The Case for Resistance: Be A Flea... for Justice!

CHARLESBRIDGE, 2025

The call-to-action phrase, "a flea for justice", is a classic among civil rights fighters. Its origin story is revealed within the biography of Marian Wright Edelman is related in early spreads in A FLEA FOR JUSTICE: Marian Wright Adelman Stand Up For Justice, written by Valerie Bolling and illustrated by TeMika Grooms. It's worth reading for that alone, but it brings much more to the table.

Edelman's life story depicts an individual whose personal conviction, lived experiences, and community engagement led her to step up and speak up, despite enormous risk to her own life and the ones she loved and supported. The account launches with an incident in which four-year-old Marian takes a drink at a water fountain without knowing that it was labeled WHITES ONLY. The inconceivable "rule" that could be life threatening if ignored was so thoroughly unjust and intolerable to her that it shaped her path in life. And then path she followed changed the lives of countless others.

This new biography reveals a period in American history that, for me, is memory. But for so many younger folks this Civil Rights era can feel like "the distant past". What this account offers is Edelman's lifelong call to others, especially young folks, to recognize that even the tiniest voices and choices can cause harmful practices that add to an "itch" in those causing harm, to act. To not be complacent.

Marian was inspired by the life of Sojourner Truth, the originator of the "FLEA FOR JUSTICE" phrase. She was also aware of the life-and-death impact of segregation, including the death of young friend who died of infection when hospitals refused to treat Black families. That is only one of many examples of the forces driving Edelmann to change the unjust laws, securing her a place of leadership in a movement that changed society, at least on the books. 

Sadly, not all hearts have changed to assure fairness and justice, and the work is still needed.

This life account is compellingly told and thoroughly researched. Back matter includes a life-time-line that showcases personal experiences and global awards. A more detailed passage in back matter adds to her story, while the illustrations and readable text present a profile accessible for even the very young. 

Don't wait for Black History Month, or Women's History Month. Edelmann's story will resonate with readers of every background, achieving what she set out to to do: to empower even the youngest among us with a sense of agency and strength, an assurance that noticing and acting are choices and they lead to change. Don't miss this one. 

TOGETHER WE SWIM: Don't Miss This!

 I am a genuine fan of author Valerie Bolling. Since her picture book debut she has consistently captured everyday magic in lives of young children and families, with a special gift for starring Black families within scenarios that once ignored them. Black Child Joy is authentically portrayed without glamour or exaggeration, and her titles welcome ALL children to recognize themselves within those  universal situations, emotions, and developmental learning stages. I reviewed her earlier title, TOGETHER WE RIDE, here, including my "rememory" (thank you, Toni Morrison for that priceless vocabulary addition) of learning to ride a bike with my dad.

Chronicle Books, 2023

A companion title has splashed on the scene, and it is equally welcome and celebrated: TOGETHER WE SWIM!, also illustrated by Kaylani Juanita. I'd like to say that learning to swim is a universal experience, since it is skill more vital to a long life/survival than bike riding and does not require much equipment. Sadly, some recent statistics indicate that about 70% of all Black Americans DO NOT know how to swim. (Check article here.)

Before my praise/raves for this book begins, I'll mention the dedications. 

From the author:

"For every child who's learned to swim and for those who one day will." 

And from the illustrator: 

"To Black mothers, aunties, grandmothers, and guardians. We celebrate the entirety of you."

These captured some of my favorite aspects of this new offering. The portrayals of a new-learning child in a family of successful swimmers is ideal, especially in his ambivalence of eagerness and anxious concern. It is the mom, in this case, who does the direct instructing and provides hands-on support that allows the child to take that first dip, to grip and eventually release, to risk and trust, to succeed. The rest of his supportive family notices, cheers, and welcomes him to their world of confidence and joy in the watery world, a second happy habitat for life and joy. 

All that can be found in images, including expressive features and body language, watery effects that begin and end on end papers, and a resolve that extends the learning of new things into a family bonding moment that stays with you. 

But that visual narrative only enhances Bolling's brilliant rhymed text. Those of us who write picture book text often hear (and repeat) only a slice of the message we receive from agents and publishers: "not interested in rhymed text". The ENTIRE message is actually more true, and Bolling's crisp, creative, compelling rhymed titles prove the rule: No one wants to read attempted rhymed text unless it is precisely written in rhyme and meter, unless it tells the story better than prose would, unless it reads well aloud and in natural language. Bolling is not an exception to a rule,  she proves it. Rhymed picture book text that was well done is ALWAYS welcome, especially in families with young children. Since her first picture book was published a few years ago she continues to create lively language, gaining fans among readers and those who MAKE books..

