Imani Perry's New Children's Book Highlights Black Educational Struggles and Achievements
Imani Perry, a National Book Award-winning author, is set to release her debut children's nonfiction book, 'Hope in a Classroom: The Remarkable Story of Black American Students, Teachers, and Schools from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement.' The book, aimed at middle-grade readers, explores the historical struggle of Black Americans to establish educational institutions post-emancipation, which Perry views as a crucial foundation for the civil rights movement. The book is scheduled for release on January 12, 2027, by Norton Young Readers. Perry's work seeks to inspire young readers by highlighting the resilience and achievements of Black educators and students in the face of systemic inequality. The cover, designed by Janelle Washington, features a symbolic image of a bird taking flight, representing the gradual progress and impact of Black educational efforts. 
