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Rita Williams-Garcia
Author Profile

Rita Williams-Garcia

18 Books
Rita Williams-Garcia is an acclaimed American author known for her realistic and emotionally resonant young adult and middle-grade novels. She has penned numerous award-winning books, including Jumped, Like Sisters on the Home Front, and Clayton Byrd Goes Underground. Her work frequently explores themes of family, identity, and the African American experience, earning her multiple Coretta Scott King Awards and National Book Award nominations.

Blue Tights

Rita Williams-Garcia

Cities Dancing
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Jumped

Rita Williams-Garcia

Diverse Voices Fiction
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Like Sisters on the Home Front

Rita Williams-Garcia

Diverse Voices Family
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Catching the Wild Waiyuuzee

Rita Williams-Garcia

Diverse Voices Family
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Fast Talk on a Slow Track

Rita Williams-Garcia

Diverse Voices Fiction
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Every Time a Rainbow Dies

Rita Williams-Garcia

Diverse Voices Emotions
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Gaither Sisters

One Crazy Summer

Rita Williams-Garcia

Award Winners Diverse Voices
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Gaither Sisters

Gone Crazy in Alabama

Rita Williams-Garcia

Award Winners Diverse Voices
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Gaither Sisters

P.S. Be Eleven

Rita Williams-Garcia

Award Winners Diverse Voices
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Clayton Byrd Goes Underground

Rita Williams-Garcia

Adventure Diverse Voices
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No Laughter Here

Rita Williams-Garcia

Culture Diverse Voices
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A Sitting in St. James

Rita Williams-Garcia

Diverse Voices Family
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Gaither Sisters

One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel

Rita Williams-Garcia, Sharee Miller

Diverse Voices Family
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She Persisted

Florence Griffith Joyner

Rita Williams-Garcia, Chelsea Clinton

Biography Diverse Voices
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Guys Read

Terrifying Tales

R.L. Stine, Jon Scieszka, Rita Williams-Garcia, Adam Gidwitz, Dav Pilkey, Michael Buckley, Claire Legrand, Nikki Loftin, Adele Griffin, Kelly Barnhill, Lisa Brown, Daniel Jose Older

Anthologies Ghosts
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Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America

Ibi Zoboi, Dhonielle Clayton, Jason Reynolds, Nic Stone, Kekla Magoon, Rita Williams-Garcia, Jay Coles, Lamar Giles, Justina Ireland, Leah Henderson, Varian Johnson, Tochi Onyebuchi, Liara Tamani, Tracey Baptiste, Coe Booth, Renée Watson, Brandy Colbert

Anthologies Diverse Voices
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Our Story Begins: Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids

Elissa Brent Weissman, Kwame Alexander, Chris Grabenstein, Peter Lerangis, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Linda Sue Park, Brian Selznick, Rita Williams-Garcia, Grace Lin, Tom Angleberger, Kathi Appelt, Ashley Bryan, Tim Federle, Candace Fleming, Marla Frazee, Chris Gall, Alex Gino, Gordon Korman, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Thanhha Lai, Gail Carson Levine, Yuyi Morales, R. J. Palacio, Dan Santat, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Eric Rohmann

Anthologies Biography
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The Hero Next Door: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Joseph Bruchac, Lamar Giles, Mike Jung, Hena Khan, Juana Medina, Ellen Oh, R. J. Palacio, Linda Sue Park, Anna Dobbin, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Suma Subramaniam, Rita Williams-Garcia, William Alexander, Ronald Lenard Smith

