"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."
Page 1

"With the passage of time, I became increasingly aware of how all of the adults around me were living with constant fear and apprehension."
Page 7

"What if Grandma is wrong? What if God can't fix things. What if the white people are always been gonna be in charge. God, now, please give me some sign you are there and you are going to do something to change my life. Please hurry!"
Melba Pattillo, age 8
Page 11

"It was like a nightmare - suddenly my joy and freedom ended."
Page 23

"Dear diary, It's happening today. What I'm afraid of most is that they won't like me and integration won't work and Little...