Dana Davidson is the author of two novels for young adults, Jason and Kyra (Hyperion/Jump at the Sun 2004) and Played (Hyperion/Jump at the Sun 2005). Booklist calls Jason and Kyra a book that “teens won’t be able to stop reading….” About Played, School Library Journal says, “Davidson’s understanding of teen motivations and language is apparent….” For the third day of 28 Days Later, the Brown Bookshelf is pleased to present Dana Davidson!
Dana Davidson, the Reluctant Writer
Many African-American Children’s Lit authors see Dana Davidson as a trailblazer. Her first novel, Jason and Kyra, was one of the first romance novels to feature middle-class African-American characters. However, Dana never aspired to be an author, at least not at first.
Dana grew up a fan of romance novels, but as a kid, there weren’t many romance novels that portrayed African-Americans as the “hero.” Her desire to see successful, African-American characters in novels manifested itself in her first novel, Jason and Kyra.
Wearing Two Hats (or How the Teacher Influences the Author)
In addition to being an author, Dana is also a teacher, and was awarded the Newsweek/WDIV-TV Outstanding Teacher Award in 2001. However, when beginning a novel, she refuses to let her “teacher” side interfere with her writing process. It it’s until later, as she revises and reflects on a novel, that she allows herself to see her work through her teacher lens.
Dana’s second novel, Played, takes a unique look at the influence of underground high school fraternities. While the idea of foolish and immature fraternity initiations played a part in crafting the novel, what Dana really wanted to show was the inherent beauty of her characters—and in a way, the inherent beauty of her students. She wanted to write a novel where the characters were forced to “see” each other.
Picking Favorites
When asked to pick her favorite novel, Dana was hesitant to name one specific novel. “I like both of them equally,” she said. “I love the romanticism of Jason and Kyra. In Played, I like that Kyle and Ian become better young people.”
The Path to Publication
After writing a portion of Jason and Kyra, Dana went to a writing conference and met the editor of African American Famliy, a Michigan-based publication. The editor suggested that Dana look into representation from the Marie Brown Literary Agency. After speaking with the agency, Dana was quickly signed by Janell Walden Agyeman. Agyeman shopped the manuscript around to two houses. One passed because the novel wasn’t “edgy” enough—which is exactly why Hyperion/Jump at the Sun picked up the novel. Their vision was similar to Dana’s—to publish novels that portray a broader view of African-American culture.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
Dana Davidson encourages anyone trying to write to first read a lot of books, then write a lot. She also encourages would-be authors not to be afraid to rewrite, and to constantly work toward completion of a writing goal.
What’s Next?
Dana’s next novel will feature characters that fans are already familiar with—Greg Hoover (from Jason and Kyra) and Diana Love (from Played). Look for it sometime in 2009 or 2010.
Count me in as someone who views Dana as a trailblazer. Until Jason and Kyra in ’04 there were relatively no books where the focus of the story was the story and not the characters race. Without Jason and Kyra, I doubt books like mine would ever have gotten their day in the sun. Thank you, Dana!!
You so need to make Jason and Kyra a series and continue there story. It was really interesting and it helped me with my relationship!!!
you so do need a series of jason and kyra
Please Please Please make Jason and Kyra a series! I love the book so much, I’ve read it like 7 times since my freshman year in high school. (I am not a sophmore in college)….I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS! You’re great – God Bless. Thanks Dana!
I look forward to reading Dana’s next novel. Really cool that it will feature characters from her first two.
Hi Mrs. Davidson! I really love your books. I really would like to be in your movie if you make one for Jason and Kyra. I have been looking for your e-mail address everywhere. Will you please make a movie for your books, because I want to be in them so badly. PLEASE MAKE THE MOVIES FOR YOUR BOOKS!!!!!! Will you think about this for me and your fans, please? Thanks a whole lot for taking this time out to read this.
Please make a movie !!
I have read both of Dana Davidson books numerous of times, and she hit the target for high school students (seeing that i am in high school). And i also like the way Dana D. gave us credit in the both of her books like seeing the mistake and being able to mature. i also like how in PLAYED, she had a teacher that Ian could talk to like Mr. Hill, its hard to find adults in the schools like that now. Dana Davidson, i really look forward to reading your next novel, and you’re a very complex, articulate, author, who understands the problems us teens face now. i really love your style. and im sure that your students are proud and kucky to have you as a teacher. You’re a wonderful author and i can’t wait until your next book. (my friends can’t wait either…Columbia High School..Dekalb county).
hi,mrs.dana davidson i am really enjoying
your book jason and kyra its a geart book
and keeps me interested through out the
whole book,and never gets boring,and really im not the type to like reading books,but
ever since i got jason and kyra im starting to like reading.i guess its jux that i need to
find more books like this one that make mee interested.another book i really enjoyed was tyrell by coe booth
Hello Mrs. Dana,
I really enjoyed both your novels especially Jason & Kyra. Could you please
follow up with a part 2 to Jason & Kyra, maybe their college years and if they really
went all the way. I’m looking forward to your next book.
