As history unfolds, our poets and artists have always been at the ready, portraying such moments through lyricism and imagery. On Aug. 11, Sen. Kamala Harris became the first woman of color on a major party’s presidential ticket, joining Joe Biden in the race for the presidency. And children’s book author Nikki Grimes’ new picture book, “Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice,” seeks to paint a portrait of the Democratic vice presidential nominee in Grimes’s poetry and illustrator Laura Freeman’s multitextured digital art.
The book chronicles the senator’s fight for justice while highlighting some of the achievements that prepared her for the historic moment in when she accepted the nomination. Geared toward ages 4-8, the book tells the story of how Harris, as a child, often accompanied her parents to civil rights marches. It follows her journey from her childhood in Oakland to political work in Congress and running for president.
Grimes, who lives in Corona, is a New York Times bestselling author and recipient of the 2006 National Council of Teachers of English Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. She won the 2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award for “Bronx Masquerade.”
Grimes says she wanted to write a book about Harris because “her passion for justice drew me in. I believe that passion will take her far, and I’m happy to be along for the ride.”