Anthologies Courage
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By: Rita Williams-Garcia
Growing up in a bustling city neighborhood, fifteen-year-old Joyce is trying to figure out exactly where she fits in. Like many teens, she is struggling with self-doubt and feeling uncomfortable in her own rapidly changing body. But when the world around her feels overwhelming, Joyce discovers a powerful outlet that allows her to speak without saying a word: dance. Through the rhythm and movement of dance, Joyce begins a transformative journey of self-discovery. You will follow her as she navigates the complex realities of her urban environment, the pressures of growing up, and the deep desire to find a place where she truly belongs. As she learns to embrace her unique talents and her maturing identity, Joyce realizes that expressing herself might just be the key to unlocking her own confidence. This compelling story captures the raw, relatable emotions of adolescence, offering a deeply moving look at how one young woman learns to stand tall, claim her space, and dance to her own beat.
Cities Dancing Diverse Voices Fiction
13-18 Years
N/A /5
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By: Rita Williams-Garcia
Step into the tense, fast-paced halls of an urban high school where one single day changes everything. Leticia, Dominique, and Trina are three very different teenagers whose lives are about to crash into each other. Dominique is furious. Her basketball season is on the line, and she needs to take her anger out on someone. Trina is clueless. She is the artistic, confident girl who accidentally steps on Dominique's toes and becomes the target of her rage. Leticia is the witness. She overhears Dominique's violent plan but prefers to stay out of the drama. Now, the clock is ticking down to the final bell. Leticia holds the power to stop the fight, but getting involved means risking her own social standing and safety. Will she step up and do the right thing, or will she walk away and let the inevitable happen? Told from three alternating perspectives, this gripping story drops you right into the middle of the action. It explores the heavy weight of responsibility, the reality of high school social dynamics, and the split-second choices that define who we really are.
Diverse Voices Fiction Schools
13-18 Years 176 Pages
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By: Rita Williams-Garcia
Fourteen-year-old Gayle is street-smart, tough, and used to doing things her own way in the city. But when her choices land her in serious trouble, her mother decides she has had enough. Gayle is packed up and shipped down south to rural Georgia, taking her baby boy, Jose, with her to live with her uncle, aunt, and a deeply religious cousin. Suddenly, Gayle is stuck in a world where there is nowhere to go, nothing to do, and no one who understands her fast-paced life. She feels completely out of place and isolated in the slow-moving southern heat. Everything shifts when Gayle meets Great, the fierce and wise matriarch of the family. Great does not judge Gayle for her past mistakes. Instead, she shares powerful family stories and deep-rooted history that force Gayle to look at her life from a completely new perspective. As Gayle listens to the voices of her ancestors, she begins to understand the true meaning of family, resilience, and healing. This powerful and emotional story takes you on a journey of self-discovery, showing how sometimes you have to leave everything you know behind to figure out exactly who you are meant to be.
Diverse Voices Family Fiction
13-18 Years 165 Pages
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By: Rita Williams-Garcia
The Wild Waiyuuzee is on the loose, and she absolutely refuses to be caught! Racing through the house at top speed, a young girl relies on her vivid imagination to escape the ultimate threat: getting her hair braided. In her mind, the everyday hallways and rooms transform into a dense, thrilling jungle where she is a fierce, untamed creature. She ducks, dodges, and hides, determined to outsmart her pursuer. But Shemama is on the hunt, armed with a comb, a spray bottle of water, and a jar of sweet-smelling nut-nut oil. The Wild Waiyuuzee knows that if she gets splashed, oiled, and combed with the dreaded piney pig's tail, her wild days will be over. She will be transformed back into a regular little girl with perfectly plaited and beaded hair. This vibrant and playful story captures the hilarious, high-energy battle of wills between a mother and daughter. Bursting with imagination and lively sound effects, it perfectly brings to life the universal childhood experience of running away from hair day. Get ready for a joyful, fast-paced adventure that celebrates creativity, family bonds, and the wild spirit inside us all.
Diverse Voices Family Fiction Humor Imagination
9-12 Years 32 Pages
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By: Rita Williams-Garcia
Denzel Watson has always had a clear path, with top grades and college on the horizon. But before he heads off to his next big adventure, he takes on a summer job that promises to be a totally different kind of challenge: selling candy door-to-door across the bustling streets of New York City. This isn't just about earning some extra cash; it's a chance for Denzel to discover what truly drives him beyond the classroom. Get ready to join Denzel as he steps out of his comfort zone and learns the art of the sale. He soon meets Mello, a charismatic and natural-born salesman who seems to effortlessly win over customers. Competing with Mello pushes Denzel to think differently about what it takes to succeed, forcing him to find his own voice and motivation. Can this summer in the city teach him essential lessons about persistence, self-belief, and how to apply himself when there's no textbook to guide the way? Follow Denzel as he learns that sometimes, the most important lessons are found on the slow track, far from the lecture halls.
Diverse Voices Fiction Friendship Responsibility
9-12 Years 194 Pages
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By: Rita Williams-Garcia
Sixteen-year-old Thulani prefers to view the world from a safe distance. Ever since his mother passed away, he has spent almost all of his time isolated on the roof of his Brooklyn apartment building, quietly tending to his flock of doves and watching the busy city streets below. The roof is his sanctuary, shielding him from the pain and unpredictability of real life. But everything changes in a single, violent moment when he witnesses a girl being brutally attacked in an alleyway down below. Without thinking, Thulani rushes down to help her. The girl, Ysa, is fierce, guarded, and makes it perfectly clear that she wants nothing to do with him once she is safe. Yet, Thulani cannot get her out of his mind. For the first time since his devastating loss, he finally has a reason to step out of his shell and engage with the world. As he gently tries to break through Ysa's tough exterior, he realizes that she is more fragile and complex than the birds he cares for. This lyrical and deeply moving story explores the heavy impact of trauma, the delicate nature of trust, and the powerful, healing force of first love.
Diverse Voices Emotions Fiction
13-18 Years 180 Pages
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Gaither Sisters

