Six Questions with Valerie Bolling

Valerie Bolling is an award-winning author/educator who is passionate about creating stories for children in which they can feel seen, heard, valued, and validated. She's the author of 12 books, including SCBWI Crystal Kite winner, Let's Dance!; Kirkus Prize finalist, Together We Swim; Junior Library Gold Standard Selection, I See Color; Scholastic Acorn early reader series, Rainbow Days; and a book for teachers, Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success. Sharing her books with young readers and their families -- and inspiring both children and adults to write their own stories -- brings Valerie immense joy. linkt.ee/ValerieBolling

1. What are you working on? What’s next for you?

My first book for teachers, Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom: Building Student Agency, Independence, and Success, was published in June. My next picture book, The March for Hope (illustrated by Monica Mikai), is scheduled for release on Jan. 20, 2026 and a board book, Chloe’s Community Garden (illustrated by Felicia Whaley), is slated for 2027.

I’m currently working on my second and third books for teachers, one of which I’m co-authoring with Pamela Courtney. I’m also writing new picture books and board books. I’m enjoying writing, and, of course, revising.

2. When you’re not writing, what are your favorite things to do?

I enjoy some form of daily exercise (walking, riding my exercise bike, and working out to a video – sometimes all three!) and spending time with my husband and friends. My husband and I look forward to having friends over for dinner and also visiting with them in their homes. We like traveling, going to the theater, hiking, dancing, and reading the same book together.

3. Once you’ve created a first draft, what your next step? Critique group? Check in with your agent? Tuck it away to let it age?

Once I’ve completed a draft, I immediately begin to revise it. I typically revise a manuscript a few times on my own before sharing it with critique partners. There is one person, however, who may see it “hot off the press” or after only one revision: my writing partner, Lindsey Aduskevich, who provides masterful critique. I only send manuscripts to my agent, James McGowan, that have been revised and critiqued multiple times. When I share a story with James, it’s as polished as I can make it, and then I look forward to hearing his thoughts and revision suggestions to make it shine even more.

4. Where did you get the idea for A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change? What was your inspiration?

My first published books are written in sparse rhyme. I then started writing fiction manuscripts that didn’t rhyme. I realized that I hadn’t written a non-fiction book, so I decided to write a picture book biography. First, I had to think of a subject. I knew I wanted to write about a Black woman, and I wanted her to be someone that children and adults should know – someone who has made a positive contribution to our world. Marian Wright Edelman was the perfect choice! She is a champion for children and civil rights and an advocate for education, which are my passions as well.

5. How was the editorial process? Did you do any revisions? If it’s a picture book, did you have a lot of collaboration with the illustrator?

The editorial process for A Flea for Justice: Marian Wright Edelman Stands Up for Change was unique. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to join a mentored critique group with Charlesbridge editor, Karen Boss, that was hosted by Black Creators Headquarters in collaboration with Inked Voices. Karen’s feedback really helped improve my story substantially, and when my manuscript was on submission, she was the one who acquired it. There were more edits after acquisition, but nothing drastic. I feel so fortunate to have been able to work on this story with Karen.

As for collaborating with TeMika Grooms, who did a fabulous job illustrating the book, the process worked the way it normally does. Even though TeMika and I are friends, we respected the process and didn’t communicate directly with each other. I was shown TeMika’s beautiful art at various stages and was asked to weigh in with my comments and questions. Now that the book is complete, I’m really looking forward to collaborating with TeMika to promote it together. I’ve seen her promotions for her other books, and she’s got such creative ideas.

6. If you read this book to a room filled with kids, what message would you want them to leave with?

I would want children to know that they can create change. They can do powerful things that may not be easy, but they can do them – things that can make a positive difference in their lives and/or in others’ lives. I want them to be fleas for justice! Check out this teacher’s guide for ideas on how you can inspire children to do that and to find resources that will further enrich their knowledge and learning experience.