The Brown Bookshelf is now accepting submissions for our 3rd Annual 28 DAYS LATER.
During the twenty-eight days of Black History Month, we’ll profile a different children’s or young adult author and children’s illustrator. On March 1st, we’ll announce the winner of our grand prize–a gift basket featuring every book profiled during the month, donated to a library in need!
We need your help. We’re looking for the best new and unnoticed works by African-American authors. From picture books to novels, books fresh off the presses to those that have lurked in the background unsung for months or years–whatever books you like, we want to know. We’re specifically looking for new books and books that have “flown under the radar,” that are children’s or Young Adult written by an African-American author published by a traditional publisher for the trade market.
Nominations accepted from September 28th to November 1st. Just post a comment here at the website, or email us at email@thebrownbookshelf.com. You can nominate as many books as you like. Also, check out the 2008 and 2009 28 Days Later campaigns to see who’s already had the spotlight.
So what are you waiting for? Nominate an author! And spread the word!
- The Brown Bookshelf
NOTE: Please note that due to the limited resources of the team, we can only take nominations for traditionally published books. We may highlight a small number of self-published authors for the 28 Days Later campaign, but these authors will be nominated and picked by the Brown Bookshelf team. If you have any questions on this matter, please email us at email@thebrownbookshelf.com.
Also, please look through the comment list, and only nominate books that haven’t been mentioned. It only takes one nomination to get a book considered.
September 29, 2009 at 12:50 pm |
Here are some of the nominations we’ve received via email:
Rachel Renee Russell (Dork Diaries)
Bernette Ford
M. LaVora Perry (Taneesha Never Disparaging)
Carole Boston Weatherford (Becoming Billy Holiday)
Zetta Elliott (A Wish After Midnight)
Thanks for all the great suggestions, guys. Keep ‘em coming!
September 30, 2009 at 8:35 am |
I hope we’re about to get a huge rush of subs *hint, hint*. But as a housecleaning point – Carole Boston Weatherford was a 2008 spotlight: http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2008/02/20/carole-boston-weatherford/
September 30, 2009 at 8:46 am |
Another house keeping (which is what I meant to say in last post)note.
Zetta Elliot was a 2009 spotlight: http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2009/02/07/zetta-elliott-2/
September 30, 2009 at 2:33 pm |
Wow! Another great opportunity to celebrate African American authors! Here are my nominations:
1. Dr. Dinah Johnson, picture book author and noted scholar. One of her many books is Quinnie Blue; another is the evocative Hair Dance. She’s also author of The Brownies Book, which details the history of the NAACP’s magazine for African American children published in the 1920s. Check it out.
2. Donald Crews. This author and illustrator and father of author Nina Crews (One Hot Summer Day) created such popular boardbooks as Freight train. And don’t forget Big Momma’s!
3. Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard — how can we overlook this national treasure? Miss Flossie’s Hats and Crabcakes Later is one of my favorites.
4. Sharon Flake — The Skin I’m In — has produced many fine books as a YA author.
Peace and blessings,
Eleanora E. Tate
October 1, 2009 at 3:44 pm |
Well, while I’m thinking about it:
Jerdine Nolen, Thunder Rose, Hewitt Anderson’s Great Big Life, and many others!
Brenda Wilkinson, author of African American Women Wriers, and many more.
Clinton Cox, author of African American Teachers.
Linda Goss, author of Baby Leopard, Baby Leopard and more storytelling publications.
David Anderson, author of The Origin of Life on Earth.
Gennette Tilley Turner, author of Follow in Their Footsteps, and more.
Illstrator Jan Spivey Gilchrist.
October 1, 2009 at 3:46 pm |
And … a name and book title I couldn’t think of before, but that I love — My Rows and Piles of Coins, by Tololwa M. Mollel, and E. B. Lewis, Illustrator.
October 2, 2009 at 12:10 am |
Hello, I’m a first time author and I would lke to nominate my book. Amber Wings It’s still being in the publishing stage right now.
