Q&A with Valerie Bolling

 

 

 

Valerie Bolling is the author of the new children's picture book biography A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change. Bolling's other books include I See Color. She is also an educator.

 

Q: Why did you decide to write a picture book biography about activist Marian Wright Edelman?

 

A: Marian Wright Edelman is a person whose name we should all know. Her positive contributions to our country as a champion for civil rights and children’s rights, as evidenced by her founding of the Children’s Defense Fund, are worth celebrating.

 

When I decided that I wanted to write a biography for children, Mrs. Edelman was the perfect choice! A picture book is a wonderful way to introduce young readers to this remarkable woman and role model.

 

Q: How did you research her life, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?

 

A: Research, research, research. Writing a biography obviously requires extensive research and access to a variety of resources. I read books (including those written by Mrs. Edelman) and articles, watched videos (Mrs. Edelman has given a number of commencement speeches and other talks), and looked at information on the Children’s Defense Fund website.

 

A resource that not only provided information but that I also thoroughly enjoyed was listening to Mrs. Edelman’s interviews in the HistoryMakers digital archives. Additionally, her personal assistant responded to questions I had and verified facts.

 

Something that surprised me and also made me say, “Yay! You go, girl!” is the story about how a young Marian switched the water fountain signs for “Colored” and “White.” Research is laborious, but learning more about Marian Wright Edelman, who I have long admired, was a joy.

 

Q: How was the book’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?

 

A: If you read the book, you’ll learn the full story, but I’ll share that it’s connected to an experience Sojourner Truth had and something she said in response to it. (Ms. Truth was one of Mrs. Edelman’s role models.) A flea for justice means that even the smallest insect can make you itch, even the smallest person, or child, can make a positive difference.

 

Q: What do you think TeMika Grooms’s illustrations add to the book?

 

A: TeMika’s illustrations bring young Marian and adult Mrs. Edelman’s story to life. I’m so fortunate to have collaborated with TeMika on this book because her art is beautiful. I love how she creates versions and visuals of Mrs. Edelman at different points throughout her life, which I’m sure was a challenge. I hope Mrs. Edelman loves the illustrations as much as I do.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: My first book for teachers, Goal Setting in theWriting Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success, was published in June.

 

My next picture book, The March for Hope (illustrated by Monica Mikai), is scheduled for release on Feb. 3, 2026, and a board book, Chloe’s Community Garden (illustrated by Felicia Whaley), is slated for 2027.

 

I’m currently working on my second book for teachers, which I’m co-authoring with Pamela Courtney. I’m also in the midst of writing a proposal for a third book for teachers as well as writing and revising picture books and board books.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I hope A Flea for Justice motivates children to create change and know that they can do powerful things. It may not be easy, but they can do things that can make a positive difference in their lives and/or in the lives of other people. I want to encourage young people to be fleas for justice!

 

Check out this teacher’s guide for ideas about how to inspire children to do that and for resources that will further enrich their knowledge and learning experience as they interact with this book.

 

If you read this book and like it, I’d appreciate you taking the time to write a review. Reviews really do make a difference and help books get into the hands of more readers.

 

Thanks for taking the time to interview me, Deborah, and I appreciate all of you who took the time to read this blog post.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Valerie Bolling.