“Jenkins’s mixed-media illustrations are freighted with emotion, unnatural colors and skewed angles underlining the tumult of feelings surrounding the events, scribbles of colored chalk making the connection between Chapman the impassioned schoolboy and Chapman the righteous man…it brings deserved attention to Chapman and underscores the very worthwhile message that one does not need to be a star to make a difference.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Jenkins’ powerful, bright, mixed-media collages show and tell the connections, past, present, and future, as the politician remembers his childhood experience and his works for civil rights.” ―Booklist

“Hopkinson’s (Sky Boys) accessible, conversational narrative relays the little-known story of Oscar Chapman… Featuring bright swirling pastel patterns against deep blues and browns, Jenkins’s (Langston’s Train Ride) collage-like mixed-media illustrations deftly dramatize this illuminating and inspirational behind-the-scenes look at a triumphant moment in the civil rights movement.” ―Publishers Weekly

Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) –Bank Street College of Education, 2008

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People –National Council for the Social Studies, Children’s Book Council, 2008

Teachers’ Choices (Intermediate) –International Reading Association, 2008

Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Social Studies, Grades K-6) –Society of School Librarians International, 2007

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Children’s Books:  100 Titles for Reading and Sharing –New York Public Library, 2007

Macy’s Multicultural Collection of Children’s Literature –Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), 2008

Outstanding Book Award (Honorable Mention) –The Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights, 2007

Children’s Crown Award (Nominee) –National Christian School Association, 2009-2010

Read Alouds too Good to Miss (Intermediate) –AIME, 2009

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Winner, Stories for Adolescent Listeners) –Storytelling World, 2008

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Deborah Hopkinson is the award-winning author of numerous critically acclaimed picture and chapter books, including Keep On!; Sweet Land of Liberty; Under the Quilt of Night; and Shutting Out the Sky: Life in the Tenements of New York 1880-1924. She lives in Oregon. You can visit her website here.

Leonard Jenkins has illustrated many books, including Sweet Land of Liberty, Champions on the Bench: The Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars; The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela; and Langston’s Train Ride. He lives in New York.