Step by Step!: How the Lincoln School Marchers Blazed a Trail to Justice

Do you know the story of 19 Black mothers and 37 children who marched for school integration in Ohio?

In Step by Step! twelve-year-old Joyce Clemons shares her fictional memory book documenting this little-known –but very true–civil rights history.

Following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, Black mothers in Hillsboro, OH, attempted to enroll their children at the all-white Webster School. However, the local school board refused the call for integration. Demanding equal education, a group of Black mothers and children marched to and from Webster daily—until Black students were admitted. In Step by Step!, New York Times bestselling author Debbie Rigaud and coauthor Dr. Carlotta Penn thoughtfully capture the voice of a young activist and emphasize the power of Black mothers’ leadership. Nysha Lilly’s expressive illustrations, with historical primary sources interspersed throughout, immerse readers in the Lincoln School Marchers’ fight. Rigaud and Penn simultaneously convey the challenges the marchers faced with the uplifting joy of a united community, encouraging readers to “keep on marching” for justice.

FIVE STAR REVIEWS
***** “Just when I thought that I had become used to the stories of our struggles for equality, along comes this gem. It is written at a level that is good for adults and children.”
*****” The illustrations in this book are amazing. The artistic pictures are set alongside actual newspaper headlines and photos. They help to start conversations about civil rights history and how simple actions can lead to big changes. My second-grade daughter enjoyed reading this book and looking at the illustrations. Plus, she learned a lot!”
***** “This story about Black mothers and children marching for integration is a must have for your bookshelves. I love it because it takes on a serious and important topic with some of the lightheartedness of a child’s perspective. It’s an enjoyable read and the illustrations include art and real pictures. It’s a beautiful and timeless story!”

A great complement to other historical books about civil rights marches, such as The Teachers March, and those that center a Black girl leading, such as I Am Ruby Bridges.

Source: Publisher