The March Against Fear

James Meredith's 1966 march in Mississippi began as one man's peaceful protest for voter registration and became one of the South's most important demonstrations of the civil rights movement. It brought together leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Stokely Carmichael, who formed an unlikely alliance that resulted in the Black Power movement, which ushered in a new era in the fight for equality.

The retelling of Meredith's story opens on the day of his assassination attempt and goes back in time to recount the moments leading up to that event and its aftermath. Readers learn about the powerful figures and emerging leaders who joined the over 200-mile walk that became known as the "March Against Fear."

Thoughtfully presented by award-winning author Ann Bausum, this book helps readers understand the complex issues of fear, injustice, and the challenges of change. It is a history lesson that's as important and relevant today as it was 50 years ago.

ANN BAUSUM writes about U.S. history for young people, and she has published eight titles with National Geographic Children's Books including, most recently,?Marching to the Mountaintop?(2012) and?Unraveling Freedom?(2010). Ann's books consistently earn prominent national recognition.?Denied, Detained, Deported(2009) was named the 2010 Carter G. Woodson Book Award winner at the secondary school level from the National Council for the Social Studies.?Muckrakers(2007) earned the Golden Kite Award as best nonfiction book of the year from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.?Freedom Riders?(2006) gained Sibert Honor designation from the American Library Association and?With Courage and Cloth?(2004) received the Jane Addams Children's Book Award as the year's best book on social justice issues for older readers. In addition, Ann has written about the nation's chief executives and their spouses --?Our Country's Presidents(2013, 4th edition) and?Our Country's First Ladies?(2007) -- as well as the intrepid explorer Roy Chapman Andrews (Dragon Bones and Dinosaur Eggs, 2000).