Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World: A Chapter Book for Kids (Ages 8-12) About Grandfather, Ranch, and Learning

Ten-year-old Justin hates that his sisters and his mama are always fussing at him. They make him feel stupid because he can't clean his room or cook. But why should he? He'd rather be outside playing. After all, cooking and cleaning is just “women's work.” That's why Justin is glad when his grandfather invites him back to his ranch for the summer. Justin is sure he can get away from all the women and do some actual “men's work,” such as cleaning fish, mending fences, and riding horses. But back at the ranch, Justin learns some unexpected lessons and soon realizes that anyone can do anything once they learn how.

MILDRED PITTS WALTER, pioneering author of books featuring African-American children and Civil Rights activist, died May 19, 2026, in Redwood City, CA. Born in DeRidder, Louisiana, on September 9, 1922, she was 103 years old.

In the 1960s, seeing the need for books for African-American children, she wrote LILLIE OF WATTS. A founding member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), she also co-founded the Northeast Women’s Center. Her long-time editor, Barbara Lalicki, says, “She worked throughout her life for a world of equality and understanding.”

Mildred Pitts Walter’s acclaimed picture books and novels for young readers include the Coretta Scott King Award-winning JUSTIN AND THE BEST BISCUITS IN THE WORLD and four Coretta Scott King Honor books including MISSISSIPPI CHALLENGE, also a non-fiction winner of the Christopher Award. As SCBWI board member, author-illustrator Pat Cummings says, “She was a fierce, gentle warrior with a pen.”

Mildred Pitts Walter’s inspiring autobiography, SOMETHING INSIDE SO STRONG, is published by the University Press of Mississippi.

Mildred Pitts Walter is predeceased by her husband, Earl, their son Lloyd, and her siblings. She is survived by their son Craig, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.