Warriors Don't Cry is Melba Pattillo Beal's autobiographical account of her involvement in the integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. She was part of the Little Rock Nine--a group of nine brave African-American students who were chosen to integrate a formerly all-white high school. During her time at Central High School, Melba and the other African-American students faced harassment and intimidation.

At first, segregationists, supported by Governor Orval Faubus and the Arkansas National Guard, tried to prevent the African-American students from entering Central High School. After President Eisenhower sent federal troops to the high school to enforce integration, Melba befriended Danny, a soldier in the 101st Airborne Division who was assigned to protect her. Danny protected her when another student tossed acid at her. He quickly washed her eyes, thereby saving her vision. Danny also protected her from other students who threw what appeared to be dynamite at her. However, Danny explained that he could not get involved directly in fighting the students at the school and that his only job was to get involved when her life was in danger. Danny's protection and his encouragement kept Melba going. However, eventually, Eisenhower decided to remove the troops of the 101st Airborne, and Melba had to rely on the Arkansas National Guard for protection.