Mahalia Jackson: The Voice of Gospel and Civil Rights

by Barbara Kramer

A biography of the renowned gospel singer who hoped that her art would further the cause of civil rights for African Americans.

128 pages, Library Binding

First published July 1, 2003

About the author

Barbara Kramer began writing biographies for children and young adults after following the advice of another author who said, “Write what you like to read.” She remembered how much she enjoyed biographies when she was a kid, especially stories about trailblazers such as David Crockett, Daniel Boone, and Elizabeth Blackwell. She decided that’s what she wanted to write. Her subjects have included historical figures and people in the news. She and her husband live in Iowa with their cat, Katie. They have two grown children and two granddaughters.