Elizabeth Eckford was the first member of the Little Rock Nine to arrive at Central High in 1957 to face an enraged group of segregationists alone. Photographs of her demoralizing attack were seen internationally and became some of the most iconic images of the 20th century. President Eisenhower sent in the 101st Airborne to ensure the safe passage of the Little Rock Nine, African American students prevented from entering school by armed members of the Arkansas National Guard as directed by Governor Orval Faubus. Eckford's autobiography is shared completely in verse, coupled with captivating graphic artwork, photographs from the era, executive and military correspondence, and images of Little Rock Nine awards presented for their courage, tenacity and dedication. The current diversity in schools across the nation can be attributed to the dedication of trailblazers such as Elizabeth Eckford, who wrote this book to promote resilience and denounce bullying in the next generation of leaders. She hopes to encourage readers with her empowering story to follow her lead and #WalkPastHate. She persisted, and so can you!

The Worst First Day: Bullied While Desegregating Central High introduces the next generation to Elizabeth Eckford, a modern-day heroine. On Sept. 4, 1957, Eckford was the first African American student to arrive at Little Rock Central High to desegregate the school. She was blocked from entry by Arkansas National Guard soldiers under the direction of Governor Orval Faubus and faced an incensed crowd of segregationists alone. A photograph taken by Will Counts of 15-year-old Elizabeth surrounded by bullies showed the world "the face" of discrimination...and it did not like what it saw. The image was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and became one of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century, making Elizabeth one of the most recognized teens in the world. Demonstrations and attacks at Central High compelled President Eisenhower to send in military soldiers, the 101st Airborne, to ensure the safe passage of Elizabeth and the other courageous members of the Little Rock Nine. Many assume the story ended with their entry into school, escorted by the 101st Airborne, but that was only the beginning! Elizabeth and the Nine were bullied and terrorized for the entire school year by fellow students, parents, teachers, school administrators and citizens. Her experiences help readers empathize with issues that currently impact students today, from bias to bullying. In this epic story, Elizabeth's historical insights are shared completely in verse, illuminated by captivating images that will both educate and inspire readers of all ages. The determination of the Little Rock Nine helped implement the Supreme Court Brown v. Board of Education decision of 1954, leading to the beautiful diversity seen in today's schools. The tenacity of the nine students resulted in history recognizing them as critical influences of the civil rights movement. They serve as an exemplary example for today's leaders. Elizabeth Eckford's first book shares the back story of the crisis at Central High from her perspective in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the school's desegregation. Her experiences will inspire readers of all ages, and gives new meaning to the importance of resilience after a "bad day". Elizabeth's autobiography is an encouragement to anyone facing seemingly insurmountable odds to follow her lead and #WalkPastHate.