One Crazy Summer

By: Rita Williams-Garcia
It is the summer of 1968, and eleven-year-old Delphine is boarding a plane with her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern. They are leaving Brooklyn behind and heading all the way to Oakland, California, to spend the summer with Cecile, the mother who abandoned them seven years ago. The girls are buzzing with excitement, dreaming of family trips to Disneyland and finally getting to know their mom. But when they arrive, reality hits hard. Cecile is not the loving mother they hoped for. She refuses to cook, tells them to stay out of her way, and immediately sends them off to a summer day camp run by the Black Panthers. Suddenly, Delphine and her sisters are plunged into a world of political activism, community rallies, and powerful lessons about racial equality. As the summer heats up, the girls learn about the fight for justice and begin to understand the complicated woman who gave them life. This funny, heartbreaking, and deeply moving story captures a defining moment in American history through the eyes of three unforgettable sisters. It is a powerful journey of family, identity, and discovering what it truly means to stand up for yourself.
Award Winners Diverse Voices Family
9-12 Years 183 Pages
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Gaither Sisters

Gone Crazy in Alabama

By: Rita Williams-Garcia
The unforgettable Gaither sisters are hitting the road again! This time, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern are trading the busy streets of Brooklyn for the deep, rural countryside of Alabama. They are spending the summer visiting their strict grandmother, Big Ma, and their great-grandmother, Ma Charles. But the deep South is full of surprises, and the girls quickly discover that their family tree is tangled with old secrets and bitter grudges. Right across the way lives Miss Trotter, Ma Charles’s half-sister. The two older women have not spoken a single word to each other in years, locked in a stubborn feud that no one seems to understand. As Delphine digs into her family’s rich and complicated history, she uncovers the surprising truth that has kept the sisters apart for so long. But when a sudden and terrifying tragedy strikes the family, all the bickering must stop. Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern must rally together, proving that when times get tough, the bonds of family run deeper and stronger than any old argument. Full of humor, heart, and unforgettable characters, this powerful story celebrates sisterhood, resilience, and the deep roots that tie us to our past.
Award Winners Diverse Voices Family Humor
9-12 Years 304 Pages
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Gaither Sisters