When will the next sequence to Jason and Kyra be coming??
Me and my friends have read your books and we have fell in love with each book.You leaves us wanting more and our little posse goes around telling other girls to read it. most of us don’t like to read, but you have captivated us entirely and now we have your books on our bookshelves. We wish you would write a sequel to Jason n Kyra. I mean they got back together and now we are wondering what happens the year following. We know the book was probably one of hose endings where we do it ourselves, but we want it done the right way by Dana Davidson,you.
Hi, Dana. You may not remember me, but we met through Yolanda shortly after the release of Jason and Kyra. I’m so thrilled to see you’re still writing and have published yet another book, “Played.” A member of my church, who is also a teacher (preschool), is seeking to publish. She’s been offered a contract, and she’s seeking legal advice. Though I’m an attorney, this is not my area. I’m wondering if you’d be willing to recommend an attorney or another knowledgeable professional who may be able to review her contract for her. By the way, you may remember our discussion over our Thai food lunch about my then high school senior, Gary. Well, he remained at Liggett (against my better judgment) and graduated. The summer after his senior year, he fell in love. Then, a week before he was to leave for Morehouse, he eloped! Go figure! Now, almost two years later, he and his wife have an infant son; he’s four months old … and beautiful. Gary’s currently working and attending Wayne State full-time. His wife’s a homemaker. Hey, maybe this should be material for your next book! 🙂 Take care and continued success! Hope to hear from you, soon.
Dear Mrs. Davidson my name is Jessica and I’m a junior. I really love your books and you became my favorite author. I couldn’t stop reading your books because it deals with alot teenagers and their love life. Your books are so romantic, not to many authors don’t write about black teen romance books. And you use alot slang that teens can related to. My friend her name is Javon, she show me the first book called Jason & Kyra I read it and enjoyed every page of it. Then I heard about your lastest book called Played I love the dating part. If I have to choose which book is the best. I would have to pick both of them because they are so good. I can’t wait for the next books to hit the shelves. I know it will be the best books because you are the best author.
Thank You,
From Jessica
hi i have to say when my cousin first gave me your book to read i thought it was going to be stupid but then when i finally read i was amazed at how good this book was. i have to say that after i read it i went out and bought your other book Played. you are one of my favorite authors. I liked the way you Kyra and Kylie not your average popular girls. i just want to say thank you for making a book so wonderful and intresting. I cant wait for your next book to come out i hope it comes out very soon.
WOW. i just finished your novel PLAYED. and i absolutely LOVED it…i was just looking for a good summer reading when i came across your book. Considering i just got out of a relationship with a complete player…your book made me cry. but i loved how it touched me like that. i read your book in about five hours because i just couldn’t stop reading it! I am for sure going to get Jason and Kyra next time i hit the book store! (= thanks!
I thought that both books were very good and they were definite page turners. Ever since I read her books, she has become one of my favorite authors. I look forward to reading her upcoming books in the near future.
I love Jason and Kyra, and your other book Played. I think that you should have another book realtioning to relationships like that because they are very inspiring and they help young girls out their with promblems like their’s. I really LOVE your books and oi think you should have a series so i can buy all of it. I am a true fan after reading Jason and Kyra, and Played. Thanks !… (looking forward to readoing another 1 of your books.)
Dear Dana Davidson,
I HOPE and PRAY TO GOD that you make a sequel to Jason and Kyra. Jason and Kyra was and still is my favorite book of all time. I have read that book so many times that i have lost track!…LOL:) That book was such an amazing story and i think that everyone can relate to some part of the book in a way. There were things that were left untouched at the end of the book. The most untouched part in the book was if Jason and Kyra went all the way and i think alot of readers are/were dying to know if they actually had sex. That is where a sequel can come in. It would be SOOOO amazing if you made another Jason and Kyra book and follow up on them maybe through college and their relationship.
I really love your style of writing and thank you for giving me another reason to love reading.:):):)
I love this book so much it really got to me. I write and read alot but never a nerd lolz!! And I hated and loved how the ending to played was i needed more I read it four times in two days. I love her writting and wish there were movies to them but they would never be as good as the books.