A brief example:

"Toe dip,"

"Side grip"

TOGETHER WE SWIM, Interior Spread

I'll bet those four words generate your own "rememories" of making your way into a pool before learning to swim. They're all that are needed for the first two double page spreads, in which we meet this young man and his family, swimming along on his journey. By my count the entire text is 76 words, each perfectly achieving  exactly what it should; no more, no less. The two-to-three word lines in rhymed couplets allow young readers to chime in, to read along, to eventually read on their own with the same gradual acquisition of skill and growth in confidence that this swimmer displays. 

Don't waste another moment of summer before reading and sharing this delightful book. And check in your community to see if there are ways you can support the teaching of swimming in Black communities for all ages. Like riding a bike, it's never too late to learn!

A few years ago I had several swimsuits in great condition but not being used. I checked and found an elementary school that sponsored after-school swimming lessons but found some unable to participate due to lack of swimsuits or the means to buy them. I was able to make those lessons possible for a half dozen kids and adults at no cost to me other than dropping off those suits or mailing them to an address they provided. 

TOGETHER WE RIDE! A celebration of Learning, Dads, and Joy!

Chronicle Books, April, 2022

Short and sweet, but loaded with love. That's my approach to this post, since it is also a perfect description of a new picture book by the very talented  pair, author VALERIE BOLLING and illustrator KAYLANI JUANITA. 

The nearly universal childhood milestone of learning to ride a bike (a two-wheeler!) is at the center of this joyous, rhymed text with lively illustrations. Using fewer than thirty rhythmic words, Bolling captures the sequence of eager excitement and preparation, tentative attempts, troublesome struggles, and eventual, jubilant success in TOGETHER WE RIDE.

By featuring  the young child and her father from beginning to end, this is a relationship story, an homage to the invaluable role of dads in such life experiences. Along with the evident emotions of the little biker, Dad's reactions express the ambivalence of instilling confidence while remaining safely positioned to extend help and provide cheers. The ultimate scene with the whole family on a bike trek through the neighborhood provides a deeply satisfying conclusion.

With only a word (or two or few) per page, young audiences will be chiming in quickly, in requested repeat readings or even in the first round. Sparse text is perhaps the most challenging kind of writing, sine each word carries huge importance. Bolling accomplishes this with text that is expressive, active, and delightfully rhymed and never burdensome.

Note the release date is April, 2022. With a book that's as ideally suited for spring weather (AND FATHER'S DAY!) you'll want to preorder to guarantee availability when the time is right. Make sure to share this welcome contribution to outdoor stories, joyful Dad-kid experiences, and inviting early reading offerings. If you've heard that "BLACK JOY" is a much needed theme to expand book offerings to the publishing world, this is a superb example. For every reader, everywhere.

Interview: LET'S DANCE! Author Valerie Bolling

Readers: I hope you've had a chance to read my review of the recent picture book release, LET'S DANCE!, written by Valerie Bolling and illustrated by Maine Diaz. 

I'm very pleased to share an interview with the author here, and include links to some other resources and background. This title is Valerie's debut picture book, but I'm confident it is the first of many future successes and hers is a career to follow. Rather than explore what she's been doing with her life until this landmark event in her writing career, you should know she's a very busy instructional coach for middle and high school teachers, among other things. I've included a link at the end of the interview if you want to learn even more about her background.

SB: Welcome, Valerie!  Congratulations on LET’S DANCE!  It’s a lively debut picture book and I’m guessing there have been many exciting moments in the journey from your original idea to the recent release. Could you share some high (or low?) points with our readers?

VB: Thank you for your congratulations, Sandy! Writing and publishing Let’s Dance! has indeed been a journey, and, like most journeys, there have been high and low points. 
The first high point was my phone call on July 2, 2018 with Jes Negrón, the editor of my book, who told me that she was interested in publishing Let’s Dance!. The next high point was when I received my author copies on Jan. 27, 2020. 
The low points were the rejections that I received before Jes’ acquisition. I even came close to being published one other time. An agent was interested in the story and requested I send her two more manuscripts. When I did, however, she wasn’t as interested in those, saying, “I foresee a harder sell for the other projects.” Thus, she decided to pass. 

I believe things happen for a reason. That rejection from that agent meant that Jes was the one who would see this book through to publication, and I’m so glad she did. It was her vision that expanded upon my desire for a diverse, inclusive book, creating one with a global theme.

SB: That example is such an important message to aspiring writers and a reminder to those who have already experienced success. You made the book the best you could and believed in it, never giving up. 

Now that LET’S DANCE! is out in the world, what reader reactions have pleased or  surprised you most?

