Selina Alko – illustratör

A stellar ensemble of picture book creators—all women—join together to celebrate a sampling of history’s young female revolutionaries. Inspired by the Womens March and the ongoing focus on women’s rights—here is the ideal introduction for the next generation of tenacious and determined rabble-rousers."Well-behaved women seldom make history." —Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, Pulitzer Prize-winning historianFresh, accessible, and inspiring, Shaking Things Up introduces fourteen revolutionary young women—each paired with a noteworthy female artist—to the next generation of activists, trail-blazers, and rabble-rousers. From the award-winning author of Ada’s Violin, Susan Hood, this is a poetic and visual picture book that celebrates persistent women throughout history. Among the powerful pairings: Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall takes on heroic World War II spies Eileen and Jacqueline Nearne; Selina Alko is matched with the brave Malala Yousafzai; New York Times bestselling illustrator Emily Winfield Martin is paired with the inventor of the controversial one-piece bathing suit, Annette Kellerman; and Shadra Strickland introduces America’s first known female firefighter, Molly Williams. While women make up over half of the U.S. population, they face discrimination, have less representation in government and other fields, and struggle every day for their human rights. It is more important now than ever to raise a generation of girls who, in the face of adversity, persevere. This book was written, illustrated, edited, and designed by women. Includes a foreword by a prominent female activist, an author’s note, a timeline, and additional resources. This book features: Selina Alko, Sophie Blackall, Lisa Brown, Hadley Hooper, Emily Winfield Martin, Oge Mora, Julie Morstad, Sara Palacios, LeUyen Pham, Erin Robinson, Isabel Roxas, Shadra Strickland, and Melissa Sweet.

“Each poem and illustration shines with a personality all its own.” —Shelf Awareness (starred review)“This book has definitely made an impact on my life.” —Kitt Shapiro, daughter of Eartha KittFresh, accessible, and inspiring, Shaking Things Up introduces fourteen revolutionary young women—each paired with a noteworthy female artist—to the next generation of activists, trailblazers, and rabble-rousers.From the award-winning author of Ada’s Violin and Lifeboat 12, Susan Hood, this is a poetic and visual celebration of persistent women throughout history.In this book of poems, you will find Mary Anning, who was just thirteen when she unearthed a prehistoric fossil. You’ll meet Ruby Bridges, the brave six-year-old who helped end segregation in the South. And Maya Lin, who at twenty-one won a competition to create a war memorial, and then had to appear before Congress to defend her right to create.And those are just a few of the young women included in this book. Readers will also hear about Molly Williams, Annette Kellerman, Nellie Bly, Pura Belpré, Frida Kahlo, Jacqueline and Eileen Nearne, Frances Moore Lappé, Mae Jemison, Angela Zhang, and Malala Yousafzai—all whose stories will enthrall and inspire. This poetry collection was written, illustrated, edited, and designed by women and includes an author’s note, a timeline, and additional resources.With artwork by award-winning and bestselling artists including Selina Alko, Sophie Blackall, Lisa Brown, Hadley Hooper, Emily Winfield Martin, Oge Mora, Julie Morstad, Sara Palacios, LeUyen Pham, Erin Robinson, Isabel Roxas, Shadra Strickland, and Melissa Sweet.A 2019 Bank Street Best Book of the Year Named to the 2019 Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading ListSelected for CCBC Choices Book 2019Selected as a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2019Named to the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s 2018 list of Great Books for Kids2020-2021 South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominee

Two poets, one white and one black, explore race and childhood in this must-have collection tailored to provoke thought and conversation. How can Irene and Charles work together on their fifth grade poetry project? They don''t know each other . . . and they''re not sure they want to. Irene Latham, who is white, and Charles Waters, who is Black, use this fictional setup to delve into different experiences of race in a relatable way, exploring such topics as hair, hobbies, and family dinners. Accompanied by artwork from acclaimed illustrators Sean Qualls and Selina Alko (of The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage), this remarkable collaboration invites readers of all ages to join the dialogue by putting their own words to their experiences.

Two poets, one white and one black, explore race and childhood in this must-have collection tailored to provoke thought and conversation. How can Irene and Charles work together on their fifth grade poetry project? They don''t know each other . . . and they''re not sure they want to. Irene Latham, who is white, and Charles Waters, who is Black, use this fictional setup to delve into different experiences of race in a relatable way, exploring such topics as hair, hobbies, and family dinners. Accompanied by artwork from acclaimed illustrators Sean Qualls and Selina Alko (of The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage), this remarkable collaboration invites readers of all ages to join the dialogue by putting their own words to their experiences.

