Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution

Ages 9 to 11

From the author of President of the Whole Fifth Grade, a story about a Black girl who stands up for herself against a racist dress code.

Lotus Bloom is a free spirit with a mega-’fro she’s affectionately named “the wooly mammoth.” A talented violinist, she just switched from her inner-city school to a fancy arts academy. Her best friend Rebel is quick to point out the funding disparities between schools, and urges Lotus to help her protest, but Lotus isn’t sure; if she’s going to be in the spotlight, she’d rather it be for her music.

But when a classroom prank targeting Lotus and her hair shockingly gets her in trouble, she must choose whether to stay quiet or fight back. Is this school really where she belongs? Inspired by real Black girls standing up against unjust school dress codes, beloved middle grade author Sherri Winston introduces a memorable character who decides to stand up for what’s right, no matter what it takes.

About the Author

Sherri Winston is the author of President of the Whole Fifth Grade (a Sunshine State Young Readers Award selection), President of the Whole Sixth Grade (a Kids’ Indie Next pick), President of the Whole Sixth Grade: Girl Code, The Sweetest Sound (a Kirkus Best Book of the Year), Jada Sly: Artist & Spy, and The Kayla Chronicles. Before becoming an author, she was a longtime newspaper writer and columnist. She grew up in Michigan and now lives with her daughters in Orlando, Florida. Voteforcupcakes.com • Twitter: @sherriwinston • Instagram: @iamsherriwinston