The work and achievements of ten African Americans are linked together, showing the powerful cumulative effect of the efforts of many over time, in this singular, inspiring volume. The book culminates with the election of Barack Obama to the presidency, and affirms that achievement as a stepping stone for children today and in future generations. “Our ancestors fought… so George could invent. George invented… so Jesse could sprint… Thurgood ruled… so Barack could run. Barack ran… so our children can soar!” Michelle Cook’s spare text is complemented by double-page-spread portraits of the luminaries named in the narrative, each one created by a different African American artist. A brief paragraph about each individual appears at the book’s end, as does a biographical portrait of each illustrator next to a small picture of the person she or he has depicted. (Ages 6–10)

Rosa sat so
Martin could march.
Martin marched so
Barack could run.Barack ran so
Our children can soar.

This is the seed of a unique and inspirational picture book text, that is part historical, part poetry, and entirely inspirational. It symbolically takes the reader through the cumulative story of the US Civil Rights Movement, showing how select pioneers' achievements led up to this landmark moment, when we have elected our first black President.

Each historical figure is rendered by a different award-winning African-American children's book illustrator, representing the singular and vibrant contribution that each figure made.

Lending historical substance, the back matter includes brief biographies of: George Washington Carver, Jesse Owens, Hattie McDaniel, Ella Fitzgerald, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama.