In this key civil rights and social justice book for young readers, Scipio Africanus Jones-a self-taught attorney who was born enslaved-leads a momentous series of court cases to save twelve Black men who'd been unjustly sentenced to death. In October 1919, a group of Black sharecroppers met at a church in an Arkansas village to organize a union. Bullets rained down on the meeting from outside. Many were killed by a white mob, and others were rounded up and arrested. Twelve of the sharecroppers were hastily tried and sentenced to death. Up stepped Scipio Africanus Jones, a self-taught lawyer who'd been born enslaved. Could he save the men's lives and set them free? Through their in-depth research and consultation with legal experts, award-winning nonfiction authors Sandra and Rich Wallace examine the complex proceedings and an unsung African American early civil rights hero.

Albert Einstein. Mazie Hirono. Dikembe Mutombo. Celia Cruz. Madeleine Albright. Nikola Tesla. These are just a few of the names young readers will find in the pages of First Generation. Featuring 36 incredible individuals, this book tells the stories of artists and athletes, scientists and musicians, activists and inventors, educators and journalists, all immigrants and refugees to the United States of America. Because of their achievements and their determination to change the world, our country has been made a far better place. And after reading their inspiring stories, readers will hopefully see how they can become change-makers themselves.