Welcome to another installment of the Shelf Care interview, an occasional podcast where Booklist editors get to talk with authors and artists about their books. This Shelf Care Interview is sponsored by Lerner Publishing Group.

In this episode, Julia Smith talks to author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson about her new picture book, SMALL SHOES, GREAT STRIDES: HOW THREE BRAVE GIRLS OPENED DOORS TO SCHOOL EQUALITY, which is available from Carolrhoda Books on November 7, 2023.

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson credits her passion for books to her late parents, who read to her and her siblings faithfully every night. Drawing stories from family as well as undertold black history, many of Vaunda's books and have been recognized with awards and honors. The Pennsylvania native has been a children's librarian, newspaper reporter, teacher, bookseller, and recreation specialist, and has served on the Newbery, Caldecott and Ezra Jack Keats awards committees. Retired from her library career, she continues to serve children and young adults through her writing. Vaunda lives in New Mexico with her husband, Drew.www.vaundamicheauxnelson.com.