Mahalia Jackson was known as the queen of gospel music. A close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s, she was also a civil rights activist who sang at the March on Washington. And she traveled the world, too! Experience all the inspiring moments in Mahalia's big life in this thrilling biography, packed with two-color illustrations and fun facts, like who invented rock and roll!

Short and engaging chapters are interspersed with special lists and other information made to order to engage kids, whether they're already biography fans or "have to" write a report for school. Extras include a timeline, a bibliography, and a hall of fame of other musicians and civil rights activists.

The VIP series features stirring adventures and fun facts about some of history's greatest trailblazers--smart, tough, persevering innovators who will excite today's kids. Featuring underappreciated historical figures and groups, with a focus on leaders in science, activism, and the arts, the nonfiction biographies in the VIP series are fun and appealing. Just looking at the cover will make kids want to learn more about these VIPs, and once they dive in they will zoom through stories that read like adventures.

Each book in the VIP series allows your middle grader to experience all the fascinating moments in some very important but lesser known lives. These biographies for kids age 9-12 include: VIP: Dr. Mae Jemison: Brave Rocketeer; VIP: Lewis Latimer: Engineering Wizard; VIP: Mahalia Jackson: Freedom's Voice; and VIP: Lydia Darragh: Unexpected Spy.