Valerie Bolling
Valerie Bolling is an award-winning author/educator who is passionate about creating stories in which all children can see themselves and feel seen and heard, valued and validated. She is the author of eight picture books, including SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner, LET’S DANCE!; Kirkus Prize Finalist, TOGETHER WE SWIM; Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, I SEE COLOR; and Notable Social Studies Trade Book, A FLEA FOR JUSTICE: MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN STANDS UP FOR CHANGE. She’s also written a Scholastic Acorn early reader series, RAINBOW DAYS, two board books, and two books for teachers.
A graduate of Tufts University and Teachers College, Columbia University, Valerie was an educator for 30 years. She’s active in the kidlit community as a member of: 12X12 Picture Book Challenge (serving as DEI Committee member and Black Affinity group co- facilitator), SCBWI (Assistant Conference Director for the 2026 New England SCBWI spring conference), Kindling Words East Black Creatives, Diverse Verse, SWAN, the Soaring 20s co-marketing group, and three critique groups. In addition, Valerie teaches picture book classes (independently and for Boyds Mills and the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance) and presents at conferences and during school and library visits. Teaching both students and adults, and inspiring them to write their own stories, brings her immense joy. An eternal list-maker, professional walker, and guacamole connoisseur, Valerie lives in Connecticut with her husband where they enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, going to the theater, and dancing
On writing for children:
“One of my most memorable experiences as a fifth-grade teacher was reading Lulu Delacre’s Salsa Stories with my students. The book features Latinx characters, with some dialogue in Spanish. Though all of my students enjoyed the book, the comment I still remember is a Latinx student declaring, “This is the first time I’ve read a story that reminds me of my family.”
Diverse children’s literature has become even more personal to me recently. I have two nieces, ages 7 and 9; two godsons, ages 10 and 13; and a cousin (my cousin’s grandson), age 7 – I write with these special children in mind. In fact, they have provided inspiration for many of my stories. As I write, I think about the stories I read to them and those that I wish were available to them. I feel I have a responsibility to write stories that I want them – and all children – to read.”
What was the most valuable or memorable experience of AMPLIFY for you?
I enjoyed meeting monthly and seeing all the beautiful Black faces. What a wonderful community! The sessions that were most memorable for me were the amazing storytellers and the information that was shared about marketing and publicity.
“I write because I want all children to feel at home in a book. I want them to smile, laugh, think, and question. Most of all, I want them to celebrate the diverse world in which we live.”
