SIT-IN, written by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Little, Brown, Hachette. 2010. $19.99 ages 10 and up

"We must...
meet hate
with love."

"These were Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s words that got them started.
Four hungry friends. Eager to eat.
Each took a seat at the Woolworth's lunch counter
in Greensboro, North Carolina."

It often takes a small act to make a big impact. Four friends, disturbed by the injustice of segregation decided that they would take a stand together to bring attention to the issue. To that end, they sat themselves at the lunch counter in a Woolworth's department store and waited patiently to be served. When they were not, they did nothing but sit. They were standing up for themselves and what they believed. There was no fuss!

They were ignored but they refused to leave. They thought integration was worth it. They sat with Dr. Martin Luther King's words in their hearts: "Be loving enough to absorb evil." A police officer could do nothing as they were breaking no law. When the store closed they went home and came back the next day; this time they had supporters. More students joined them. They ordered, were ignored, waited and we silent. They read, they wrote, they did their homework and they waited.

It started in Greensboro and soon spread throughout the land...the sit-in. Many did not care. People pelted them with hot coffee, milkshakes, pepper, ketchup and hatred. The students practiced peace. Soon, they were on TV and the sit-ins grew bigger and spread further. When taken to jail, they remained calm. So much to be proud of doing...they were helped by many.

When John F Kennedy saw what was happening, he stepped up and in. He urged people to treat each other with dignity and he expected Congress to take action...resulting in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The students were pleased with the progress and celebrated. They were served and returned to be served again. They said it was worth the long wait.

The art created for this compelling story has such an impact for readers. It is bold, brightly colored, and filled with wonderful characters and scenes from this defining moment in American history. There is motion and emotion as they sit to wait for the momentous change that is sure to come. They celebrate their learning with a recipe for integration, coffee and a doughnut. It is a victory.

A timeline is included for the Civil Rights Movement, beginning in 1954 and ending with the Civil Rights Act of 1964...ten long worth-it years! Andrea David Pinkney adds the final helping with a description of this real life event. Bravo!