VB: Fortunately, the reaction to Let’s Dance!has been very positive. For that, I have two people to whom I must express my utmost gratitude. My amazing illustrator, Maine Diaz, brought my words to life; everyone who picks up the book comments on her remarkable illustrations. Our fantastic editor, Jes, had a vision that propelled this book to a global level by seeing in my words the opportunity to showcase dances from around the world. 

In terms of what has pleased or surprised me the most, there are two stories to share. Recently, I read my book to a group of sixth graders. Later, the school librarian told me that one of the students had asked to check out Let’s Dance! because “He wants to read it to his little sister.” The other “moment” occurred at my local library. I was talking with the librarian in anticipation of hosting my launch event there. When I mentioned the title of my book, she gasped, “That’s you?! You’re the author of Let’s Dance!? We were just talking about that book at our meeting last week. We’re all excited about it, and we’ve already ordered it!” Then, she started doing a little jig! Those are the moments that make me happy I wrote this book. I want people to enjoy it; I want it to make them dance! 

SB: What fun for you! And I agree that the illustrations and book design enhance your words in wonderful ways. You’ve said in other materials that you are, at your core, a writer and an educator. Are there ways in which working with your students has helped you develop your own writing craft and talent? If so, would you share an example?

VB: Working with students has made me open to taking my own advice. I believe in revising incessantly. I tell my students that I have a revision sickness, one from which I cannot be cured. I continue to push my writers to revise, and I do the same with my own work. Even when I decide to query or submit to a contest, I say that “it’s ready for now,” knowing that more revision will likely occur.

I also know and appreciate the value of receiving feedback. I’ve talked to my students about the importance of receiving peer feedback and have required them to share their writing with a partner or in a small group. Even when I work with students on crafting their college essays, I tell them that they must show the essay to at least two others for feedback. As for myself, I share my writing with my writing partner and with my critique group. 

SB: That sounds very familiar to me. During my own long career in classrooms, I often used two phrases during writing workshops: 

“When you say you’re done, you’ve just begun.”

And 

“Real writers need each other to do their best.”

What “real writer” practices or advice have you shared while working to help young writers grow? 

VB: I have to say, Sandy, that I agree with both of the mantras you’ve shared and have said similar things to students, like: “You can always continue to revise. At some point, you may have to recognize that you’re done for now, but more revision can still be done.” 

I’ll share an interesting exchange I had with a former student that illustrates this point. My fourth graders were working hard to revise and refine their memoirs, which I was planning to enter in a contest. One day a student said to me, “My mother said I don’t need to make any more changes. She said it’s already good enough.” I responded, “Your mother is right. Your story is good enough, but there’s a difference between ‘good enough’ and ‘contest-ready.’ If you want your story to be the best it can be, there’s still more work you can do.” The student continued to fine-tune her story, and it won first place in the contest! By the way, another student of mine won second place. 

SB: Congratulations to your learners. I'm guessing you got a hug from that good advice, even if that wasn't the immediate reaction! 

VB: Actually, Sandy, when my student’s parents received the news that she had won the contest, they invited me to join them for a Chinese buffet lunch after the awards ceremony. We became good friends after that and still are. In fact, I attended that student’s wedding last November.

SB: More congratulations are due you for being named a 2020 Mentee through WE NEED DIVERSE BOOKS (linked). Could you share a bit about that experience? (How it developed, what your goals are, how it works, whatever you think readers would care to know. This is also a chance to share what you’re working on currently or share/hint at upcoming projects.)

VB: I appreciate your congratulations, Sandy! It is truly an honor to have been named a WNDB mentee. This is actually the second time I applied for the mentorship. There was an option for prospective mentees to name their preferred mentor, and when I read the books written by the mentors, I knew, unequivocally, that I wanted Kelly Starling Lyons. 

I wrote on my application: “Kelly is an incredibly accomplished, prolific writer (congratulations to her on her recent award for Going Down Home with Daddy!) and would have invaluable advice to share with me about my writing as well as the publishing industry. Also, of the picture book mentors, I feel that my style is most similar to Kelly’s.” 

I don’t know how prominently what I wrote figured into the selection process. I’d like to think that the manuscript I submitted also caught the committee’s attention. Regardless, I’m thrilled to have Kelly as a mentor! 

I believe each mentorship works differently, depending upon the mentor and mentee. In her introductory email to me, Kelly asked me to complete some assignments. She asked about my vision as a writer, goals for our mentorship, and questions I have. Related to the manuscript I submitted, she requested that I analyze mentor texts and paginate my text. 

In addition to receiving feedback from Kelly on my manuscripts and readying them for publication, I look forward to learning all that I can –about anything related to writing and the publishing industry – from this prolific, award-winning author.

SB: Thank you, Valerie, for taking time to share your experiences with us, especially with such a busy life and during such an intense period as your debut book launch. 

