Named by the American Library Association as 1995's Nonfiction Book of the Year, Warriors Don't Cry told the incredible story of Melba Pattillo Beals, one of the "Little Rock Nine" who desegregated Central High School and played a pivotal role in civil rights history. That book, which also earned the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award and was cited as a notable book by the American Booksellers' Association, was called "riveting" by San Francisco Chronicle and "vivid and moving" by The New York Times.With more than 80,000 copies in print, Warriors Don't Cry brought extensive media attention to the author--and, again and again, the question: What happened next?In this remarkable follow-up memoir, Beals looks back at the healing journey she has taken. She reflects on the white California family that took her in after her traumatic experiences in the South, and the slow but rewarding voyage toward forgiveness and compassion that culminated in a joyous marriage, a successful career, and a new outlook on life. With an utterly unique story to tell, Melba Pattillo Beals offers a tale of the true heart of America--where "freedom is a state of mind."