Arkansas Children’s Publishing LLC announced a children’s book about civil rights leader Daisy Gatson Bates is set to be released in the spring.
The new book, titled “Daisy Was Determined: The Girl Who Grew Up To Lead Little Rock Central High School Desegregation,” is by author Angela Courtney.
The book shares the childhood story of an eight-year-old Daisy Gatson growing up in her hometown of Huttig.
“The historical nonfiction is captured with vivid illustrations by Nashville, Tenn.-based artist, Michael McBride,” according to a news release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Funded in part by a grant from the Arkansas Black History Commission, the book aims to introduce audiences to the formative years of the journalist, publisher and civil rights leader.
Little Rock Nine member Elizabeth Eckford provided the book’s foreword. Author and Arkansas State Press Newspaper owner Janis F. Kearney, who purchased the historic newspaper from Bates, was the book’s beta reader.
“It was very gracious of Ms. Eckford and Ms. Kearney to be a part of this book project,” Courtney said. “They were both intentional and thoughtful.”
The Halley-based author said sharing Bates’ story from a little-known time in her life gives audiences a different viewpoint about her.
“It’s important to learn about history from different perspectives. A glimpse into Daisy Bates’ journey as a child provides a historical narrative in a transformative way,” Courtney said.
Courtney aimed to announce the book on Daisy Bates Day.
“The life of Daisy Gatson started before the world would know her for her role in the Little Rock Central High School desegregation.
“Although an incredibly significant time in Arkansas and America’s history, her childhood is what shaped her into the person she would become.
“The book announcement on the statewide holiday that recognizes Mrs. Bates was timed appropriately,” she said.
This publication will be Courtney’s second children’s book, following “Johnny Was His Name: The Boy Who Grew Up To Become John H. Johnson,” which was released in 2024.
It’s a story of a nine-year-old boy named Johnny Johnson before he would become John H. Johnson, the founder and publisher of Johnson Publishing Co. and Ebony and Jet magazines. “Johnny Was His Name” is available on Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, booksamillion.com and other online retailers.
Courtney attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello as a pre-college freshman while in high school.
She graduated from Dermott High School, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and her Master of Art degree from Webster University.
She received continuing education at Columbia University’s Teachers College in New York.