P.S. Be Eleven

By: Rita Williams-Garcia
The Gaither sisters are back in Brooklyn, but nothing feels the same anymore. After spending a life-changing summer in California with their mother and the Black Panthers, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern have returned home with a fierce new streak of independence. They are ready to speak their minds, which does not sit well with their strict grandmother, Big Ma. But the girls are not the only ones who have changed. Pa has a new girlfriend, and Uncle Darnell has just returned from the Vietnam War as a completely different, haunted man. On top of all the shifting family dynamics, Delphine is facing her own massive challenges. She is starting the sixth grade, dealing with a strict new exchange teacher, and dreading the upcoming school dance because she is suddenly the tallest girl in her class. Feeling overwhelmed by how fast her world is spinning, Delphine turns to the one person she never expected to rely on: her mother, Cecile. Through a series of letters, Cecile offers Delphine a piece of advice that changes everything—reminding her not to rush into growing up, and to just be eleven while she still can.
Award Winners Diverse Voices Family
9-12 Years 304 Pages
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By: Rita Williams-Garcia
Clayton Byrd feels the most alive when he is holding his blues harp, playing alongside his beloved grandfather, Cool Papa Byrd. Together, they make the sweetest music, and Clayton dreams of the day he can join his grandfather's blues band full-time. But when Cool Papa suddenly passes away, Clayton's world shatters. To make matters worse, his mother is overwhelmed by her own grief and strictly forbids Clayton from playing the blues ever again. She even sells Cool Papa's precious belongings. Heartbroken and desperate to keep the music alive, Clayton makes a bold decision. He packs his bags, grabs his blues harp, and runs away from home. His plan is to journey through the city streets and find the legendary Bluesmen on the road. As Clayton navigates the unpredictable underground world, he faces unexpected challenges that test his courage and his understanding of family. This deeply moving journey explores the heavy weight of loss, the healing power of music, and the difficult path to finding your own voice. It is a beautiful story about honoring the people we love while learning how to move forward.
Adventure Diverse Voices Emotions Family Music
9-12 Years 176 Pages
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By: Rita Williams-Garcia
Akilah and Victoria have always been the best of friends. Even though they were born in different countries, they share everything, from inside jokes to big dreams. But everything changes after Victoria returns from a summer trip to Nigeria. She went away to participate in a special coming-of-age ceremony, but the girl who came back is not the Victoria that Akilah knows. The proud, confident girl named for a queen now slouches at her desk. She answers their teacher's questions in a barely audible whisper. Most troubling of all, Victoria refuses to laugh with Akilah anymore. Something deeply painful has happened, and Akilah is determined to find out what is wrong with her best friend. As Akilah slowly uncovers the truth about Victoria's secret, she realizes that her friend is carrying a heavy and devastating burden. This powerful and sensitive story explores the unbreakable bonds of friendship and the courage it takes to stand by someone during their darkest moments. It is a deeply moving look at cultural differences, personal trauma, and the strength required to find your voice again when the world has silenced you.
Culture Diverse Voices Empathy Friendship Social Justice
9-12 Years 13-18 Years 148 Pages
N/A /5
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By: Rita Williams-Garcia
Travel back to the year 1860 in Louisiana, where the grand facade of the Le Petit Cottage plantation hides decades of dark and devastating secrets. For over sixty years, Madame Sylvie Guilbert has ruled the estate with an iron fist. Now, despite the fierce objections of her family, she has decided to sit for a final, magnificent portrait. But as the painter sets up his canvas, the carefully constructed lies of the Guilbert family begin to unravel. This sweeping story takes you beyond the walls of the big house and deep into the lives of the enslaved people whose forced labor and stolen freedom built the family's immense fortune. As tensions rise on the brink of a national tearing point, a young West Point cadet harbors a forbidden romance that could cost him everything. Meanwhile, the enslaved workers navigate daily horrors with incredible resilience, their true stories forming the actual foundation of the estate. This epic and unflinching historical saga weaves together the tangled bonds of descendants and the enslaved. It is a powerful, brutal, and entirely human exploration of America's deeply rooted history, challenging you to look closely at the shadows behind the painted canvas.
Diverse Voices Family History Social Justice
13-18 Years 400 Pages
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Gaither Sisters

