Vaunda Micheaux Nelson’s YA Novel No Crystal Stair Portrays the Inspirational Life of Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller: In honor of Black History Month, Carolrhoda Lab is proud to announce the publication of No Crystal Stair, a documentary novel of the life and work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem bookseller. Written Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and illustrated R. Gregory Christie, No Crystal Stair is an inspiring and memorable true tale about the civil rights movement, community, and redemption.
Vergrößern Vaunda Micheaux Nelson’s YA Novel No Crystal Stair Portrays the Inspirational Life of Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller | Bild: © ad-hoc-news

Lewis Michaux had always been a clever boy, but as a child, he used that cleverness for mischief. As he grew older, however, he realized that his intellect and appealing personality were better used in aiding the American civil rights movement. After establishing a bookstore that served as an intellectual meeting ground for the African-American community, Lewis became an inspirational figure in the movement, and worked closely with other individuals of renown in the community, such as Malcolm X. Through real documents blended with a fictional retelling of Lewis? story, No Crystal Stair honors the history of the National Memorial African Bookstore and its charismatic owner, Lewis Michaux.

The civil rights movement took place during a fascinating time in American history, a time described in detail through the life of the influential Lewis Michaux. In No Crystal Stair, Nelson combines meticulous research with a storyteller's flair to document the life and times of her great-uncle Lewis Michaux, an extraordinary literacy pioneer of the Civil Rights era.

Praise for No Crystal Stair:"A stirring and thought-provoking account of an unsung figure in 20th-century American history." ?starred, Kirkus Reviews

Visit www.carolrhodalab.com for a discussion guide and free downloads.

About the AuthorVaunda Micheaux Nelson is the author of many books for young readers, including Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, which won the Coretta Scott King Award in 2010, and Almost to Freedom. To write No Crystal Stair, Vaunda conducted interviews, sifted through library collections, examined family archives, and interviewed those who knew Michaux.

About the IllustratorR. Gregory Christie's illustrations have earned him three Coretta Scott King Honors and two spots on the New York Times' annual Best Illustrated Children's Books lists. Greg is also a regular contributor to the New Yorker magazine.

About the PublisherCarolrhoda Lab? is dedicated to distinctive, provocative, boundary-pushing fiction for teens. Carolrhoda Lab? probes and examines the young-adult condition one novel at a time, affording YA authors and readers an opportunity to explore and experiment with thoughts, ideas, and paradigms in the human condition. Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, creates high-quality fiction and nonfiction titles for children and young adults.

PUBLICATION DATE:February 2012$17.95 Hardcover, Jacketed$12.95 eBookAges 14-18HC: 978-0-7613-7752-8EB: 978-0-7613-8726-8312 Pages ? 5 ¼ x 7 ½

To Purchase: Visit your local bookstore, order by phone at 800-328-4929, or visit us at lernerbooks.com.Follow us online:Blog: carolrhoda.blogspot.com/Twitter: @CarolrhodaLabFacebook: Carolrhoda Lab