Kid Lit Nation is an organization whose goal is to assist authors and illustrators of color further their journey to success in the publishing world. I have given an online Workshop with the organization in the past. Now, I am one of three children’s authors who will be mentoring authors of color in 2019. If […]
Kid Lit Nation mentorship program for children’s authors of color Read More »
Are you an aspiring kidlit author of color wondering if a mentor might be just what you need to assist you on the path to publication? Kid Lit Nation will be linking up-and-coming authors of color with mentors this year. I am one of the authors who will providing mentorship later this year for an
Kid Lit Nation Mentor Read More »
I spent this morning (Oct 20) at the Book Stall, a thriving Independent bookstore in Winnetka, Il. Teachers and school librarians came from all over to hear publisher representatives discuss new books, and to receive free copies and prizes for themselves and their students. The event began with two authors discussing our newest books. I
Educator’s Day at the Book Stall in Winnetka, Il Read More »
For some readers, the attractions of a new culture or setting can be huge. We all know our own culture down to the level of our subconscious and consider it “normal,” possibly even boring. I admit I enjoy seeing and reading about other cultures and peoples. Black Panther’s land of Wakanda and it’s tribal structure and
Crafting Fictional Cultures Read More »
When authors write about POC, the very last thing they should be worrying about is what word to use to describe a character’s skin color. (or the slant in the eyes, the shape of the nose, etc.) Once an author has elaborated on the exact skin hue … well, exactly what do readers really know
Chocolate or Coffee? Read More »
I’ve heard numerous white authors use variations of that phrase when they decide to include characters from marginalized groups in their stories. Writers make things up all the time, they insist. They seldom appear capable of seeing any other reason for negative reaction to their work. Readers, critics, and reviewers who complain about their works
I’m a writer, I can just use my imagination Read More »
On Feb 9, 2018, I was among thousands of librarians attending the 2018 American Library Association Midwinter conference in Denver, Colorado. Patrtisse Cullors, one of the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter network, presented the opening keynote for the conference. Cullors is a performance artist, organizer, and freedom fighter. As a child, she believed her
Patrisse Cullors – BLM co-founder & Social justice warrior Read More »
I had never gone to a movie on opening night before. I didn’t pre-order my ticket (I know, shame on me) but I was able to get one at the last minute for my local theater. It’s located in a predominantly white, upper middle class suburb of Chicago, which translated to a large crowd, but
Almost everyone has heard of Rosa Parks. The name Claudette Colvin remains almost unknown, except by inhabitants of the King Hill neighborhood of Montgomery, Alabama. Go there and say her name and residents will proudly tell you, “she was the first.” In 1955, Claudette was a fifteen-year-old “A” student at Montgomery’s Booker T Washington High
Claudette Colvin – unsung Heroine of Black America – Read More »
Kid Lit Nation (http://kidlitnation.com/) is hosting a webinar on 1-31-18 featuring debut picture book author Baptiste Paul and illustrator Jacqueline Alcantara. For more detailed information about the event, click this link – KIdLitNation Webinar You can register for the webinar via this link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_exnq2R34Q1mdvJ4lBsqALw
KidLitNation Webinar on 1-31-18 Read More »