Biographical note

Rachel C. Katz taught middle school humanities for many years and introduced hundreds of students to her passions: writing, literature, American history, and civics. Rachel is a curriculum consultant and a writer who loves making American history accessible to young readers. She is a student in Hamline University’s Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults program. RISE UP: POWERFUL PROTESTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY is her debut picture book. In addition to writing both serious and silly picture books, Rachel also writes graphic novels and nonfiction for older readers. Rachel loves making art, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family. She probably didn’t hear what you just said because she’s busy reading. Rachel lives in Massachusetts.

Sophie Bass is an Illustrator of mixed British and Trinidadian heritage who lives and works in London. Her work draws inspiration from music, social justice, mythology and symbolism. Sophie works by hand, employing traditional techniques with gouache and pen, to create contemporary images with strong figures, vivid hues and a distinctive style. Windrush Child by renowned poet by John Agard was her debut picture book.