October 2, 2009 at 12:21 pm |
Hi Nanda. Nominated books must already be published or be available by March 2010, as we like visitors to the 28 Days Later spotlights to be able to get their hands on the book once they’re aware of it. Is your book being traditionally published?
October 2, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I’m with Author House and my book should be out this year.
October 2, 2009 at 11:45 am |
Thanks for the great nominations! Let’s keep them coming.
October 2, 2009 at 1:00 pm |
Here are three authors that I’d like to nominate:
Christine Taylor-Butler’s Sacred Mountain: Everest. Christine has over 40 other books to pick from, but this one was released this year and highlights the Sherpa people. Hundreds of hours of research went in to writing this book about people who are often ignored and undervalued. The lion, and not the hunter, tells this story.
Rachel Renee Russell’s Dork Diaries. Rachel’s book made the NYT best seller list and stayed there for weeks, despite some early, questionable reviews. Dork Diaries found a readership on its merits.
Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich’s Eight Grade Superzero due out January 2010. There’s lots of buzz about this one on the internet.
October 2, 2009 at 2:21 pm |
I’d like to nominate Gaylia Taylor author of George Crum and the Saratoga Chip, a beautifully illustrated, and well-written pb biography published by Lee & Low. You must read it to see how wonderful it tastes!
October 2, 2009 at 3:59 pm |
I’d like to nominate Traci L. Jones, author of the YA novel _Standing Against The Wind_ which came out a couple of years ago, and has definitely been under the radar.
In addition, I’d also like to suggest Charles R. Smith, author of the YA novel Chameleon, which came out last year, as well _Twelve Rounds to Glory_.
I know you’ve featured several authors from the Kimani Tru series of YA novels in the past 28 Days Later, but I don’t think you’ve featured Earl Sewell, author of _Keysha’s Drama_ and it’s sequels.
Another possibility is Yasmin Shiraz, author of _Retaliation_, which made the YALSA Quick Picks list last year.
October 2, 2009 at 6:25 pm |
AND … !!! Sharon Bell Mathis! Has she been nominated yet? Does everybody remember The Hundred Penny Box? The little boy who loved his elderly relative who’s been moved into his home, and who has her beloved box of pennies with a story behind each one? It’s a heartwrencher.
October 3, 2009 at 4:29 pm |
We’re getting some great diversity here. Keep ‘em coming!!
October 3, 2009 at 5:32 pm |
Tanita Davis (Mare’s War)
Lyah B. Leflore (The World is Mine)
Linda Beatrice Brown (Black Angels)
October 3, 2009 at 9:41 pm |
Dwayne J. Ferguson, author of the Kid Caramel series and other books. Dream Jordan. Tara Demps Soyinka.
October 4, 2009 at 5:32 am |
Thanks, Everybody! Great noms! Thanks for your support. Please keep them coming.
October 4, 2009 at 11:10 am |
Sharon Robinson, author of Safe at Home and A True Story About Jackie Robinson (Testing the Ice) among others. As the daughter of Jackie Robinson, she probably has great stories to share.
October 5, 2009 at 2:20 pm |
Jerdine Nolen, Dolores Johnson author of Onward: a Photobiography of African American Polar Explorer Matthew Henson, the late Toni Trent Parker, Zetta Elliot author of Bird
October 5, 2009 at 9:14 pm |
Kelly Starling-Lyons, author of one million men and me
October 6, 2009 at 7:07 am |
New nominations via email:
AG Ford (illustrator of Barack, Michelle and First Family)
Jaime Adoff (author of The Death of Jason Porter)
Denene Millner (the Hotlanta Series)
Jacqueline Woodson
October 6, 2009 at 7:08 am |
More nominations from email:
Sylviane Diouf – http://www.sylvianediouf.com/
Baba Wagué Diakité – http://www.babawague.com/
Penda Diakité – “I losty my tooth in Africa”
Christine Taylor-Butler-SACRED MOUNTAIN: EVEREST (Lee & Low, 2009)
JaeMe Bereal (illustrator)-IN HER HANDS: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage (Lee & Low, 2009)
Eloise Greenfield (author) and George Ford (illustrator)-PAUL ROBESON (redesigned and updated using original art from 1975 edition) (Lee & Low, 2009)
Kai Jackson Issa (author) and Arthur L. Dawson (illustrator)- HOWARD THURMAN’S GREAT HOPE (Lee & Low, 2008)
Duane Smith (illustrator)- SEVEN MILES TO FREEDOM: The Robert Smalls Story (Lee & Low, 2008)
Kenneth Addison (illustrator)- WE (Lee & Low, 2007)
October 6, 2009 at 7:14 am |
And even more nominations:
Dream Jordan, author of HOT GIRL
Chandra Sparks Taylor, author of SPIN IT LIKE THAT
Cassandra Carter, author of 16 ISN’T ALWAYS SWEET
October 6, 2009 at 9:55 am |
I nominate a new YA author, Shelia M. Goss, for her series, The Lip Gloss Chronicles. My nieces have literally fought over her books to the point where I have to buy one for each as a’ reward’ for good grades or special occassions [I have several nieces]. I’m glad I found something that encourages them to read and share.
