About Kristin Levine
Kristin Levine received her BA in German from Swarthmore College and an MFA in film and electronic media from American University. She spent a year in Vienna, Austria, working as an au pair and has taught screenwriting at American University.
About Julia Whelan
Julia Whelan is a novelist, screenwriter, lifelong actor, and multiple award-winning audiobook narrator. She graduated with a degree in English and creative writing from Middlebury College and Oxford University. She is a former child actor who has appeared in multiple films and television shows.