AUTHOR: MELBA PATTILLO BEALES

TIME AND SETTING

• The story takes place during the time of segregation in little rock.

MELBA

• Melba is one of nine students that integrated central high.
• She is intelligent, determined, and friendly.

QUOTE 1

• "First off, I was born on Pearl Harbor day, December 7, 1941."

QUOTE 2

• "I told myself I had to be a soldier in battle."

GRANDMA INDIA

• Was Melba's grandmother.
• She was the mother of Melba's mother.

QUOTE 1

• "My grandmother India always said god had pointed a finger at our family,
• Asking for just a bit more discipline, more praying, and more hard work
• Because he had blessed us with good health and good brains."

QUOTE 2

• "God is always with you."

ELIZABETH

• She was one of the nine black students integrating into central high.
• She was also one of Melba's friends.

QUOTE 1

• "As she turned toward us, her eyes hidden by dark glasses,
• We could see how erect and proud she stood despite the
• Fear she must have been feeling."

QUOTE 2

• "Looking strait ahead as she walked, she did not acknowledge
• The people yelping at her heals, like mad dogs.

LINK

• Was one of Melba's friends.
• Her source of how she avoided most attacks against her.

QUOTE 1

• "My dad makes me go to those meetings— where they plan what to do
• To get you all kicked out of school."

QUOTE 2

• "Link again urged me to convince her to take money for a doctor."

SUMMARY

• This book is about Melba and her struggles that she had with segregation.

CONFLICT 1

• During Melba's first week of integration she was
• Already having problems with the other students.

DESCRIPTION OF CONFLICT

• A boy through acid in her face close to her eyes attempting to blind her.
• When she was using the girls room other girls in there through flaming
• Toilet paper rolls at her.

CONFLICT 2

• Melba has trouble with people on her way back
• From school going home.

DESCRIPTION OF CONFLICT

• When Melba is going home she always has
• This " special" kid who will throw fruit at her.

THEME

• The theme of this book is no mater what life
• Throws at you, you must never give up.

OPINION

• This book is one of the best books We've ever read.

EXPLANATION OF OPINION

• This is so because it has a great story line;
• It gives a great insight on how terrible segregation
• Was.

EXPLANATION OF OPINION(CONTINUED)

• Such as: when Melba has burning toilet paper rolls
• Thrown at her while she's in the bathroom and when she's on her
• Way home and she is nearly raped.