October 6, 2009 at 5:14 pm |
Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
The Hoopster trilogy by Alan Lawrence Sitomer
When the Black Girl Sings by Bil Wright
Drama High series by L. Divine
October 6, 2009 at 7:01 pm |
Rachel Isadora
G. Neri
Tonya Hegmin
Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
Kekla Magoon
Frank Morrison
Thanks again for doing 28days later. Looking at all these nods I know its not easy.
October 7, 2009 at 9:15 am |
So exciting to see more noms roll in. A bit of housekeeping…
The following authors have already been a 28 Days spotlight. If you haven’t already please check out their spotlight links:
G. Neri ‘08
Eloise Greenfield ‘08
Sherri L. Smith ‘08
Zetta Elliott ‘09
Tanita Davis ‘09
Jacqueline Woodson ‘09
October 7, 2009 at 11:12 pm |
Paula, I did check but I missed G Neri’s, sorry
October 8, 2009 at 9:04 am |
Doret, no worries. Whenever a duplicate comes through, it gives us a chance to remind folks of the spotlights and keep past honorees top of mind.
October 11, 2009 at 8:22 am |
Yes!!! for G. Neri!! So many wonderful authors to note!
I’d like to suggest both
Ni Ni Simone for ‘If I Was Your Girl’; ‘Shorty Like Mine
and L. Divine for the Drama High Series. Each of these very talented authors have written contemporary novels that attract our young girls without profanity, sex and drugs. I can’t keep these books in my media center!
Sherri Smith writes such diverse topics for our girls from Fly Girl to A La Carte!
Troy Cle for his Marvelous World series.
This is an amazing project! Thank you for doin this for all of us!!
October 11, 2009 at 10:20 pm |
Tonya Hegmin
Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
Kekla Magoon
Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu
Traci L. Smith
Sophia Quintero
L.M. Preston
Lori Aurelius Williams
October 11, 2009 at 10:21 pm |
Kim Wayans & Kevin Knotts
October 12, 2009 at 10:56 am |
Thank you for continuing to showcase African- American authors. I would like to nominate Felicia Pride, author of “THE MESSAGE: 100 Life Lessons from Hip-Hop’s Greatest Songs” a nonfiction book published in 2007 which has been used as a tool of engagement in educational centers around the country. Her most recent young adult novel was released October 1, 2009 and is titled “Patterson Heights.” Felicia Pride is also part of a young adult anthology published in 2007 by Kimani TRU titled “Hallway Diaries” and she also completed two chapter books for children based on the Everybody Hates Chris TV series–”Everybody Hates First Girlfriends” and “Everyboy Hates School Politics.” Check out her work!!
October 14, 2009 at 7:16 am |
I’m just now looking at Orphea Proud by Sharon Dennis Wyeth, a young adult book. This from her page at Scholastic:
Sharon Dennis Wyeth has written nearly 50 books for children and young adults, and has received numerous awards and recognitions including:
Parents Magazine Best Book
Reading Rainbow Book
Children’s Book Council Notable Book
Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library
Best 100 Books, New York Public Library
LAMDA Literary Award Finalist
Stephen Crane Literary Award, Newark Public Library
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation Creative Fellow
Virginia Center for Creative Arts Fellow
Geraldine R. Dodge Fellow
Rockefeller Foundation grant co-recipient
At present, she is a Visiting Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Hollins University.
