NERD BLAST: Speak Up, Speak Out!: The Extraordinary Life of Fighting Shirley Chisholm by Tonya Bolden

Today, we have a Nerd Blast to kick off featuring Critically Acclaimed Award-winning Author Tonya Bolden's Speak Up, Speak Out!: The Extraordinary Life of Fighting Chisholm, a biography of the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first Black woman to run for president with a major political party. So... Be sure to check it out and grab your copy now!

Genre:

Middle Grade

Biography/Nonfiction

Publish Date:

January 4, 2022

Publisher:

National Geographic Kids

Synopsis:

From award-winning author Tonya Bolden comes a biography of the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first Black woman to run for president with a major political party: Shirley Chisholm.

Before there was Barack Obama, before there was Kamala Harris, there was Fighting Shirley Chisholm. A daughter of Barbadian immigrants, Chisholm developed her political chops in Brooklyn in the 1950s and went on to become the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. This “pepper pot,” as she was known, was not afraid to speak up for what she thought was right. While fighting for a better life for her constituents in New York’s 12th Congressional District, Chisholm routinely fought against sexism and racism in her own life and defied the norms of the time. As the first Black woman in the House and the first Black woman to seek the presidential nomination from a major political party, Shirley Chisholm laid the groundwork for those who would come after her.

Extensively researched and reviewed by experts, this inspiring biography traces Chisholm’s journey from her childhood in a small flat in Brooklyn where she read books with her sisters to Brooklyn College where she got her first taste of politics. Readers will cheer Chisholm on to victory from the campaign trail to the hallowed halls of the U.S. Capitol, where she fought for fair wages, equal rights, and an end to the Vietnam War. And while the presidential campaign trail in 1972 did not end in victory, Shirley Chisholm shows us how you can change a country when you speak up and speak out.

       

    

   

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**About the Author**

Photo Content from Tonya Bolden

Tonya Bolden is a critically acclaimed award-winning author and recipient of the Children's Book Guild of Washington, D.C.'s Nonfiction Award. She has authored and edited more than 40 books, including Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl (Coretta Scott King Honor book), M.L.K.: Journey of a King (NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children), and George Washington Carver (Virginia Library Association Jefferson Cup Award and Cleveland Public Library Sugarman Award). Acclaimed for her "skilled storytelling," "lively text," and "impeccably-researched" topics, Bolden has received numerous starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal. Bolden, who loved reading and writing as a child, earned her bachelor's degree from Princeton University and a master's degree from Columbia University. She lives in New York City.

Stay connected with Tonya Bolden

     

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***The Giveaway***

 

Giveaway Open Internationally | Must be 13+ to Enter

- ends April 17, 2022

Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box

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VIRTUAL LAUNCH: The Story of Christina and I by Christina S. Sledge & Eward L. Sledge, Jr.

Today, we have the Virtual Launch celebrating the re-release of The Story of Christina & I by Christina and Edward Sledge! We even have an exclusive excerpt to share! So... Check out the memoir and be sure to pick up your copy today! 

Instagram Live with Christina & Edward Sledge at InkslingerPR TODAY at 8PM EST.

Genre:

Nonfiction

Biography/Memoir

Publish Date:

March 28, 2021

Publisher:

Sledge House Media and Publishing

Synopsis:

Lead by destiny, experience the true love story of two Brooklyn high school sweethearts as they navigate life and love. Share their heartaches and blessings. One was encircled by poverty, crime, sex, drug addition and alcoholism. The other was raised by a tight knit family, filled with happy experiences, and positive role models.

Eddie, from Flatbush and Canarsie, tries to survive in his drug and crime ridden neighborhood. While Christina is from Crown Heights destined for higher education and success, struggles to stay focused on her plan to achieve her dreams. They constantly cross paths unknowingly to finally begin their endearing love story. Their union is so powerful that they are able to conquer any obstacle they encounter and turn it into success. Their story is one of resolve and resilience.

A real-life urban fairytale that compels you to find out how they finally get to their happily ever after...

       

  

*Excerpt*

We were destined to marry each other. Our love story is a testimony to follow your hearts and listen to God’s plan for your life. We trust and support each other to achieve goals. We have also had disappointments and more than a handful of heated and hurtful arguments. We had our share of issues, such as having narcolepsy, high blood pressure, gaining and losing weight, sinus infections, allergies, injuries, surgeries, and a mini stroke. We use social media mainly for business purposes, and our family business stays in our home. We embrace the moments we share, and we continue to seek peace and patience. We know and embrace who we are, and we are comfortable with it. We understand our roles, what we need to take care of, and take the necessary steps to move forward. We know the most important parts in our marriage are trust, love, communication, and patience.

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**About the Authors**

Christina and Edward live in Maryland with their two daughters. They have been happily married for more than 21 years.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Christina received an undergraduate degree from Temple University and a graduate degree from The George Washington University. Edward received an undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University and a graduate degree from Towson University. They started Sledge House Media in 2021. Both are planning to write more books together in the future.

Stay connected with Christina & Edward Sledge

(Sledge House Media)

    

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