Melanin Library Small Logo
Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round

Report an issue


Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round

Kathlyn J. Kirkwood

Coming of Age, Racism / Prejudice

Middle Grade (9-13)

Release Date: January 2022

This brilliant memoir-in-verse tells the moving story of how a nation learned to celebrate a hero. Through years of protests and petition, Kathlyn's story highlights the foot soldiers who fought to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a national holiday. Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’Round is a deeply moving middle grade memoir about what it means to be an everyday activist and foot solider for racial justice, as Kathlyn recounts how, drawn to activism from childhood, she went from attending protests as a teenager to fighting for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday to become a national holiday as an adult. A blueprint for kids starting down their own paths to civic awareness, it shows life beyond protests and details the sustained time, passion, and energy it takes to turn an idea into a law. Deftly weaving together monumental historical events with a heartfelt coming-of-age story and in-depth information on law making, Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’Round is the perfect engaging example of how history can help inform the present.

This is an affiliate link. This means that the Melanin Library may get a small commission if you purchase something using our link, however you will not be charged more.