One Crazy Summer

The Graphic Novel

By: Rita Williams-Garcia , Sharee Miller
Eleven-year-old Delphine has always been the responsible one. Ever since their mother, Cecile, abandoned the family seven years ago, Delphine has acted like a mother to her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern. But this summer, everything is about to change. The three sisters are leaving their familiar Brooklyn neighborhood and flying all the way to Oakland, California, to finally reconnect with the mother they barely know. The girls are dreaming of sunny trips to Disneyland and meeting Tinker Bell. Instead, they arrive to find that Cecile is nothing like the warm, welcoming mother they imagined. She is a poet who wants to be left alone, and she quickly sends the girls off to a summer day camp run by the Black Panthers. Thrust into the heart of the 1968 civil rights movement, Delphine and her sisters are introduced to a world of activism, empowerment, and community. As they navigate this unpredictable new environment, they begin to learn powerful truths about their country, their family history, and their own inner strength. This stunning graphic novel adaptation brings a beloved classic to life with vibrant, full-color artwork, offering a fresh and visually spectacular way to experience one truly crazy summer.
Diverse Voices Family Graphic Novels History
9-12 Years 304 Pages
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By: Rita Williams-Garcia , Chelsea Clinton
Discover the incredible true story of the fastest woman of all time! Florence Griffith Joyner, famously known around the world as Flo Jo, was a track and field superstar who shattered expectations and left her competition in the dust. In 1988, she set two astonishing world records that still stand today, cementing her legacy as an absolute legend in Olympic history. But her path to the gold medal was not a simple sprint. Long before she was standing on the podium, Flo Jo had to overcome countless obstacles, face intense pressure, and push her body to the absolute limit. This engaging biography takes you behind the scenes of her remarkable life, showing exactly how she persisted through every challenge thrown her way. You will learn about her fierce determination, her iconic and bold fashion sense on the track, and the relentless hard work that fueled her dreams. Complete with inspiring black-and-white illustrations and practical ways you can follow in Flo Jo's groundbreaking footsteps, this book is a powerful reminder that with dedication and self-belief, there is no limit to how fast and how far you can go.
Biography Diverse Voices History Non-Fiction Sports
9-12 Years 80 Pages
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By: R.L. Stine , Jon Scieszka , Rita Williams-Garcia , Adam Gidwitz , Dav Pilkey , Michael Buckley , Claire Legrand , Nikki Loftin , Adele Griffin , Kelly Barnhill , Lisa Brown , Daniel Jose Older
Jump in: Grab your flashlight and make sure the closet door is shut tight. This collection brings together some of the best storytellers around for a thrilling ride filled with creepy creatures, vengeful ghosts, and magic tricks that go horribly wrong. Why it pulls you in: Compiled by Jon Scieszka, this book features stories from your favorite authors like R.L. Stine, Dav Pilkey, and Adam Gidwitz. You will meet imaginary friends who turn out to be dangerously real, discover twisted fairy tales that will keep you guessing, and cross paths with librarians who are anything but ordinary. It is the perfect mix of spooky suspense and dark humor. What to expect: Whether you are reading under the covers or sharing these tales around a campfire, get ready for a collection that delivers just the right amount of fright. Every chapter offers a brand new mystery or monster to face, making it an unforgettable adventure for anyone who loves a good scare.
Anthologies Ghosts Humor Monsters Mystery Short Stories
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 288 Pages
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Stories of Being Young & Black in America

