In 1957, President Eisenhower federalizes the Arkansas National Guard to assist in the protection of nine African American Students as they integrate all white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Phillip, the main character is one of the troops sent to protect the nine students. Racial tensions are high and being from Arkansas, Phillip’s family and friends are against him going to Little Rock. However, like many of us, Phillip finds strength in the form of love. Phillip’s relationship with an African American woman from Little Rock personalizes the integration movement for him, and his love for Charlotte encourages Phillip to follow his heart. Phillip and the other men in the 153rd Battalion who protected the children that year are a reminder that individual choices can change the world.