I really enjoyed reading Played, it was amaizng. It is one of my favorite books. I was wondering if you were planning on making a second book that starts form the ending. I really want to know how things ended up, and that just left me hanging. But I think you should make sequel to Played. That’d be fabulous. Thank you for your time
I really enjoyed both books. I really loved Jason & kyra when I first order the book and took it home I could not stop reading it and I also order played as well. I want to find out if Jason & Kyra will still be together and if Ian and kylie will go back is being a pair in school. I am wondering if you would make any sequels to both Jason & Kyra and to Played. It would be really cool if you did. Also I’am looking forward to reading the next novel. I am a really big fan. Thanks for all your hard work in making these two wonderful books.
Thank You very much and god bless you and your hard work,
Melissa
HI! I am a huge fan of yours. I’ve read Jason and Kyra a billion times and never get tired from it. I’ve even turned my best friend into a Jason and Kyra lover as well. I also read Played, not as much as Jason and Kyra, but i love it equally. I’m excited to find out that you have a new book about to come out. I am so going to get it.
Reading your novels inspired me to write more and more. Every time i read Jason and Kyra helps me to write more. I’m only 16, but it has inspired me to write three books that are in the process of being completed. You’re an inspiration to me. THANK YOU SO MUCH. Hopefully in the future you’d be writing reviews about my books one day.
Thank you! -Chelsea
Dear Mrs. Davison
Hi my name is india davis and im a really big fan of your books.the one that i read so far was Jason & Kyra im going to have to read the other one you wote calling played. I cant wait in till you write more books. your books inispire me to read more every day when i started reading your books i though it was going to be boring but it wasnt at all. the book called Jason & Kyra i couldnt stop reading it because i always wanted to know what is going to happen next my mother will tell me india please put the book down and takke a break but i could ha ha funny huh. well i got to go hope you wirte more books because im waiting for them oh bye the way im going to buy them as well.
bye Mrs.davison thank you for inipiring me to read more.
Mrs. Davidson
I love your books. Right now i am reading your first book of Jason and Kyra, I just started and i’m almost done. So you can say i am a fan of your books Mrs. Davidson. So yes i will be reading more of your books.
HI MS.Davidson!!!!! I really liked Jason and Kyra when you
read it to our class!!!! I hope to read the whole book!!!! You are an awsome
teacher Ms.Davidson!!!
Give it up for my Eng. teacher Ms.Davidson!!!!!! One of the best teachers!!!
Hi mrs.Davidson I love your book played it explains the problems that we as teenangers go through you not only understand how we feel but how we think about ourselves.I read books to entertain myself and your book sure did. I thought that you book was an understanding way of life. Thanks for taking time out of your day to write such a great book. I hope to read another one of your great stories. In the book played i could never put it down it created so much suspnse. Thank you so much.
Hi Mrs. Davidson. My name is Ram Mannh and I reside in Dallas, Texas. I am currently a sophmore in high school. Your novels are amazing! You are truly an inspiration to all young African American females. Before I read Jason & Kyra,I was going through a hard time. I’d recently moved to a new school, and force to resettle there. I felt depressed I had not made any friends yet and life at home was just as hard. While reading Jason & Kyra, I started to feel as if a belonged. As if I was one of the characters in the book. I found happiness by laying on my bed and reading Jason & Kyra. I found myself in eah and every character. Played was just as good of a book. These characters are real people and we all can relate to them. You’re such a great person. My goal for the future is to become an author, using African American characters. I read an interview where you stated that inspiring authors read more, write more, and finish what they start. I felt that those words were truly sent for me. I also read that you teach high school english in Detroit. Abouta year or two ago I tried to convince my parents to move there, so I could be a student in your class. Your students are blessed to have you as their teacher, and I am blessed to be able to read your novels. I can’t wait till the next one comes out.
Thank You
-Ram Mannah
i love her books when is she going to write a second part to played it a lot of question that need to answer. like did they get back together? do her mother shes not a virgin no more? please keep me up dated!!!!!!!!!!!!
i LOVED jason & kyra i read it one summer and I couldnt stop reading! After I finished it in 2 days I went on search for more by Dana and I found played, Again I was glued!!!!!!!!! [: I love Dana’s books, and CANNOT wait for the next one!
Black is Beautiful <3
i love your book Played i would love for u to be a speaker at our school we need more speakers like you!i cant wait 4 the next part of the book played hope u write it soon!
