Page 85 - Sterling 2020

Middle Grade Fiction

The Magic in
Changing Your Stars

by Leah Henderson

Can you change your fate—and the fate of those you
love—if you return to the past? Journey to 1939
Harlem in this time-travel adventure with an
inspiring message about believing in yourself.
leven-year-old Ailey Benjamin Lane can dance—so he’s certain
Ethat he’ll land the role of the Scarecrow in his school’s production
of The Wiz. Unfortunately, a talented classmate and a serious attack
of nerves derail his audition: he just stands there, frozen. Deflated
and defeated, Ailey confides in his Grampa that he’s ready to quit.
But Grampa believes in Ailey, and, to encourage him, shares a
childhood story. As a boy, Grampa dreamed of becoming a tap
dancer; he was so good that the Hollywood star and unofficial Mayor
of Harlem, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, even gave him a special pair
of tap shoes. Curious, Ailey tries on the shoes . . . and instantly finds
himself transported to 1930s Harlem. There he meets a young street
tapper and realizes that it’s his own grandfather! Can Ailey help the
12-year-old version of Grampa face his fears? And, if Ailey changes
the past, will he still be able to get home again? Featuring an all-
African-American cast of characters, and infused with references
to black culture and history, this work of magical realism is sure to
captivate and inspire readers.
COVER NOT FINAL
LEAH HENDERSON tells stirring stories featuring black heroes and
heroines. She is the author of the middle-grade novel, One Shadow
KEY SELLING POINTS
on the Wall, and her short story will be included in the YA anthol-
✱ The combination of historical fiction and magical realism ogy, Black Enough: Stories in Black Teenhood in America, edited by
is in lockstep with the middle-grade and YA trend of National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi. She lives in Washington,
genre blending DC. Find Leah on Twitter @LeahsMark and on her website at leah-
✱ Features an all-black cast, and many of the characters’ hendersonbooks.com.
names (Ms. Hansberry, Mahalia, King, Ailey) are a call-
back and celebration of black excellence
MARKETING & PUBLICITY
✱ Leah is a rising star whose first book was well reviewed. ✱ National print and online publicity campaign
Booklist directed readers to “Keep an eye on this author!”
She is well connected in the kidlit community and a ✱ Trade advertising
savvy marketer of her work ✱ Shelf Awareness Pro advertisement with ARC Giveaway
✱ Love of family and unwavering support for chasing your ✱ Local author events in the Washington, DC area
dreams and achieving your goals are at the heart of this
relatable, inspiring story ✱ Submit for an Indie Next Nomination
✱ Targeted mailings to booksellers and librarians
✱ Featured title at Book Expo and at Select Librarian Book Buzz
Preview events
✱ ARC giveaways at Children’s Institute, ALA Midwinter
Conference, and at Texas Library Association
✱ Promotion on author’s digital platforms
TWITTER: @LeahsMark
INSTAGRAM: @leahs_mark
WEBSITE: www.leahhendersonbooks.com
APRIL 2020
ISBN 9781454934066 • $16.95 ($22.95 CAN) • HC/J • 256 PP
(b/w illus throughout) • 5 1/8 × 7 5/8 • Ages 8 to 12 • CQ 45
World • Sterling Children’s Books

Spring 2020 ❚ Sterling Publishing ❚ 83 ❚