School Library Journal Review
Gr 7--10--Dovey Johnson Roundtree (1914--2018), an African American civil rights activist and attorney, learned from an early age that she was "as good as anybody." She observed and absorbed how her mother and her grandmother carried themselves with dignity, served their church and their community, and never let the forces of white supremacy and Jim Crow laws in Charlotte, NC, defeat them. This young readers' edition of Roundtree's inspiring memoir provides context and detailed insight into the historic events in which she took part. The text offers a snapshot of the times in which Roundtree lived and worked, as well as a thorough explanation of the court cases and the constitutional issues that were of critical importance in the dismantling of segregation. There are plenty of inspiring vignettes. For example, Roundtree and her mother moved to Atlanta after Roundtree graduated high school. They were hired as domestic workers for a wealthy family; the wages they earned were put toward Roundtree's tuition at Spelman College. When her mother returned to Charlotte, Roundtree continued to work for the family until they became abusive. She worked very hard for her education and didn't let her circumstances discourage her. An index, a chronology of key civil rights judicial rulings, and suggestions for further reading are included. VERDICT A moving memoir of a true American heroine. Highly recommended for junior high and high school nonfiction collections, and will especially appeal to those with a passion for social justice.--Kelly Kingrey-Edwards, Blinn Junior College, Brenham, TX
Booklist Review
Dovey Roundtree was only six in 1920 when she boarded a trolley in Charlotte, North Carolina, and sat down behind the driver, who yelled at her grandmother for letting "that pickaninny" sit there. The child never forgot her painful introduction to racial injustice or her grandmother's strength and dignity. After graduating from Spelman College, Roundtree worked for equality within the newly formed Woman's Army Corps. Later she practiced law in Washington, DC, winning many court cases as well as an important Interstate Commerce Commission ruling. Roundtree, whose mentors included Mary McLeod Bethune and A. Philip Randolph, advised and encouraged the next generation of civil rights lawyers. Black-and-white photos illustrate the book. Adapted by Asim from Roundtree's memoir, Mighty Justice: My Life in Civil Rights (2019), which was cowritten with McCabe, this young people's edition provides an informative, third-person biography of a strong, multifaceted Black woman who worked effectively for racial equality at a pivotal time. Readers intrigued by the personal stories of women within the civil rights movement will find this a worthwhile choice.Women in Focus: the 19th in 2020
