New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes is the recipient of the 2020 ALAN Award for outstanding contributions to young adult literature, the 2017 Children's Literature Legacy Award, the 2016 Virginia Hamilton Literary Award, and the 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. Her distinguished works include the much-honored books Garvey's Choice, ALA Notable book Southwest Sunrise, Coretta Scott King Award winner Bronx Masquerade, and five Coretta Scott King Author Honor books, Printz and Siebert Honor winner Ordinary Hazards, Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor One Last Word, its companion Legacy:Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance, and New York Times bestseller Kamala Harris:Rooted in Justice. Creator of the popular Meet Danitra Brown, Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel, Bedtime for Sweet Creatures, and Off to See the Sea, Nikki Grimes lives in Corona, California.

Laura Freeman received a BFA from the School of Visual Arts and began her career working for various editorial clients. Freeman has illustrated more than twenty children's books, including Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor winner Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, the Nikki & Deja series by Karen English, and Fancy Party Gowns by Deborah Blumenthal. '

In addition to illustrated books and other media, her art can be found enlivening dishes, textiles, greeting cards, and many other products. Originally from New York City, she now lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.