WE TOTALLY LOVE JASON AND KYRA!!! My sister Jasmine read the book when she was in eighth grade in 2004. She told me about it then, but I thought it was just another sappy sex story; BIG MISTAKE. Like Kyra, I should not have made assumptions about anything I don’t know about. I finally had time to read your book over winter break and I was sooooo caught up to the point where I forgot it was just a story! My sister and I agree that more guys should be like Jason. I imagined that they were so real; now I wish you could make a movie of Jason & Kyra. The inspiration and the realization of the book have all the other teenagers reading it at our church. We now have a book club and discuss favorite parts of the book. We have not yet read “Played,” but we are looking forward into doing so. We just want to encourage you to keep publishing these books and let you know that we are excited about your new one coming in out. You have officially become our favorite author of the teenage era.
LUV YA MUCH!!!! ; )
I really loved Jason& Kyra. I was wondering if there will be a part 2 to the book. I really think you should write a part 2 to that book. At the end of the book it left me hanging and wanting more. It leaves people with questions like”Did they go all the way?”or”Are they still together?”. I would really LOVE it if there was a part 2.
Thank you for taking your time to read this,that is if you read these comments.:)
Dear Dana Davidson,I am one of your many “number one” fans. My name is Amber Rodgers and I am a senior in highschool. I stumbled across your first book “Jason and Kyra” at my local library and seeing the two African American teenagers on the cover appealed to me. I am not a big reader and you will rarely ever catch my nose buried in a book. But, once I checked out your book I couldnt help but be buried in the book and constantly turning the pages trying to find out what was going to happen between Jason and Kyra. I love the book so much that I urged by highschool (practically an all- white school) to “bless” their shelves with “Jason and Kyra” by ordering it. I finally bought the book for my own personal pleasure (while paying a hefty late fee for reading it over 5 times!) and I enjoy reading it whenever I get an open hour or two. I just bought “Played” ( I purchased it last night ) and I finished reading it at 1 am this morning! Thank You! Thank You! Thank you for your wonderful books! Please keep writing more and more!!!
Signed your TRUE #1 fan,Amber 🙂
P.S. BRINGING JASON AND KYRA BACK INTO “PLAYED” WAS PURE GENIUS! I WAS HOPING YOU WOULD DO THAT!!! 🙂
I’ve read both Jason& Kyra and Played. It would be REALLY cool if those two books BOTH had part twos. I was so……. addicted that i finished Jason& Kyra at one o’clock in the morning, same for played. I Hope you do write part twos for both books.
I can’t wait for your next books to come out(hope that’s SOON) and part twos for both Jason& Kyra and Played.
please write more books..
im in love with your books
I REALLY ENJOY YOUR BOOK.I LIKE JASON AND KYRA. I THINK IT WAS A GREAT BOOK.
I really enjoyed both your books…I’ve read jason and Kyra like 7 times …Please inform your readers about when your new book about greg Hoover and Diana Love will hit the bookshelf..I can’t wait. Pleeeaaase write a sequel to Played i really wanted to know what happened between Ian and Kylie..:)
I really love your books. My friend let me borrow both of them to read, and soon after I bought them for myself! lol I really love the way that you wrote your books. It felt I was reading pages of my own life. I can’t wait for your third book, and I hope that you will write follow ups on the first two. I think that you should also make your books into movies. If you do, I’ll probably run out and buy those, too.!
I read your book Jason and Kyra and i absolutly fell in love with it. lol I mean i was so sad that it was over. Please write more ill be one of the first to buy! lol!
i love the book played. i just recently finished the book and it was amazing! but i really want to know what terrance would do about them getting back together(if they do). i also want to know what they say on their telephon convo. i hope you write a sequel to that one because it left with a lot of questions even though there really werent any to ask. i can’t wait to read jason and kyra1 you’re an awesome author.
hello dana
i love both of ur books u should
make more just like them.i love
how the books relate to me i [really]
do i was mad when they were over.u should
make a played 2 n a jason n kyra 2 because
i could’t stop readin.i mean oo.my god
u really are a awesome author really.
i hope u really do make more books
just like the ones u made.i love them
soo much u make teens want to read .
I love Jason and kyra one of the best books ive ever read. I can’t thank you enough for writing books for our age group. You put so much emotion and love in your books. I can’t wait to read played and hope you will write another one soon!
hey i just finish your book Jason and Kyra i LOVE IT i wish and pray that you will make it too a movie, because i really love that book and i could vision everything i read so i would like to say THANK YOU FOR USING YOU TALENT TO MAKE SUCH GOOD BOOK AS JASON AND KYRA and i hope and pray that it will be a movie someday!!
love brianna
wow. i dont even read much and i was impressed by the two books. they keep you wanting more please come out with new books soon girl
do you have an email?