By: Ibi Zoboi , Dhonielle Clayton , Jason Reynolds , Nic Stone , Kekla Magoon , Rita Williams-Garcia , Jay Coles , Lamar Giles , Justina Ireland , Leah Henderson , Varian Johnson , Tochi Onyebuchi , Liara Tamani , Tracey Baptiste , Coe Booth , Renée Watson , Brandy Colbert
There is no single right way to be yourself, and this amazing collection of stories proves exactly that. You are invited to explore the lives of different kids from all across America, each experiencing their own unique journey of growing up Black. From sisters trying to get along at a summer camp in the woods to best friends hanging out and laughing on their walk home from the local pool, every story feels real and close to home. You will meet characters living in big bustling cities and quiet country towns. Some are navigating the confusing feelings of a first crush, while others are discovering what it means to stand up for their own identities. These brilliant tales capture the everyday joys, tough moments, and strong family bonds that make each character's life so special. Written by an all-star lineup of incredible authors, this book is a celebration of friendship, courage, and being exactly who you are. It is a wonderful reminder that your story is important, powerful, and more than enough.
Anthologies Diverse Voices Family Friendship Short Stories
9-12 Years 416 Pages
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Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids

By: Elissa Brent Weissman , Kwame Alexander , Chris Grabenstein , Peter Lerangis , Phyllis Reynolds Naylor , Linda Sue Park , Brian Selznick , Rita Williams-Garcia , Grace Lin , Tom Angleberger , Kathi Appelt , Ashley Bryan , Tim Federle , Candace Fleming , Marla Frazee , Chris Gall , Alex Gino , Gordon Korman , Jarrett J. Krosoczka , Thanhha Lai , Gail Carson Levine , Yuyi Morales , R. J. Palacio , Dan Santat , Cynthia Leitich Smith , Eric Rohmann
Have you ever wondered what your favorite authors and illustrators were like before they became famous? Every great storyteller has to start somewhere, and the journey is rarely perfect. This unique and deeply inspiring collection pulls back the curtain on the childhoods of some of today's most beloved creators. Before they were winning massive awards and topping the bestseller lists, these brilliant artists were just regular kids trying to find their creative voices. You will discover the very early, sometimes embarrassing, and always fascinating works of celebrated writers and artists. Read a third grade writing assignment that sparked a lifelong passion, explore the early sketches of a future illustrator, and see the discarded drafts that eventually turned into brilliant poetry. This collection reveals the failures, the rough drafts, and the vital moments of encouragement that helped shape these incredible minds. It is a powerful reminder that creativity takes practice and patience. Whether you love writing, drawing, or just a good story, these vulnerable and smart childhood memories will inspire you to pick up a pencil and start creating your own masterpiece.
Anthologies Biography Creativity Essays Non-Fiction
9-12 Years 208 Pages
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A We Need Diverse Books Anthology

By: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich , Joseph Bruchac , Lamar Giles , Mike Jung , Hena Khan , Juana Medina , Ellen Oh , R. J. Palacio , Linda Sue Park , Anna Dobbin , Cynthia Leitich Smith , Suma Subramaniam , Rita Williams-Garcia , William Alexander , Ronald Lenard Smith
Jump in Not all heroes wear capes or fly through the sky. Some heroes teach martial arts, talk to ghosts, invent amazing gadgets, or play soccer. They are your sisters, your neighbors, and your friends. They come in every shape and size, but they all share one important mission. They step up and make the world a better place when it counts. Why it pulls you in You will explore thirteen amazing stories written by some of the best voices in children's books today. Each tale introduces a new character facing their own unique challenges. You will see how small acts of bravery and everyday kindness can completely save the day. You do not need superpowers to make a huge difference in your community. What you will discover You will meet characters from all walks of life who find the courage to stand up for what is right. As you read about these everyday champions, you might just realize something powerful. The next great hero could be sitting right beside you. Or maybe, the real hero is already inside of you.
Anthologies Courage Diverse Voices Kindness Short Stories
9-12 Years 274 Pages
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