Stacey Abrams, former Georgia House minority leader, voting rights activist, and bestselling author is set to publish her first picture book titled Stacey’s Extraordinary Words, which is set to come out on December 28, 2021, by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books. Lucian-American artist Katelan (Kitt) Thomas will be illustrating the book.
The book is centered around perseverance and bravery and the story is based on Abrams’ childhood experience competing in elementary school spelling bees. In a statement quoted by Forbes, Abrams said:
“Words have always been important to me. I loved competing in spelling bees as a young girl. With this book, I want to inspire children to speak up for themselves and for others—and to keep trying if they don’t succeed the first time around.” The story follows some of what she went through. “Like Jake, some kids picked on me and others who were different. Over the years, I learned how to use my words to do good, even when I am most afraid.”
Abrams has previously published three books for adults: Lead from the Outside, Our Time Is Now, and While Justice Sleeps, all of which were bestsellers.
“I loved competing in spelling bees as a young girl. With this book, I want to inspire children to speak up for themselves and for others—and to keep trying if they don’t succeed the first time around.”