Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution

Ages 9 to 11

Longlisted for the National Book Award, Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution is the story of a Black girl who stands for herself against an unjust dress code.

Lotus Bloom just wants to express herself—with her violin, her retro style, and her peaceful vibe, not to mention her fabulous hair. 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 boys throw paper wads into Lotus’s afro and Lotus finds herself in trouble for a dress code violation, she must choose whether to stay quiet or fight back.

Inspired by real Black girls fighting discriminatory dress codes, beloved 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