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For fans of Bridgerton and The Davenports comes a sweeping historical novel from bestselling author Veronica Chambers about courageous (and flirtatious) Ida B. Wells as she navigates society parties and society prejudices to become a civil rights crusader.

Before she became a warrior, Ida B. Wells was an incomparable flirt with a quick wit and a dream of becoming a renowned writer. The eldest child of newly freed parents who thrived in a community that pulsated with hope and possibility after the Civil War, Ida had a big heart, big ambitions, and even bigger questions: How to be a good big sister when her beloved parents perish in a yellow fever epidemic? How to launch her career as a teacher? How to make and keep friends in a society that seems to have no place for a woman who speaks her own mind? And – always top of mind for Ida – how to find a love that will let her be the woman she dreams of becoming?

Ahead of her time by decades, Ida B. Wells pioneered the field of investigative journalism with her powerful reporting on violence against African Americans. Her name became synonymous with courage and an unflinching demand for racial and gender equality. But there were so many facets to Ida Bell and critically acclaimed writer Veronica Chamber unspools her full and colorful life as Ida comes of age in the rapidly changing South, filled with lavish society dances and parties, swoon-worthy gentleman callers, and a world ripe for the taking.

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“This coming-of-age story inspired by the personal and professional life of civil rights crusader, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, is beautiful, ambitious, freethinking, and PASSIONATE. When it comes to distilling American culture and history, Veronica Chambers is one of our most imaginative and brilliant novelists.”

Kwame Alexander, #1 NY Times Bestselling Author of "The Door of No Return" Trilogy and "Why Fathers Cry at Night: A Memoir"
“Veronica Chambers is an alchemist. In this vivid novel she has plucked Ida B. Wells from history’s dusty shelf and returned her to us—radiant, courageous, openhearted, and authentic. Ida is glorious!”
Candace Fleming, award-winning author of The Enigma Girls
“Ida B. Wells is a titan of history, and Veronica Chambers has now made her a literary heroine for the ages. Chambers authentically renders Ida in her full humanity, imagining her deepest thoughts and feelings as though she were our best friend. This beautiful book is sure to inspire a new generation of budding activists and writers."
Saina Taub, creator and star of the musical Suffs
*“A vivid, timely, and immersive introduction to an activist and her enduring legacy.”
Kirkus, starred review
*“Chambers’ historical fiction adaptation of the life of civil rights activist beautifully imagines what her time as a young adult was like…. Readers will be in awe.”
Booklist, starred review
“A recommended read for enthusiasts of coming-of-age novels and historical fiction, especially those of real people overcoming struggles and strife.”
School Library Journal

On Sale: Sep 10, 2024
Page Count: 400 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9780316500166

About the Author

Veronica Chambers is an author and currently a writer/editor for The New York Times. Born in Panama and raised in Brooklyn, her work often reflects her Afro-Latina heritage. She’s written the acclaimed memoir, Mama’s Girl which has been course adopted by hundreds of high schools and colleges throughout the country. She has also authored several children’s books including the NYT bestselling Finish the Fight, Call and Response, Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb and The Go-Between.

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From NOVL Nation

If you’re a history buff, this fictionalized story of Ida B. Wells’ life is perfect for you. An investigative journalist and a pioneer in the civil rights movement, this is a coming of age story for…well, the ages!

–Briana, Briana’s Book Nook

“I adored this book. I knew nothing of Ida B Wells and now I feel like I have the inside story.”

–Dena