Leah Henderson is the author of many critically acclaimed books for young readers, including The Courage of the Little Hummingbird and A Day for Rememberin'. A devotee of little known histories, Leah holds an MFA in writing and is on the faculty of Spalding University's graduate writing program.

Born and raised in Detroit, Kristle Marshall is a visual artist, illustrator, and designer who is always drawing. She earned a BA from Savannah College of Art and Design and later joined the design studio Hom Sweet Hom. With this book, she has realized her first-grade dream to illustrate picture books.

"Proud, unfussy digital illustrations are enlightening; some, such as a boat sailing down the gutter, segregating the passengers, are outstanding. Though the parts don't coalesce into a stronger whole, the pieces are still worth reading."--Kirkus

"Rippling digital paintings by Marshall mirror the movement of the Detroit River, while expressive portraits capture Ray's determination and strength. Flowing with rhythm and reverence, this stirring picture book honors a belief in fairness that's "as constant as the blue and green river."--Publishers Weekly

"Merits wide readership as a triumph in the fight for civil rights that may well be new even to better-informed students of the era."--School Library Journal