Strong Inside (Young Readers Edition): The True Story of How Perry Wallace Broke College Basketball's Color Line

In "Strong Inside (Young Readers Edition): The True Story of How Perry Wallace Broke College Basketball's Color Line," readers are introduced to a pivotal figure in American history and the fight for racial justice. Published on December 20, 2016, this narrative captures the life of Perry Wallace, who bravely shattered racial barriers as the first African American to play college basketball in the segregated Southeastern Conference. Born into the era of Brown v. Board of Education and stepping onto the court shortly after Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech, Wallace's journey from a high school basketball prodigy to a civil rights trailblazer at Vanderbilt University is a testament to his resilience and fortitude. Facing hostile crowds and intense discrimination, Wallace's story is not just about sports but a deeper struggle for equality and dignity. This book, highly praised and starred by Booklist for its heart-wrenching yet hopeful account, is essential for middle-school students exploring themes of courage, perseverance, and change.