Description

Get ready to fight for what’s right with Stacey Abrams in this exciting middle grade nonfiction biography. Perfect for fans of the Who Was and Little Leaders series, the books in the VIP series tell the true—and amazing—stories of some of history's greatest trailblazers. Meet the VERY IMPORTANT PEOPLE who changed the world!

Stacey Abrams is an activist who works for fair voting rights. She’s a lawyer, an author, and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, too! Experience all the exciting moments in Stacey’s thrilling life in this exciting biography, packed with two-color illustrations and fun facts, like how the census helps everyone!

Short and engaging chapters are interspersed with special lists and other information made to order to engage kids, whether they're already biography fans or "have to" write a report for school. Extras include a timeline, a bibliography, and a hall of fame of other successful African American organizers and leaders.

The VIP series features inspiring adventures and fun facts about some of history's greatest trailblazers—smart, tough, persevering innovators who will inspire today's kids. Featuring underappreciated historical figures and groups, with a focus on leaders in science and technology, the nonfiction biographies in the VIP series are fun and engaging. Just looking at the cover will make kids want to learn more about these VIPs, and once they dive in they will zoom through stories that read like adventures.

Each book in the VIP series allows your middle grader to experience all the exciting moments in some very important but lesser known lives. These biographies for kids age 9-12 include: VIP: Dr. Mae Jemison: Brave Rocketeer: Engineering Wizard; VIP: Mahalia Jackson: Freedom's Voice; and VIP: Lewis Latimer.

About the Author

Andrea J. Loney won a Lee & Low New Voices Award and an NAACP Image Award nomination for her picture book Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee! Her picture book Bunnybear was featured on the ALA Rainbow List, and her picture book Double Bass Blues won a Caldecott Honor for illustrator Rudy Gutierrez. Her work can also be found in the critically acclaimed children’s poetry anthology No Voice Too Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History. Her upcoming books include the picture book biography Curve and Flow: The Elegant Vision of LA Architect Paul R. Williams.

A second-generation Girl Scout, a huge spreadsheet fan, and an avid voter, Andrea graduated from New York University with an MFA in dramatic writing. She’s traveled with the Big Apple Circus and worked for the Walt Disney Company. Now she teaches computer science courses at a local community college and writing courses for organizations across the country. Andrea lives in Los Angeles, California, with her towering stacks of children’s books, her devoted family, and their incredibly spoiled pets.

Praise For…

Praise for Andrea J. Loney: For Double Bass Blues: “Simple language complements complex paintings to create the perfect literary melody.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“A book about a lot of things—music, and determination, and straddling worlds, and the celebration of Black boyhood and family—that nevertheless feels cohesive and effortless.” — Horn Book (starred review)

“…a harmony of sound and emotion through a child’s journey, his family’s warmth, and music’s restorative powers.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

For Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee: “An absorbing picture book biography.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A fascinating look at the development of early photography, the life of an African-American artist, and the world of the Harlem Renaissance.” — Kirkus Reviews

For Bunnybear: “A sweet story of friendship and acceptance… A nice addition to the identity and acceptance bookshelf.”  — Kirkus Reviews