This Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality

Ages 10 to 12

An award-winning memoir-in-verse from a civil rights trailblazer who desegregated a public high school in Clinton, Tennessee.

In 1956, one year before the Little Rock 9 made history, fourteen-year-old Jo Ann Allen was one of twelve African-American students who broke the color barrier and integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee. As outside protesters arrived, tensions rose and neighbor turned against neighbor. Soon even the Clinton Twelve themselves wondered if they should just return to their old school.

Jo Ann—clear-eyed, practical, tolerant, and popular—found herself called on as the spokesperson of the group. But that’s not the only life she wanted. This is the heartbreaking and relatable story of a trailblazer fighting for civil rights—and for the right to be an ordinary teenager.

Based on original research and interviews and featuring archival materials and notes from the authors on the co-writing process.

About the Author

Jo Ann Allen Boyce was one of twelve students to integrate Clinton High School in 1956. She also worked as a registered nurse for 41 years, 39 of those in pediatrics. This Promise of Change is her first book. She lives in Los Angeles.

Debbie Levy is the author of many books, including the New York Times bestseller I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark; The Year of Goodbyes: A True Story of Friendship, Family, and Farewells, a Sydney Taylor Honor book; Soldier Song: A True Story of the Civil War, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year; and Imperfect Spiral. She lives in the Chesapeake Bay area. Visit her online at debbielevybooks.com and @debbielevybooks