Booker T. Washington had an incredible passion for learning. Born a slave, he taught himself to read. When the Civil War ended, Booker finally fulfilled his dream of attending school. After graduation, he was invited to teach in Tuskegee, Alabama. Finding many eager students but no school, Booker set out to build his own school--brick by brick.

Suzanne Slade is the author of over seventy books for children. Her works include picture books and biographies as well as titles about animals, sports, and nature. She lives in Illinois with her husband and children.