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Remember: The Journey to School Integration

toni morrison

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Toni Morrison has collected a treasure chest of archival photographs that depict the historical events surrounding school desegregation. These unforgettable images serve as the inspiration for Ms. Morrison’s text—a fictional account of the dialogue and emotions of the children who lived during the era of “separate but equal” schooling. Remember is a unique pictorial and narrative journey that introduces children to a watershed period in American history and its relevance to us today.
Remember will be published on the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision ending legal school segregation, handed down on May 17, 1954.

80 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1,2004
Literary awards
coretta scott king book award, 

This edition

Format
80 pages, Hardcover
Published
May 3, 2004 by Clarion Books
ISBN
9780618397402
ASIN
061839740X
Language
English

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About the author

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toni morrison

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Chloe Anthony Wofford Morrison, known as Toni Morrison, was an American novelist and editor. Her first novel, The Bluest Eye, was published in 1970. The critically acclaimed Song of Solomon (1977) brought her national attention and won the National Book Critics Circle Award. In 1988, Morrison won the Pulitzer Prize for Beloved (1987); she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.
Born and raised in Lorain, Ohio, Morrison graduated from Howard University in 1953 with a B.A. in English. Morrison earned a master's degree in American Literature from Cornell University in 1955. In 1957 she returned to Howard University, was married, and had two children before divorcing in 1964. Morrison became the first black female editor for fiction at Random House in New York City in the late 1960s. She developed her own reputation as an author in the 1970s and '80s. Her novel Beloved was made into a film in 1998. Morrison's works are praised for addressing the harsh consequences of racism in the United States and the Black American experience.
The National Endowment for the Humanities selected Morrison for the Jefferson Lecture, the U.S. federal government's highest honor for achievement in the humanities, in 1996. She was honored with the National Book Foundation's Medal of Distinguished Contribution to American Letters the same year. President Barack Obama presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on May 29, 2012. She received the PEN/Saul Bellow Award for Achievement in American Fiction in 2016. Morrison was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2020.

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Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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Anuin22
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Toni Morrison's "Remember: The Journey to School Immigration" is a remarkable book that combines powerful photographs and poignant quotes.

It vividly chronicles the desegregation of public schools in the 1950s. The carefully selected photos are not only vivid but also brutally honest, capturing the intense anger of southern whites, the courageous expressions of African American students, and the beautiful friendships that eventually emerged among the children.

I highly recommend using this book in a 5th - 8th grade classroom. Explaining a time when equality was not the norm can be extremely challenging for children. It is difficult for them to imagine a world where laws enforced separate entrances, water fountains, and schools for whites and blacks. Morrison's book provides an excellent starting point for such conversations.

Reading this book aloud in small groups is also a great idea as it allows students to closely examine the photographs.

One of the most engaging aspects of this book is that the quotes are presented from a child's perspective. This helps students truly empathize with the first African American children who entered the previously all-white schools. For example, the quote "They are trying to scare me. I guess they don't have any children of their own. But didn't grownups used to be little kids who knew how it felt to be scared?" (45) powerfully illustrates the daily challenges these children faced as they walked to school while being screamed at by adults.

In my classroom, I would have students make inferences based on the pictures. What emotions might the students (both black and white) be experiencing? How about their parents and teachers? I believe this would open up a rich dialogue that would uncover some of the sentiments felt by those living during the Civil Rights Movement.

The back of the book is equally valuable, featuring a Civil Rights timeline and captions for each picture. Additionally, it won the 2005 Coretta Scott King award for best author, a testament to its accurate portrayal of African American culture and its embodiment of the ideals that Dr. Martin Luther King fought for.

Overall, Toni Morrison's "Remember: The Journey to School Immigration" is an essential resource for teaching about a crucial period in American history.
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DjangoUnchained2
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This remarkable book

presents a collection of truly beautiful black and white pictures.

These pictures serve as a powerful testament to a rather ugly time in America's history.

They offer a unique perspective, allowing readers to visually witness the events and emotions that unfolded during that era.

The contrast between the beauty of the images and the ugliness of the historical context creates a profound impact.

It forces us to confront the harsh realities and reflect on the lessons that can be learned.

Through these pictures, we can gain a deeper understanding of the past and appreciate the importance of moving forward in a more just and inclusive way.

This book is not only a visual delight but also a valuable educational resource that helps us to remember and honor the experiences of those who came before us.

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QuiteAshraf
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A stunning collection of photos has emerged, powerfully reinforcing the age-old adage that pictures are truly worth a thousand words.

These images not only capture moments but also serve as a poignant reminder of how our thoughts and actions have a profound and far-reaching impact on our children, for both good and bad.

