Detroit Summer

A historical fiction picture book that celebrates intergenerational activism and the power of collective actions, big and small, inspired by the real-life grassroots work of Grace Lee Boggs and James Boggs.

This summer, sisters Mei Mei and Jie Jie are changing things up. They become volunteers for the Detroit Summer program founded by James (Jimmy) Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs, organizers for civil rights committed to empowering young people. At first, Mei Mei feels overwhelmed by the important task of making a difference in her city. But when she imagines the kind of world she wants to live in, she plants the seeds for change with the help of her community. 

With inspiring text and heartwarming illustrations by debut picture book creator Shaina Lu, Detroit Summer reminds young readers that no action, or person, is too small to make a difference. Readers are invited to learn more about the Detroit Summer program as well as James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs in an author's note at the end of the book.