I love your novel played and I enjoyed reading that book to the point where I think that it should be a movie. The way that you expressed everything
that Kylie was feeing somehow connected with me in a diffrent way,like the way that you decribed how she was portrayed as nobody but yet is amazing in so many ways.If You every have a casting call for this novel please look me up.
Love,
Key
Hey Mrs. Davidson, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading both of your wonderful books Played and Jason & Kyra. I was hoping that there will be a sequence to both books, I mean you have me wondering about what might happen to Jason and Kyra and did Ian & Kylie make it all the way, I really love your work so much. I hope you decide to make a sequence to both books!
Hello,
Hello Mrs. Davidson. I just wanted to let you know that I loved both of your books Jason and Kyra and Played. I didn’t know if you were making sequels to both of them or not but I am praying that you do. Both of those books are such good books and I just want to let you know that you did a really great job and please don’t stop writing and remember that I will be waiting for your next books that are possily sequels!!!
God Bless,
Biggest Fan
And please do notify me for a response!
Thanks
i would just like to say that your books are awesome i have read all of them but i think the best one was jason and kyra. can you please make a part 2 to the book!!!
Your book played is awesome !! i mean i hate reading but when i picked this book up and started reading it in school i lovedd it and i get in trouble because i wouldnt pay attention in class ….. i want to get your other book (jason & kyra) …. you should make more books !!
Samm
I love both of the books but I really like Jason & Kyra. It was a very romantic book and I like that fact that she connected both of the books. I can’t wait for more books like this because teens like me can relate to it. I love romance book about teenagers
i love jason and kyra and i would love it if it was turned into a movie
I loved played it had me crying and laughing my life is so simalar i wish their could be a part to of played.
Jason and Ky is THE BEST book ever written.Icant wait ti see what Dana D. comes out with next!:]
Hiii omqqqqqq I lovee playedd omqqqqq ..I wish they were reall .. Can u plaese make a sequal 2 played I reallyy wanna noe wah happens .. Ur writtinq is great im a person who don’t like 2 read but wen I read ur book I could not stop Id get n trouble n class for readiinq a book insted of doin work but I reallly love your bookk ..p.s best writter dana davidson ….pleasee make played # 2. Thankz !! Ur d bestt
i loved the jason and kyra and i had hoped you could have made it a series. i have yet to read played but i will probably get it fro my birthday. i know i will love it.
Dear Ms. Dana Davidson,
I love your book Jason & Kyra its so amazing i should have read this book sooner and by the way im a big fan.
Sincerely,
Kernecia Brown
Lol, Mrs. Davidson is an awesome teacher. She’s my AP English Literature teacher.
I WANT TO READ YOUR BOOKS!
I’VE BEEN WAITING FOREVER FOR HER NEXT BOOK TO COME OUT I’VE BEEN CHECKING EVERYDAY IN THIS WEBSITE TO SEE IF NOTHING NEW. WHEN IS HER NEXT BOOK COMING OUT.
I READ BOTH OF HER BOOKS SHE IS MY FAVORITE AUTHOR MY FAVORITE WAS JASON AND KYRA, SHE SHOULD MAKE A SEQUEL OF JASON AND KYRA. I WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPEN NEXT.
I Just Recently Finished Reading Played That Book Was Awesome. It Really Needs A Part 2 Becuase This Book Leff Me With Alot Of Questions. Now Im Goinqq To The Libary To Get Jason & Kyra….. Well Mrs.Dana I Jus Wanted To Tell Yhu Im A Bigg Fann Of Yurs
I LOVE YOUR BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE YOUR BOOKS!!!!!! i sooo wish you would write another book for teens. it would really be wonderful if you wrote a part 2 to played i really want to know what happen after she called Ian in the last chapter. and JASOn && Kyra is tha best book ever i read it about 6 times now and will probably never get old od it!!!! please write more!!!!
Mrs. Dana you are an amazing writer and I know i’ve written to you many times before, but i absolutly love you!!! This is the third time i’ve read the both of them and really really really hope you continue, even if its not a sequal! You’ve got such an inspiring talent, someday…actually already, i write my own books and hope to publish them. You, Sharon M. Draper, and my English teacher Mrs. Winter will be in the acknowledgements for SURE! Your books always make me happy, even when i am down and i’ve had the roughest year of my LIFE! And i’m only a sophomore! Between dealing with relationships, freindships, and lost loved ones, girl your books took me through everything! Enjoy your time with your son and daughter, and husband… but please please please (as you’ve heard many times,) write MORE!!! We love you Dana!!!