Mrs. Wyeth’s writing career began in 1989 with the creation of “Pen Pals,” a twenty-book pre-teen series about girls who write letters to boys. Her current books spring from her own African American childhood and other explorations of the African American experience. Publications for younger readers include “Something Beautiful,” entering its tenth year, “A Piece of Heaven,” “Corey’s Underground Railroad Diary” series, “Once on This River,” The World of Daughter McGuire,” “Always My Dad,” and others. Her book for high school age readers, “Orphea Proud,” was published in 2005. Mrs. Wyeth is also a poet and has written for television. She maintains a parallel career as a voice and diction teacher
October 14, 2009 at 10:16 am |
Great nominations, everyone! Thanks so much. Let’s keep it going. And Edi, so glad you nominated Sharon Dennis Wyeth. Her picture book, Something Beautiful, helped inspire me to write for children.
October 15, 2009 at 12:37 pm |
I looked at the last two years and I didn’t see Janet McDonald featured, so I’d like to nominate her. I know there’s no possibility for an interview since she’s passed away, but I think she would be a great feature. Her books are
Project Girl, Off Color, Harlem Hustle, Brother Hood, Spellbound, and Chill Wind.
I also don’t _think_ that Lori Williams, author of When Kambia Elaine Flew in From Neptune, Shayla’s Double Brown Baby Blues, and Broken China, has ever been featured either.
October 16, 2009 at 8:24 pm |
I want to nominate Torrey Maldonado, author of Secret Saturdays, which is being published by Penguin in April 2010. Secret Saturdays is young adult urban fiction, and Torrey Maldonado writes with authenticity, experience, and insight about the challenges of growing up poor, male, and in a single parent home in a tough neighborhood. He uses humor, mystery, and heart as he tackles these tough issues.
October 19, 2009 at 3:21 pm |
I would like to nominate Chandra Sparks Taylor, her 2007 book, Spin It Like That, was chosen as a YALSA 2009 Popular Paperback for Young Adults. She has written another book, The Pledge, which deals with a teenagers pledge to stay a virgin. The sequel to The Pledge is The Promise and it comes out in April 2010. Chandra’s books descibe real teenage problems but offer a Christian solutions and perspectives. Her books are published by Kimani Tru.
October 19, 2009 at 7:17 pm |
I’d like to nominate Hot Girl, a young adult novel by Dream Jordan.
October 20, 2009 at 12:13 am |
I didn’t realize Sharon Dennis Wyeth wrote had such a large body of work.
I wanted to do it before but I’ll do it now – another nod for Dream Jordan.
illus. Eric Velasquez
October 21, 2009 at 2:47 pm |
I would like to nominate a book entitled CultureSeek: Connecting to African and African American History. ISBN: 9780978729622
October 21, 2009 at 8:34 pm |
I would like to nominate Linked ISBN: 978-0-9823077-0-0, by Olive Peart. Published 2008- Demarche Publishing LLC.
October 26, 2009 at 11:13 am |
Just a reminder that we self published books are only considered by invitation. Submissions here, at the site, are for traditionally published books only.
@LaTonya – Hi. We only consider children’s books. While your book indicates it can be for young readers, it isn’t a children’s book.
For those who have self published children’s book, I encourage you to contact us via our email and let us know that you’re interested in having your book considered. If we’re interested we will reach out to you and request that the book be mailed to us.
October 29, 2009 at 9:09 am |
I and I Bob Marley by Tony Medina, illus. by Jesse Joshua Watson!
November 1, 2009 at 2:07 pm |
*Rachel Renee Russell (Dork Diaries)*
My daughter absolutely loved the book, so did her cousin during their Summer reading. She also bragged how she saw a classmate reading it. Not to mention, I saw a woman in the book aisle and I recommended to her to purchase the book :-). Good luck to everyone.