Lions of Little Rock Plot Diagram

The Lions of Little Rock, by Kristin Levine

EXPOSITION

RISING ACTION

CLIMAX

FALLING ACTION

RESOLUTION

Set in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1958 and 1959, The Lions of Little Rock is a story about bravery, friendship, and fighting to make a change.

The school year of 1958-1959 was known as the "Lost Year" in Little Rock, Arkansas. Schools were closed due to lack of support for integration. Marlee and Liz become fast friends, even though their friendship angers many and is dangerous to them both. Marlee will stop at nothing to make sure her voice is finally heard.

Marlee and Liz work on a presentation together, and Marlee agrees to speak for half of it. When Marlee doesn't show up to school on the day of the presentation, Marlee delivers it all on her own. She learns that Liz is Black and was trying to pass for white in order to go to a good school. Liz does not return to school.

Red finds dynamite in the woods and takes it with him, threatening to use it on Liz and her family. When police search the house and find nothing, Liz and Marlee sneak in his car and find it in the trunk, able to take all but 2 sticks.

Marlee and her mom go to Betty Jean's house to drop something off, and Liz is there with Curtis. Marlee sees Red's car drive by several times before warning everyone to get out. While they are safe at the back of the house, Red throws a brick through the window, followed by 2 sticks of dynamite. There is a big explosion, and everyone is scared but grateful for Marlee's warning.

New school board members are appointed, and teachers who lost their jobs for being part of integration groups are rehired. Red is sent to the Army to straighten up. The following school year, schools reopen and a small number of Black students will attend. For now, Marlee and Liz are only allowed to talk on the phone, but they are hopeful that that will change someday.