Hello Mrs. Davidson, I love both of your books. Its funny, I remember when Jason & Kyra came out in 2004 and you had a book signing at the B&N in the Wayne State Campus…I was there an hour earlier just to get my booked signed by my 9th AP english teacher turned great author.I would love for you to come out with another part to both of the books, so your readers can see how they progressed over time.
Hope All Is Well!!! You were inspirating teacher.
I loved both of your books..and literally started to cry when i found out there wasnt a series..these books are awesome..i felt like kylie..Played..and Jason and Kyra Was even better..! Keep writing your’e the best writer i’ve found so far! i love your books..keep up the good work..
These are the best two books i have ever read. I could really relate to Jason & Kyra. I am so looking forward to your next book.
what other books are like played that u have read
I love jason & kyra so much…. That story changed the way i look at my realtionships and stop listening to what other people say.. Jason & kyra has infulenced me to not let go of my writing ablities and this year 2010 i have started writing a book called The Truth Be Told.. You should write a series for jason & kyra….
my name is jaylen and…i’ve been having a few problems in my relationship and unlike most guys…lol…i read alot…but not just books but even the paper…it’s weird becuz im a big LT in football(Left Tackle)…but i read played n that was really good becuz me n my girl were both insecure when we met lol…but when i met her in the 10th grade i was definitly feeling like he felt when ian first went over to her house a figured out that he wanted to kiss her,,,thats how i was cuz i had been havin sex since 8th grade but didnt know what it would be like to have a real (bae) u know…..but ur book is very inspiring
do any of you know when her next book is coming out. she said somewhere around 2009-2010 but its already 2010 and we haven’t heard nothing.
when is the next book from Dana Davidson. I would like to know the date it says late 2010 but what date and month.
I Think you should write another book like Jason and Kyra- Played is too young for me- I like teens in Sophmore and above-I love your writings.
Dear Mrs. Davidson,
I’ve read both of your books, Played and Jason & Kyra, which are really great. I was hoping to find more of your books located at my local library, but I was flabberated to see you hadn’t written any more books. I hope someday before I graduate, in four years, from high school you publish a few more books. You have great talent! Honestly I dont read a lot of books, but after reading ‘Jason & Kyra,” I got hooked on it and wanted to read your other book “Played”. Greatfully I hope you do write another book.
Sincerely,
Kierra
The book PLAYED was a very good book i loved it man it was alwsome i dont know any other arthur who can write a story so interesting as u did this book should if sold millions it was that good now im reading JASON AND KYRA i wanna see if it will be as good as PLAYED or even better.
Dear Dana Daivdson,
I’ve just finished reading your book “Played” and I’ve abosultey feel inlove with the book. I’m 17 years old and Ian reminds me a lot like myself. It really made me think about me and my behavior towards females who should be treated like princesses. And it made me appreciate love & passion it really did. Thank you for writing this novel because it really made reflect myself. And I’m asking if you could PLEASE write a sequel to “Played” I really enjoyed it I stayed up all night reading your novel. So I’m asking you Ms.Davidson please write a sequel novel for fans like me & for GOD. I really hope you take this into consideration.
– Terrance
Hey Dana You are so amazing i love you’re books Im so addicted to them in i cant stop reading them please make more…I wish that you could make a movie about both of these novels that would be so Awesome
Mrs. Dana you are an amazing writer I could re-read your books a million time. I think you should make a sequal to the book Played. If you could I would really apreciate it. Thank you
As a former Cass Tech student during the late ’80s, I enjoyed Jason and Kyra immensely. In my adulthood, I’ve sought culturally relevant books where I can see myself and my background represented, since there weren’t any during my childhood. You captured so many nuances that took me back to my youth, and I simply could not put this book down!
Thank you for writing such an authentic representation of middle class Detroit, it is a perspective that is sorely needed.
I am very much interested in adding high achieving urban adolescents to my research agenda and would
greatly appreciate your perspective.
