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Author BiosFor Children's Programming
Valerie Bolling was an educator for 30 years and is passionate about creating stories in which all children can see themselves and feel seen and heard, valued and validated. Her debut picture book, LET’S DANCE!, was published in March 2020 and won SCBWI’s Crystal Kite Award in 2021. Valerie is the author of six more picture books (A FLEA FOR JUSTICE: MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN STANDS UP FOR CHANGE; Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection I SEE COLOR; Kirkus Prize Finalist TOGETHER WE SWIM; TOGETHER WE RIDE; RIDE, ROLL, RUN: TIME FOR FUN!; and BING, BOP, BAM: TIME TO JAM!) as well as a Scholastic Acorn early reader series, RAINBOW DAYS. Sharing her books with children and inspiring them to write their own stories brings Valerie immense joy! Valerie and her husband live in Connecticut and enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, going to the theater, and dancing. linktr.ee/ValerieBolling For Adult Presentations Valerie Bolling is an award-winning author/educator who is passionate about creating stories in which all children can see themselves and feel seen and heard, valued and validated. She’s the author of 12 books, including SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner, LET’S DANCE!; Kirkus Prize Finalist, TOGETHER WE SWIM; Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, I SEE COLOR; Scholastic Acorn early reader series, RAINBOW DAYS; and a book for teachers, GOAL SETTING IN THE WRITING CLASSROOM: BUILDING STUDENT AGENCY, INDEPENDENCE, AND SUCCESS. A graduate of Tufts University and Teachers College, Columbia University, Valerie was an educator for 30 years and is active in the kidlit community. She’s a member of SCBWI, the 12X12 Picture Book Challenge, Black Creators HeadQuarters, Amplify Black Stories, Diverse Verse, two co-marketing groups (KidLit in Color and Soaring 20s), and three critique groups. She also teaches picture book classes (independently and for the Highlights Foundation), presents at conferences, and participates in book festivals. Valerie enjoys teaching both students and adults and inspiring them to write their own stories. She lives in Connecticut with her husband where they enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, going to the theater, and dancing. linktr.ee/ValerieBolling Short Version (Less Than 100 Words) Valerie Bolling is an award-winning author/educator who is passionate about creating stories for children in which they can feel seen, heard, valued, and validated. She’s the author of 12 books, including SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner, LET’S DANCE!; Kirkus Prize Finalist, TOGETHER WE SWIM; Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, I SEE COLOR; Scholastic Acorn early reader series, RAINBOW DAYS; and a book for teachers, GOAL SETTING IN THE WRITING CLASSROOM: BUILDING STUDENT AGENCY, INDEPENDENCE, AND SUCCESS. Sharing her books with young readers and their families – and inspiring both children and adults to write their own stories – brings Valerie immense joy! linktr.ee/ValerieBolling |
Featured Spotlights and Publications
March 2025: TOGETHER WE RIDE is Featured in the Children's Book Council "Things That Go!" (Spring 2025)
February 19, 2025: GOAL SETTING IN THE WRITING CLASSROOM: BUILDING STUDENT AGENCY, INDEPENDENCE, AND SUCCESS Cover Reveal on "Watch. Connect. Read." with John Schu
June 3, 2024: "Best Road Trip Crafts and Activities" in PBS KIDS
Mar. 21, 2024: "African-American Children’s Books and the Journey of Valerie Bolling" on "From the Desk of Lauren Wilson"
February 19, 2025: GOAL SETTING IN THE WRITING CLASSROOM: BUILDING STUDENT AGENCY, INDEPENDENCE, AND SUCCESS Cover Reveal on "Watch. Connect. Read." with John Schu
June 3, 2024: "Best Road Trip Crafts and Activities" in PBS KIDS
Mar. 21, 2024: "African-American Children’s Books and the Journey of Valerie Bolling" on "From the Desk of Lauren Wilson"
Interviews