Leah Schanke is a children's book author whose multicultural heritage and interest in U.S. history inspire her to write historical fiction and nonfiction books for children with a focus on little-known but significant figures and events. Leah's debut picture book, Freedom at Dawn, illustrated by Oboh Moses, launched April 2025. She is a PAL member of SCBWI, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and a member of the Authors Guild. Learn more at leahschanke.com or follow @LeahSchanke on Bluesky and Instagram.

The true story of one man's brave plan to free his family from slavery. Lizzy Smalls is proud of her papa, Robert, for being the best boat pilot in Charleston Harbor. But the Smalls family is enslaved, and after the outbreak of the Civil War, Robert is forced to put his skills to work for the Confederates. He devises a daring plan to sail out of the harbor under cover of night. This thrilling true story shows how one man's courage, careful planning, and calm under pressure helped him navigate the way to a new life.

Published 2025 by Albert Whitman & Co.