"A not-to-be-missed, inspirational book about courage, heart, and the necessity of caring for others."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)Stars of the Night recounts the powerful true story of the 669 children who traveled as part of the Czech Kindertransport from Prague to Britain on the eve of World War II, as Hitler''s campaign of hatred toward Jews and political dissidents took hold. Told from the collective perspective of the children, the narrative follows their journey as they leave everything they’ve ever known in hopes of staying safe. After the war ends, they return to Prague only to find that nearly all of their parents have been killed by the Nazis. And more than fifty years pass before they learn the identity of the British man who was instrumental in saving their lives—Nicholas Winton.Award-winning author Caren Stelson teams up with acclaimed illustrator Selina Alko to sensitively tell this tale of survival and defiance in the face of tyranny.

"A not-to-be-missed, inspirational book about courage, heart, and the necessity of caring for others."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)Stars of the Night recounts the powerful true story of the 669 children who traveled as part of the Czech Kindertransport from Prague to Britain on the eve of World War II, as Hitler''s campaign of hatred toward Jews and political dissidents took hold. Told from the collective perspective of the children, the narrative follows their journey as they leave everything they’ve ever known in hopes of staying safe. After the war ends, they return to Prague only to find that nearly all of their parents have been killed by the Nazis. And more than fifty years pass before they learn the identity of the British man who was instrumental in saving their lives—Nicholas Winton.Award-winning author Caren Stelson teams up with acclaimed illustrator Selina Alko to sensitively tell this tale of survival and defiance in the face of tyranny.

A powerful story told through linked poems which raise questions of race and identity in an honest and tangible way for younger readers.How can Irene and Charles work together on their classroom poetry project? They don't know each other...and they're not sure they want to. Irene Latham, who is white, and Charles Waters, who is black, use this fictional setup to delve into different experiences of race in a relatable way, exploring such topics as hair, hobbies, and family dinners. Accompanied by artwork from acclaimed illustrators Sean Qualls and Selina Alko, this remarkable collaboration invites readers of all ages to join the dialogue by putting their own words to their experiences.

A National Jewish Book Award winner, 2026A Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable Picture Book TitleA Boston Authors Club Julia Ward Howe Notable BookA Bank Street College Best Book of the Year for 2026★ "Alko’s multimedia illustrations have the feel of a carefully compiled scrapbook, layering visual grace notes throughout this bittersweet narrative about a treasured ritual" – Publisher's Weekly, starred review★"This is a first purchase not only because of its high quality, but also because of the scarcity of children’s books about the Jewish memorial custom of yahrzeit" – School Library Journal, starred review★ "A beautiful presentation of a custom that explores its many layers of meaning" – Booklist, starred reviewI was sad when Grandpa died. I think about how sad Mom was too.Mom says she misses Grandpa, but all her memories are like shining lights.Grandpa died last November. Now, one year later on the anniversary of his death, a boy and his family light a special candle. It’s not a birthday, Hanukkah, or Shabbat candle. It’s a yahrzeit candle in remembrance of him, and it will burn all night and all day tomorrow until sunset. But why does it burn for so long?The boy and his family spend the next night and day remembering Grandpa and sharing stories with each other. From his stylish hats, to piano duets, and apple squares for dessert, warm memories of Grandpa shine like stars with them while the yahrzeit candle burns – and continue to shine when it goes out.Features the Jewish memorial tradition of a yahrzeit candleDemonstrates how happy memories of our loved ones help us deal with griefEndnotes with more on the Jewish calendar and memorial traditions

Shortlisted for the National Jewish Book AwardsA Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable Picture Book TitleA Bank Street College Best Book of the Year for 2026★ "Alko’s multimedia illustrations have the feel of a carefully compiled scrapbook, layering visual grace notes throughout this bittersweet narrative about a treasured ritual" – Publisher's Weekly, starred review★"This is a first purchase not only because of its high quality, but also because of the scarcity of children’s books about the Jewish memorial custom of yahrzeit" – School Library Journal, starred review★ "A beautiful presentation of a custom that explores its many layers of meaning" – Booklist, starred reviewI was sad when Grandpa died. I think about how sad Mom was too.Mom says she misses Grandpa, but all her memories are like shining lights.Grandpa died last November. Now, one year later on the anniversary of his death, a boy and his family light a special candle. It’s not a birthday, Hanukkah, or Shabbat candle. It’s a yahrzeit candle in remembrance of him, and it will burn all night and all day tomorrow until sunset. But why does it burn for so long?The boy and his family spend the next night and day remembering Grandpa and sharing stories with each other. From his stylish hats, to piano duets, and apple squares for dessert, warm memories of Grandpa shine like stars with them while the yahrzeit candle burns – and continue to shine when it goes out.Features the Jewish memorial tradition of a yahrzeit candleDemonstrates how happy memories of our loved ones help us deal with griefEndnotes with more on the Jewish calendar and memorial traditions