I have only read PlAYED by Dana Davidson its so good i read it more than TWICE i love the book so much that i first SUGGESTED a movie i WOULD really LOVE for that to HAPPEND i cant stop thinkin about the end of the book because it ends and i want it to continue if not a movie a PLAYED 2 would be nice i dont want to ask for too much i JUST want it to happen thats awhl i began reading this book my freshman year in high school til then i been reading it ever since i am now in the 11th i been waiting too see whats next im just HOPIN And PRAYING too GOD i get too SEE this Book become a MOVIE i really love this book i would love the movie >!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please write another book like Played and jason & Kyra, they where both amazing!!! I littarely just finished reading played by the way I the ending…. You are a faboulous writer you are actually my favorite!!! Please email me back to tell me if you will write another book like ur first…I am curaintaly writing a book called “That’s just me” and I would absolutly love it if you gave me some advice about writing… Thank you so much
Hi, Mis Davidson your books are really interesting. You should write more books because I love reading your novels “Played” is an excellent book. Your books really emphasize todays tenage problems… You have became one of my favorite authors.. Please write more, once again your books are great.
your books are great
Im so happy that i have read your books. The first book i read was “Played” and i instantly feel in love with it. I couldn’t put the book down. When i was done with it my first thought was to search the author up to see if she has any other books. That’s when i found “Jason and Kyra” 🙂 another book to add to my top ten!!!! Im almost done with it :(. I dont want to finish the book since its the last one that i’ve read from Dana Davidson. So im HOPING that you write another book. Your writing is impressive, i haven’t had so much vibrant visual in my head while reading. The words and details are so well written that i can visualize everything as if it were a movie. Please continue to write!! It truly is a gift.
I love Dana’s books.
I Just finished played in 2 days! It was amazing. I couldn’t get enough. You should so continue on with Ian nd Kylie’s Story along with Jason and Kyra. That book really touched my heart. Dana is now one of my favorite authors looking forward to her next book 🙂
Dear Ms. Dana davidson,
I feel that your a inspirational writer who has so much time to sit and write about teenage love. Jason & Kyra is such a good book i read it over and over again. I was wondering or should i say all thats has read your novel is looking forward to a part 2 to Jason & Kyra i know i am. I’m also looking forward in a movie called Jason & kyra. I love your book and im actually writing a book called teenage love affair maybe one day i will soon strive to become a successful writer like you. I love your book!
Dear Mrs.Davidson,
I’m writing this to tell you how much I love you!! No author has eve r made
Me want to read a lot than you. Your style of writinng is intriguing as your books are
And what makes me love you the most is that you use characters that are African American.
Many of the romance novels I read HARDLY contain African American so to read books with your race
Is astonishing.
Hello Ms.Davidson,
I work at a library in my home town and your books caught my attention while I was placing them back on the shelf. I’m adult and I must say that I read both of your books and I really enjoyed them. I think they were well written and stayed true to what teens are experiencing. I would like to read more work from you. I also believe you would do well if you wrote a novel for adults. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world and I look forward to reading more of your books.
When i read your book Played it was so good i just wonted to read it over and over agin
Hi Mrs.Davidson,
Wow I just loved this book, I read over it almost every chance I get! My whole family just simply loves your books! Which comes to a shock to me considering my mother is 36 but she said she just loves reading your books! This book really spoke to me not just as a reader, but also as a person. I have really enjoyed reading this book. I first spotted this book in the little town of Canton, TX in my school libray. My teacher Mrs. Slider had just spoken to us about a book assignment, so I looked around for a while and became sad not finding anything I was really interested in, untill I came across this one. I really liked this one just becauase it can relate to all sorts of teens in socitey today, thanks so much for publishing this amazing book. Well thanks alot again, I know you took alot of your personal time writing these great hits and trust me you desirve so much more than thanks!
Sincerly,
Erika S.
I love love love LOVED Jason and Kyra, i litteraly read it 14 times. I really hope you write more, the story was so realistic and the love and passion behind it kept me flipping the pages. I really pray you write more, you are one of my favorite authors and i’ve been looking everywhere for more books by you. i also read played and loved it, my friend was actually going through the same exact thing, except her guy was in a group pbn, which is basically the same as fbi and her guy ended up being a jerk and not a ian, but we both read it and it really helped her through it. Thank you for writing, i hope you write more.
