The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center announces a collaboration with award-winning author and
Chattanooga native Rita Lorraine Hubbard to create two children’s books inspired by the stories of Medal of Honor and Space Medal of Honor recipients showcased within the Heritage Center.
Ms. Hubbard is an African American author and black history researcher with a passion for sharing stories of both celebrated and unsung heroes. With her storytelling prowess, she has captivated young audiences through her most recent releases–The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read and Hammering for Freedom: The William Lewis Story.
Her works have received numerous accolades, including the Texas Bluebonnet, the Crystal Kite, the Rhode Island Read-aloud Award and the East Tennessee Preservation Award.
“The decision to partner with Ms. Hubbard is part of the commitment of the Heritage Center to provide engaging educational resources for teachers, children and their families. Through these forthcoming books, the Heritage Center aims to spark curiosity and ignite a passion in young readers to learn about the many men and women who went ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ to make a difference,” officials said.
Ms. Hubbard expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration, saying, “Bringing the legacy of these great American heroes to the classroom and hands of little ones is truly the honor of a lifetime.”
The first book will explore the life of African American Space Medal of Honor recipient Dr. Ronald McNair, who was tragically killed in 1986 as a crewmember of the Space Shuttle Challenger. The second book will be an addition to the Center’s The Making of a Hero series and will highlight the Medal of Honor actions of six recipients – including Chattanooga’s most recent Medal of Honor recipient, Captain Larry Taylor.
“Both books promise to combine captivating narratives with vibrant illustrations, making them quality additions to any children’s library,” officials said.
“We are excited about this opportunity to collaborate with Ms. Hubbard,” said Maranda Wilkinson, director of education at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. “Her talent for storytelling aligns perfectly with our mission to use the stories of Medal of Honor recipients to inspire all generations to be the best versions of themselves. We firmly believe education is a community effort, and these books will serve as literary resources for educators and families searching for stories centered on courage, integrity, commitment, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism.”
The National Medal of Honor Heritage Center anticipates the release of these books, along with supplemental instructional materials crafted by its teacher fellows, in early 2025.