VB: Thank you, Sandy, for taking the time to interview me. I appreciate the opportunity for your readers to get to know a bit more about me, and I’m especially pleased to share Let’s Dance! with them.

Readers, you can learn  much more about Valerie's personal and professional background in this very  thorough interview on Mary Elizabeth Cummings blog, here.

She provides her own lovely and personal introduction on the ABOUT page of her website, here.

You'll enjoy reading a truly informative (and fun) interview with Valerie about her writing journey in this celebration interview with author Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez, HERE.

Don't forget my advice to keep your eye on Valerie's ongoing and future successes. We'll make that easier for you by including her social media links:

Website: http://valeriebolling.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/valerie_bolling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriebollingauthor/ ANDhttps://www.instagram.com/letsdancebook/

Here's a reminder about the fun of Valerie's book, in the "verdict", an excerpt of the recent review by Jennifer, Librarian at Jean Little Library:

Verdict: If you're in on the trend of movement in libraries, this is a great introduction to familiar and unfamiliar dances (depending on your community's makeup) and will get kids leaping, wiggling, jingling, and dancing. Recommended.

It's LEAP DAY: Leap into LET'S DANCE!

Boyds Mills Press

LEAP DAY comes along only every four years, and a picture book celebration of dance and diversity is even more rare.
Whether you've got a yes-I'm ready-for-prime-time dance repertoire or you boogey at a cringe-worthy-on-the-Ellen-Show level, you won't want to miss this picture book, LET'S DANCE, written by Valerie Bolling and illustrated by Maine Diaz.  
The contagious effects of music saturate the lyrical rhymed text and vivid action-packed pages. LET'S DANCE offers  universal appeal of movement and music through a multicultural lens.
Little bums and shoulders will start bobbing at the first sights and sounds of the exuberant action and expressions of kiddos virtually leaping off the cover. I have no doubt that adult readers will be doing some seat-swaying and toe-tapping within a few page turns, too. 
A first peek at the end papers hints at the multi-cultural, globe-trotting magical genres of dance, from ballet slippers to cowboy hats, from high-top sneakers to castanets, and more. The illustrator is adept at balancing the authenticity of the garb and styles with diverse characters who are not locked into stereotypical types of dance or culture.

I'm always impressed with perfectly metered and rhymed text, especially so when the word count totals only sixty words of main text swirling from page to page in two-to-four word lines. The text opens up learner-engaged opportunities from meter-clapping to onomatopoeitic explorations at any age. 
Each of ten double page spreads features traditionally-dressed kid-dancers from around the world, executing flamenco to Irish step dancing, disco to breakdancing, west-African kuku dancing to kathak dancers from India, and beyond. The dancers are diverse in skin tone, body size, hair style, and setting, but are universal in the magical effects of melody and rhythm. I'd include a few quoted lines, but in isolation they don't do the author justice. In fact, this book is  a master class in the perfect interaction of words, illustrations, and book design. 

My only dance instruction was preschool "ballet class" in a summer recreation program. Since those years I have learned that choreographers use the term "vocabulary" of movement, positions, etc. That term sprang to mind as I enjoyed and examined this book, realizing that the artist's vocabulary of movement, poses, and perspectives enhanced the author's word choices as ideally as did the art director's choices for font, color, size, and layout.

My first view of this book was in a PDF digital file, and I admired it then. Soon after, I received an advance paper copy that magnified my response a thousand-fold. In fact, the physical book underscored my commitment to the importance of enthralling kids with actual books rather than digital screens. 
The large trim size opens to a lap-filling horizontal dance-floor of delight. A double-page spread of back matter offers cameo images of each dance with a brief description, identifying the dance name and cultural origins. (Consider that an invitation to check out examples-in-action in real life or on screen.)
You might envision a struggle to settle down bouncing toddlers following their dance through these pages. 
No worries. 
The closing spread presents a smiling tot, tucked in bed, dreaming to the tunes of twirling sheep. That's right, the calming conclusion makes this an ideal bedtime or naptime book, and would work especially well as a story time book with that settling resolution to dial down the energy, providing a transition to the next activity or story. 
Just keep your eyes open for a dapper little lamb who loves to steal the spotlight with swagger! I hope you'll take a close look at this one, and then make a purchase. As a library fan, I'm usually fine with sharing books "on loan", but this one should find a permanent place in your lives. 
It's definitely a "read it again" book.

I'll bet you remember the Lee Ann Womack hit from several years ago: I HOPE YOU DANCE. If not, click that title and remind yourself with the YouTube video. 


And, as the song says, I HOPE YOU'LL DANCE.

BTW, if you'd care to learn more about LEAP DAY traditions and superstitions, click HERE.

The PDF and advance copy were provided by the publisher with no promise of a review of any kind.