James Meredith and the Ole Miss Riot: A Soldier's Story

"James Meredith and the Ole Miss Riot: A Soldier's Story" takes readers on a riveting journey back to September 1962, when James Meredith became the first African American admitted to the University of Mississippi, sparking a violent insurrection. Written by Henry Gallagher, a young army second lieutenant deployed amidst this chaos, the book offers a gripping first-person account of the events. Gallagher, who was also assigned to Meredith's security detail, provides a unique perspective on the civil rights movement and the challenges of enforcing desegregation. With vivid descriptions of the hostile environment, the mixed reactions of white students, and Meredith’s own struggle for normalcy in a turbulent setting, this memoir illuminates the courage and complexity of navigating racial justice on the front lines. Published on August 1, 2012, this thought-provoking narrative is particularly suitable for middle school readers looking to understand the depths of racial conflicts and the fight for justice in America’s history.