Confidence, self-respect and a sense of purpose. Those are the strengths Gil Robertson, bestselling author and syndicated lifestyle journalist, hopes children will gain from reading his new series, '21st Century African American Political Leaders,' he says.

The inspirational series, scheduled for release in February, is comprised of biographical sketches of contemporary political leaders, including Gov. Deval Patrick (D-Mass.) and Newark Mayor Cory Booker (D-N.J.). The project is geared toward children ages 9 to 14 and will be released by Just Us Books, a publisher of black-interest books for children.

"We must motivate and inspire our children early,'' Robertson says in response to an e-mail question about why he thinks the series is important. "I believe that books like my upcoming project play a vital role in elevating our children's sense of self and opens the door to possibilities they can achieve in life.''

The series will cover the early lives and professional accomplishments of political leaders who represent the new vanguard in American politics, Jeaunine Askew says in a news release.

Robertson edited the recently released, 'Family Affair: What it Means to be African American Today,' which was a Publisher's Weekly "Pick of the Week." He also edited the bestselling 2006 anthology, 'Not In My Family: AIDS in the African American Community,' which was nominated for both a NAACP Image Award and an African American Literary Award in the "Best Non-Fiction" category.

'21st Century African Americans in Politics' will be available for purchase at Just Us Books and national retailers. For more information on Robertson, visit Robertson robertsontreatment.com and gilspeaks.net.

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