Melba Pattillo Beals’ powerful memoir chronicles the terror, fear, and courage that marked her experience as one of nine African American students chosen to desegregate Central High School in 1957. Melba’s story introduces students to a key moments in the civil rights movement, while developing their literacy skills and deepening their understanding of racism.
What can we do, alone and with others, to confront racism? How can we as individuals and as citizens make a positive difference in our school, community, and nation?
View all the strategies and media used in the new PDF guide.
Find strategies and activities for bringing Warriors Don’t Cry into your classroom.
Listen to a recording of Elizabeth Eckford describing her first day at Central High School.
Learn about our ELA resources designed to help you teach powerful memoirs from challenging moments in history.
Find Professional Development
Learn more about our ELA professional development for teaching memoir with historical context.
Search Our Collection
Everything you need to get started teaching your students about racism, antisemitism and prejudice.