Angela Shelf Medearis (Author), Michael Bryant (Illustrator)

Our People celebrates the legacy of African Americans through an intimate conversation between a contemporary father and daughter. As they explore together the history of their people, from ancient Africa through slavery to present day, they share a special bond--with each other, with the past, and with the heroic individuals who are part of our heritage. An inspiring book about both history and possibility, Our People will inspire young readers to imagine their past and envision the realities of their futures. A special note from the author gives additional information about the historical figures featured in the story.

About the Author

With over 70 books in print, Angela Shelf Medearis is an author who combines a great love for children's literature with a particular attention to the reading needs of young African Americans. "I write the kind of books I always longed to find in the library when I was a child", she says. Books were an essential part of Medearis's own early 1960's childhood, giving her a sense of continuity and identity throughout her family's many moves.

Today, she spends as much time encouraging literacy in all students as she does promoting African-American subjects. Medearis founded and directs Book Boosters, a multicultural program for all grade levels that concentrates on reading, creative writing and drama. She currently works as a reading consultant for the McGraw-Hill Reading Program. Mrs. Medearis lives in Austin, Texas.