FYE Theme and Book

2009-2010 Theme: Justice in Education

2009-2010 Book: Warriors Don't Cry by Melba Pattillo Beals

Each year a group of students work to select a book that speaks to the First Year Experience Theme.  The Book is a springboard for speakers, a film series, and hopefully many meaningful discussions throughout your first year.  Please use the following quiz as a guide for reading the book.  The quiz will be used as a part of Orientation.

Book Quiz  

Synopsis
In 1957, Melba Pattillo turned sixteen. That was also the year she became a

warrior on the front lines of a civil rights firestorm. Following the landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling, Brown v. Board of Education, Melba was one of nine teenagers chosen to integrate Little Rock's Central High School.

Throughout her harrowing ordeal, Melba was taunted by her schoolmates and their parents, threatened by a lynch mob's rope, attacked with lighted sticks of dynamite, and injured by acid sprayed in her eyes. But through it all, she acted with dignity and courage, and refused to back down.

This is her remarkable story.

Rockhurst University will provide each student with a copy of the book.  

Please make sure you read this book before you come to campus!