Jay Leslie – författare

This vibrant and compelling picture book biography tells the story of Toussaint Louverture, the Haitian hero who led his people to freedom.Ayiti, the Pearl of the Antilles, was once a pristine paradise. But in the 15th century, colonizers seized the island, dividing it in two and forcing enslaved Africans to labor in its sugarcane fields. For generations, the enslaved endured unimaginable suffering, all the while yearning for freedom.In 1743, a beacon of hope was born: Toussaint Louverture. Through extraordinary determination and resilience, Toussaint gained freedom for himself. And in 1791, when the call for revolution echoed across Haiti, he rose to lead. Forming international alliances, rallying his community, and working alongside Haitian generals, Toussaint led the charge for liberty—achieving the first and only successful slave revolution in history and inspiring change across the world.

The civil rights movement in 1965 was fraught with assassination, brutal attacks, and an attempt to deny Black Americans the right to vote. In February, Malcolm X, a Black religious leader and human rights activist, was slain. Bloody Sunday followed in March when 600 civil rights protesters attempted to walk from Selma to Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, to oppose the suppression of the Black vote. As a result, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was ultimately signed into law in August. The civil rights movement succeeded in getting legislation passed, but the fight against racism, discrimination, and hatred was far from over.

ABOUT THE SERIES:

The years from 1955 to 1965 are at the heart of the civil rights movement—from the Montgomery bus boycott to the Voting Rights Act. The contributions of key activists, including Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, Barbara Nash, and Malcolm X, are part of the narrative. Demonstrations of passive resistance and legal challenges were often met with bloodshed and violence against Black Americans fighting to end segregation and discrimination. Yet the courage of those yearning for equal opportunities under the law ultimately produced legislation affirming that every American should have the same constitutional rights, regardless of color, race, or gender.

With stunning photographs throughout and rich back matter, each book focuses on a specific year and chronologically follows the detailed events that occurred and the changes that took place.

The civil rights movement in 1965 was fraught with assassination, brutal attacks, and an attempt to deny Black Americans the right to vote. In February, Malcolm X, a Black religious leader and human rights activist, was slain. Bloody Sunday followed in March when 600 civil rights protesters attempted to walk from Selma to Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, to oppose the suppression of the Black vote. As a result, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was ultimately signed into law in August. The civil rights movement succeeded in getting legislation passed, but the fight against racism, discrimination, and hatred was far from over.

ABOUT THE SERIES:

The years from 1955 to 1965 are at the heart of the civil rights movement-from the Montgomery bus boycott to the Voting Rights Act. The contributions of key activists, including Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, Barbara Nash, and Malcolm X, are part of the narrative. Demonstrations of passive resistance and legal challenges were often met with bloodshed and violence against Black Americans fighting to end segregation and discrimination. Yet the courage of those yearning for equal opportunities under the law ultimately produced legislation affirming that every American should have the same constitutional rights, regardless of color, race, or gender.

With stunning photographs throughout and rich back matter, each book focuses on a specific year and chronologically follows the detailed events that occurred and the changes that took place.

The year 1967 was pivotal to the civil rights movement. In April, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a speech to thousands inside a New York church condemning the Vietnam War and asking for a peaceful end. In June, the Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia would determine whether interracial couples could legally marry in the United States. The five-day long Detroit Riot against the Black community in July would end up being one of the most violent in our country’s history. And in October, Thurgood Marshall would become the first African American justice appointed to the Supreme Court, securing his place as one of the most influential figures in the fight for civil rights.

This detailed account explains why 1967 was such a critical year in the civil rights movement.

ABOUT THIS SERIES:

The years from 1967 to 1978 were critical to the civil rights movement. Resistance was often met with violence against Black Americans struggling to end discrimination and segregation. Yet the courage of those yearning for equal opportunities under the law continued to persevere and set the stage for even more progress in the coming decades. Discover how this specific time period brought about change and how it still affects us as a society today.

With stunning photographs throughout and rich back matter, each book focuses on a specific year and chronologically follows the detailed events that occurred and the changes that took place.

The year 1968 was one of progress and loss in the civil rights movement. In February, the Memphis Worker’s Strike showed African American men protesting with powerful “I Am a Man” signs. The world stopped in April when Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. That same month, President Johnson expanded the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964 by implementing the Fair Housing Act to further prohibit against discrimination. And in May, 2,700 Black Americans established “Resurrection City,” an encampment near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, in a 6-week long protest against the US government’s inaction on poverty.

This detailed account explains why 1968 was such a critical year in the civil rights movement.

ABOUT THE SERIES:

The years from 1967 to 1978 were critical to the civil rights movement. Resistance was often met with violence against Black Americans struggling to end discrimination and segregation. Yet the courage of those yearning for equal opportunities under the law continued to persevere and set the stage for even more progress in the coming decades. Discover how this specific time period brought about change and how it still affects us as a society today.

With stunning photographs throughout and rich back matter, each book focuses on a specific year and chronologically follows the detailed events that occurred and the changes that took place.

Can you believe some cats can talk? What about dogs? With amazing photos and lively text, this book explores five different creatures that, unexpectedly, can talk! Get ready to learn why and how these surprising animals chat away!

ABOUT THE SERIES:

The natural world is filled with animals doing unexpected things! It is hard to believe, but orcas can talk, sloths can swim, some snakes can fly, and octopuses love to play. Each book in this vibrant new nonfiction series explores the unusual abilities of five different animals, along with their habitat, diet, and behavior. Packed with photographs and fun facts, readers will learn all about these talented creatures that can fly, play, swim, and talk!

Can you believe there are snakes that can fly? What about lizards? With amazing photos and lively text, this book explores five different creatures that, unexpectedly, can fly! Get ready to learn why and how these surprising animals can take to the skies!

ABOUT THE SERIES:

The natural world is filled with animals doing unexpected things! It is hard to believe, but orcas can talk, sloths can swim, some snakes can fly, and octopuses love to play. Each book in this vibrant new nonfiction series explores the unusual abilities of five different animals, along with their habitat, diet, and behavior. Packed with photographs and fun facts, readers will learn all about these talented creatures that can fly, play, swim, and talk!