Toni Morrison's contribution of her words to accompany the photos, which strive to reveal the children's innermost thoughts, is truly insightful. Her words add an extra layer of depth and understanding to the already moving visuals.

The treatment of these fellow humans, especially the children, was despicable and particularly egregious. It is a stark reminder of the cruelty and injustice that can exist in the world.

In addition to this collection, I highly suggest reading "Warriors Don't Cry" by Melba Beals Patillo. She was one of the Little Rock students who endured abuse that is almost unimaginable. Her story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of great adversity.
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Tanequil
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Toni Morrison, in her remarkable manner, utilizes actual photos to transport the reader beyond the classroom walls. There, children face heckling and cruel taunts as they attempt to attend public school. With successive photos, the author then leads us into the classroom itself, where the predominant emotions are fear and anticipation.

In 1954, the United States Supreme Court made a momentous decision, declaring that the segregation of schools was unconstitutional. This was truly a challenging period of transformation.

It was difficult for the white students to come to terms with this change, and it was极其 difficult for the black students to take that enormous step in trying to belong and claim what was rightfully theirs. That is, a chance to learn in an environment where the rooms were warm in the winter, the books were new, and, most significantly, to have quality teachers. The struggle for equality in education was a long and arduous one, and Toni Morrison's use of photos helps us to better understand the complex emotions and experiences of that era.
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Uriel1988
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Remember by Toni Morrison is an engaging account that delves into the journey of school integration.

Morrison enriches the narrative with numerous archival photographs and vividly depicts the possible dialogues within these powerful images. By imagining the thoughts and feelings of those in the pictures, she crafts a compelling story.

The book vividly portrays the inequalities inherent in the concept of “Separate but equal” and then showcases the impact of Brown v. Board of Education. It reveals how unjustly people were treated based on the color of their skin, not only before but also after the ruling.

Specifically, it focuses on the inequalities within the classroom, while also shedding light on segregated restaurants, water fountains, movie theatres, and public transportation. However, many black citizens and white supporters courageously joined the movement to demand civil rights and equality.

The book concludes with a touching picture of an African American and white student holding hands on a bus, accompanied by the caption, “Anything can happen. Anything at all. See?” This inspiring ending leaves the reader filled with hope for the future.

I envision using this book as a read aloud for my 3rd or 4th grade class. Although the text may pose some challenges, I believe it is highly meaningful for discussions. We can explore the meanings of the pictures, the author's use of narrative, and how we can educate ourselves about past inequalities and continue to advocate for equality.

Moreover, it provides an excellent opportunity to teach inferring skills. We can ask questions like, “Which girl is the thinker? Why does she feel this way?” Students can also infer the meaning of the pictures without the attached stories, drawing on their knowledge of the events and the possible emotions of the people in the pictures.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to others. It is a great tool for sparking students' interest and engagement in history.

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LuxuriousHeart
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A very moving book indeed. It is truly remarkable how this story can touch the hearts of readers. If one didn't have the actual black and white pictures right there in front of them, it would be almost impossible to believe that such events occurred just over fifty years ago. The vivid illustrations bring the story to life and make it even more impactful. What's interesting is that although it is presented as a children's book, its charm and significance can be fully appreciated by people of all ages. It has a universal appeal that transcends generations. Whether you are young or old, this book has the power to make you think, feel, and perhaps even gain a new perspective on life. It is a literary gem that should not be missed.

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Ayra-Kirosaku
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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4.5 stars

I borrowed this book from the library for my child to read. However, I also wanted to read it myself because of Toni Morrison.


The book mainly consists of photos. In some cases, the photos are rather scary, while in others, they are amazing.


The combination of the photos and Toni Morrison's text helps to give a more vivid and visceral understanding of the facts. It makes the content come alive and allows the readers to truly connect with it on a deeper level.


Overall, it is a very interesting and engaging book that I would highly recommend to both children and adults. It not only provides valuable information but also offers a unique and powerful reading experience.
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em_likes_bread
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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SIX WORD REVIEW: Saving this for my unborn child.

This simple six-word review holds a world of meaning. It implies that the thing being reviewed is of such great value or significance that the person is setting it aside with anticipation for their future child.

Perhaps it's a precious book filled with wisdom and inspiration, a beautiful piece of art that can spark creativity, or a collection of family memories that will connect the child to their roots.

The act of saving it shows a sense of responsibility and love. The person is thinking ahead and wants to ensure that their unborn child has access to something special.

It also creates a sense of anticipation and excitement. As the person saves this item, they may be imagining the day when they can share it with their child, watch their eyes light up with wonder, and see the impact it has on their life.

In a way, this six-word review is a promise, a promise to pass on something wonderful to the next generation.
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