Debbie Levy is the New York Times bestselling author of many books, including I Dissent; The Year of Goodbyes: A True Story of Friendship, Family, and Farewells; and Imperfect Spiral. She lives in the Chesapeake Bay area.

Jo Ann Allen Boyce was one of twelve students to desegragate Clinton High School in 1956. She has worked as a professional singer and a nurse. She lives in Los Angeles.

"Readers will empathize with Jo Ann's honest incredulity . . . Such gems relevant to today's politics, along with the narrator's strong inner voice, make this offering stand out. Powerful storytelling of a not-so-distant past." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Insightful, immediate, and passionate . . . Lyrical yet hard-hitting account of a pivotal chapter in the history of desegregation." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This evocatively told, carefully researched memoir-in-verse . . . adeptly shows readers that, like the Clinton Twelve, they too can be part of something greater than themselves." - School Library Journal, starred review

"This moving and timely memoir should have a place in all libraries that serve young adults." - School Library Connection, starred review

"Sure to mobilize youth to action and change, this book is necessary for all library collections that serve youth." - VOYA, starred review

"Engrossing, informative, and important for middle-grade collections." --Booklist

"Accessible text and fast-paced narration make this a strong recommendation for 'One School, One Book' middle-school reading." --BCCB

"[A] fine addition to texts about the integration of public schools during the civil rights era in the United States. . ." --The Horn Book Magazine