Two New WI Historical Society Books for Young Readers

 From Wisconsin Historical Society press releases:

An Essential Introduction to Civics for Young Readers Newly Revised and Updated

What are the different levels of government in Wisconsin? How are laws made? What is a political party? Who is allowed to vote in elections? How can citizens, young and old, get involved in their communities? These questions and many more are answered in the newly revised edition of Voices and Votes: How Government Works in Wisconsin, a comprehensive introduction to civics geared for students in grades 3–5. Filled with color photos and illustrations—as well as diagrams, maps, and vocabulary words that make the material easy to absorb—this book explores: • The fundamentals of federal, state, local, and Tribal government • How Wisconsin’s constitution was created and how it has changed • The way elections work and why voting matters Readers will also find compelling examples of citizens from Wisconsin’s past who spoke up and worked to change laws and policies to improve the state and their communities, including: • Gaylord Nelson, who advocated for the environment as a state senator, congressman, and Wisconsin governor • Jesus Salas, who worked with state agencies to improve the lives of migrant farmworkers • Vel Phillips, who fought for fair housing as a member of Milwaukee’s city council Voices and Votes also offers contemporary stories of young people engaging with their communities, working to solve problems, and sharing their voices. This brilliantly updated edition will inspire new generations of readers to understand and participate in our democracy. Paperback: $20.00 112 pages, 56 color and b&w photos and illustrations, 8 x 9 ISBN: 978-1-9766-0026-5 Ages 8-12 Publication Date: Feb. 4, 2025 Ordering Information: This book is available from most library distributors, Maris Dambekaln (262-695-9365), and the Chicago Distribution Center at orders@press.uchicago.edu or 800-621-2736. Published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, which has been sharing Wisconsin stories since 1855 in service to the mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society. www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress A Compelling Biography of Civic Leader and  Social Justice Advocate Vel Phillips for Young Readers Valiant Vel: Vel Phillips and the Fight for Fairness and Equality tells the remarkable story of fair housing advocate and civic leader Vel Phillips, a groundbreaking figure in Milwaukee’s and Wisconsin’s civil rights history, for readers ages 11 and up. Drawn in part from Vel Phillips’s unpublished autobiography and extensively researched by author Jerrianne Hayslett, Valiant Vel explores Phillips’s inspirational journey, from her childhood experiences facing racial discrimination, to achieving her dream of becoming a lawyer, to her long career in politics and civil rights. Valiant Vel also recounts one of Phillips’s most significant contributions in office: her courageous six-year campaign to confront Milwaukee’s decades-long practice of housing discrimination, culminating in the passage of a citywide fair housing ordinance in 1968. As the first Black woman on the Milwaukee Common Council, Wisconsin’s first Black judge, and the first Black woman to win statewide office after being elected secretary of state of Wisconsin, Phillips fought for justice and equality for all people and left a lasting legacy that has inspired generations. Featuring historic photographs as well as original illustrations by Milwaukee artist Aaron Boyd—plus an afterword by Phillips’s son, Michael, a glossary of terms, and sources for further research—Valiant Vel is both an engaging lesson in civics and an inspiring story of an activist who dedicated her life to making the world a better place. WRITTEN BY JERIANNE HAYSLETT Jerianne Hayslett is an award-winning journalist, a writer, and a trial-court information officer. She left her native state of Virginia at age nineteen and lived overseas and in several states before settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Valiant Vel is her first book for young readers. ILLUSTRATED BY AARON BOYD Aaron Boyd knew by age six that he wanted to illustrate children’s books. He has illustrated dozens of books, including The Story of Civil Rights Hero John Lewis and the Wisconsin Historical Society Press title Brownie the War Dog. Aaron lives with his family in Milwaukee. AFTERWORD BY MICHAEL PHILLIPS Michael Phillips is the son of Vel and Dale Phillips and administrator and board member of the Vel Phillips Foundation. Paperback: $20.00 152 pages, 55 color and b&w photos and illustrations, 8 x 9 ISBN: 978-1-9766-0043-2 Publication Date: February 18, 2025 Ages 11-14 UPCOMING EVENTS Jerianne Hayslett, Aaron Boyd, and Michael Phillips Feb. 15 at Milwaukee Public Library Ordering Information: This book is available from most library distributors, Maris Dambekaln (262-695-9365), and the Chicago Distribution Center at orders@press.uchicago.edu or 800-621-2736. Contact: For review copies of the book, author interview requests, author and book photos, and book event information, please contact Susan Jevens, Sales & Marketing Manager, Wisconsin Historical Society Press; susan.jevens@wisconsinhistory.org. Published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, which has been sharing Wisconsin stories since 1855 in service to the mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society.