Vaunda Micheaux Nelson has signed a deal with the Lerner Publishing Group imprint, Carolrhoda Books. Nelson plans to write a picture book centered on the National Memorial African Bookstore entitled The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore.
According to the press release, the story will discuss the uniqueness of this New York City-based establishment and how “people from all over came to Harlem to visit, even famous people―Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X, to name a few. In his father’s bookstore people bought and read books, and they also learned from each other.”
The bookstore was in operation from 1932 to 1974. R. Gregory Christie has come on board to create the illustrations. The publication date has been set for Nov. 1.