When the Schools Shut Down by Yolanda Gladden, Dr. Tamara Pizzoli and Keisha Morris - ADVISABLE

When the Schools Shut Down: A Young Girl's Story of Virginia's "Lost Generation" and the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Decision written by Yolanda Gladden as told to Dr. Tamara Pizzoli, illustrated by Keisha Morris. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2022. $19. 9780063011168

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Five years after the Brown vs the Board of Education verdict, Yolanda was old enough to start school. But instead of integrating the classrooms, the school board of their county decided to shut them all instead. It took 5 years, and a Supreme Court ruling, for them to reopen.

The beginning of the picture book was a bit confusing for me, because the girl, Yolanda, doesn’t feel like a 5yo from the illustrations – she seems more like an eight year old. Regardless, Yolanda’s personal story is important – it took ten years from the original Brown decision for schools in her county to desegregate. Until now, little has been said about this “lost generation. A useful book to round out any history-based picture book collection.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS