James Bennett

Locked Out! James Bennett

A Civil Rights Story about Massive Resistance and School Closures in the South. Based on actual events. The high school was closed to resist being integrated - perhaps forever! - and the town was split down the middle into two opposing camps. This is the historical backdrop for this coming-of-age novel about 2 young boys (one white -- one black) growing up in a small southern town during the 1950s when school integration collided with Massive Resistance and life in the peaceful little town was thrown into chaos. Based on actual events that happened between 1956 and 1960 in Front Royal, Virginia; this compelling story reveals the often overlooked depth of the human side of the story. The action is depicted through a collection of snap-shots of whites and blacks which creates a wide-angle montage. Their stories give clarity and dimension to the historical events. The story combines strong characters, heartwarming scenes, psychological tension, humor, 1950s nostalgia, and even a murder mystery.