(New York, NY – June 26, 2023): Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), the global children’s publishing, education and media company, is set to publish WE DREAM A WORLD, a stirring picture book tribute to Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King, Jr., authored by their only granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King, with illustrations by award-winning artist Nicole Tadgell. 

 

The book will be published timed with the 95th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., and serves as his grandchild’s gift to him – and the world. 

 

As a national civil rights figure, Yolanda Renee King is leading a new generation of modern activists. Though the 15-year-old never met her grandfather, she has galvanized countless young people to stand up and speak out on a range of issues affecting the world today – racial equality, gun violence, climate change, poverty, education, and more.  Her new book, a call for unity and equality, is inspired by Langston Hughes’s seminal poem I Dream A World. The book’s narrative expresses Yolanda’s deep love for her grandparents, while also speaking to children everywhere about her hopes for a new future, as expressed through her call-and-response affirmation that brings thunderous participation at her public speeches and addresses: “Spread the word! Have you heard? All across the nation, we are going to be a great generation!”

 

WE DREAM A WORLD will be released in hardcover on January 2, 2024 in the United States, from Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic.  E-book and audio versions will also be made available. 

 

In a statement, Yolanda Renee King said about WE DREAM A WORLD “I’m very pleased to join Scholastic for my book publishing debut. On my grandfather's 95th birthday, I'm excited to share this love letter in his honor. This book lets every child rediscover my grandparents’ dream.”  

 

Andrea Davis Pinkney, VP and Executive Editor, Scholastic Trade, said, “As one of the leading publishers of social justice books and materials for young readers, Scholastic is honored to welcome Yolanda Renee King to our list of time-honored authors who are illuminating the importance of equality, resilience and peace for everyone.”  

 

In this stirring tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, their only granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King – an international civil rights figure in her own right – is ready to lead with the message and mission expressed in this powerful picture book.  Inspired by the work of her grandparents, Yolanda Renee King shows the world that young people are strong enough to carry on their elders’ legacy while creating a new path for themselves. Her words are meaningful and universal, painting an expressive tapestry of issues facing young people today, and how, together, we can work toward unity. Yolanda’s words embolden and inspire the next generation of change-makers. 

 

Yolanda Renee King never met her grandfather, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But the young leader is one of the countless activists inspired by his actions. Yolanda was born and raised in the state of Georgia to parents, Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King. She grew up in the city of Atlanta. She was named after her aunt, Yolanda King. She is the first and only grandchild of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Dr. King and his wife Coretta helped change the course of history by spreading a message of equality for all people, regardless of their race or color. Inspired by the path set by her grandparents, Yolanda is trailblazing her own way forward. 

 

Nicole Tadgell is an award-winning watercolor artist whose work spans more than 30 luminous picture books for children. Known for creating realistic yet whimsical characters and scenes, Nicole’s work has been honored by the Kansas Notable Book Award, the Christopher Award, the Children’s Africana Book Award, the Américas Award, the Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award, and the Growing Good Kids Award. Her books have been featured by the Bank Street Best College of Education, the Smithsonian Notable Books for Children, the Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices Annual List, New York Public Library’s Best 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, Eastern Washington University Excellent Choice, Maine’s A Capital Read, and the Rutgers University Top 5.

 

For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been encouraging the personal and intellectual growth of all children, beginning with literacy. Having earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families, Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of literacy curriculum, professional services, and classroom magazines, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates and distributes bestselling books and e-books, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, and other products and services that support children's learning and literacy, both in school and at home. With 15 international operations and exports to 165 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.

WE DREAM A WORLD by Yolanda Renee King, Nicole Tadgell (illustrations by)

Orchard Books/Scholastic; Ages 4-8; On sale January 2, 2024

Hardcover ISBN 9781338753974, $18.99  

 

Seale Ballenger |  sballenger@scholastic.com 

Elisabeth Ferrari | eferrari@scholastic.com