Oh My Goodness YOU MUST WRITE A SEQUEL FOR PLAYED , THE BOOK WAS SO GOOD HAD ME FEELING LIKE I WAS PART OF IT AND HAD ME WANTING FOR MORE ! (:
i know what you mean absolutely loved the book and i want there to be more
Hi,
I love your books so much i started reading Played and i literally walked through the halls with my head in that book… i started it that day and finished it that day. I was so excited and i loved i so much. Then as soon as tomorrow came i went straight to my schools library and immediatley went looking for more of your books. When i found Jason and Kyra i was even more excited and immediatly doing the same exact thing. i read it through the halls and in my classes. I absolutely loved it so much and i finished that book the same day as well, thats how much i LOVEDDDDD your books. Please keep writing more because i hardly read but when i got these books i cant stop wanting to read your books. So please please please write more. I can’t wait for your next book with Greg and Diana. Hurry please, with all do respect. Thank you sooooooo much
Dear Mrs. Davidson, i loved your book played, i’ve read it like 3 times already, and will be reading it aganin soon, i’m currently trying to get ahold of “Jason and Kyra” it lookes very interesting. I hope to read more of your books later in the future, and whatever you’re doing, keep doing it, because your boorks are dynimite! I hope when i become a writier, i’ll see you at one of my book signings:)
mee too i read it exactly 7 times n i realize sumthing nw each time 🙂
i think yu should make a second book of played
I just two minutes ago finished Jason and Kyra and it is the best book ive ever read in my life..reading this book me so happy it was like Dana knew my life I would be Kyra but im a junior n high school I am a actor and learning geek n my boyfriend is the star player on the basketball team. I would like to thank u for being a wonderful author:)U should work to making Jason and Kyra a movie Ms Davidson plz contact me back on my facebook or email
omg, you have to make sequels to both of your book, please! i loved them, i gotta have more
Ok so i really enjoyed Jason and Kyra and really wish yu would do a sequel to the novel please i am a freshmen at highschool and i really loved this book i have already read it 4 times since the very first time picking it up and i enjoy it more and more each time i read it
i loved your book!!!! it was the hotest book wanted in roosevelt high school.. you would see girls reading it during class or by periods. there was even a line on who is gettin the next book. i have to say you made it realy interesting. its my fourth time reading it and i still dont get tiered of reading it. my history teacher gave me a coppy so now i own one of your books.
i cant wait to read the next novel!!! YOU HAVE TO MAKE MORE BOOKS!!! PLEASE. THANKS LOVE YOUR FAN!
I read played like 50 times. I love yhis book my friend told me to read this book after i went through something like that. when is the secdond part of played will b out soon as it come out i am getting it asap.
i love ur book but i think u should make another part to both of ur books and make plenty more because i think ur a great author n i love ur book thank you for helping me more to understand not to trust boys…thank u
-diamond
U should work to making Jason and Kyra and or played a movie Ms Davidson plz contact me back on my email
I have read both of your books and I really enjoyed them. I am looking forward to reading your new books.I was wondering when they will be published.
Thank you and have a blessed day.
Rachel Moseley
hello i really like your books… they do tell about how high school kids are like… i agree with some of the other comments i believe u should make a movie for the books and that you should write more to jason and kyra i would just love it. thank you for your time.
hey omg i loved the book played and im a newzealander, btw and i really would like it if you made another book or add to jason and kyra or played, you really are an inspiration to me to start writing, and actually read books in school. especially your two, please please please make another one or another 10 whatever! :L i love your books and would like to read more and more.!! you have became my favourite author ! please make more! (:
PLEASE MAKE MORE BOOKS !!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE !!
(:
i wish she would release her third book! i just finished reading both of her books for the 2nd or 3rd time each!!!
Dear Dana,
I breath your books. I can recite both Jason and Kyra and Played in my head. I have read the books so much that they are both worn out. I can’t wait for your new book to come out. I really love your books. I hope that you make a movie out of them. That is something i would most definetly spend money on. I wish i could meet you. I have tons of questions like, “Are your stories from real live experiences, were the stories all your ideas or did you have help, where is your favorite place to write, how does it feel while you are writing, and a lot more. I am more a fan of you than any of these other people. I really reallly realllllllllly realllllllllllllllllllly want to meet you. I will email you as well. I know that Greg and Diana will have one hell of a life (in a good way).
Dear Dana Davidson,
I have just completed your novel Played, and I have to say
it was the best book I have EVER read. I am 17 year old from Texas and, I
strongly related to all the characters in the book. I enjoyed the humorous but
urban dialogue between each character with the depth of emotion expressed from
Ian and Kylie.
A lot of authors who write books for teens hold back on the truth
and censor a lot of honest content but you didn’t. I thank you for that and your
brilliance as a writer. Played is a book filled with realness, love and
lessons all combined. I passed this book around to all my friends and we all
agreed that this is a wonderful book.
Mrs. Dana Davidson we appreciate your gift as a writer and we can’t wait
to read another one of your creations.
Sincerely,
LaKisha LaNae
P.S. What happened to Kylie and Ian? Did they later get married, have kids or
move away? Will there be a continuation of Played? Please tell me my
friends are dying to know!
P.S.S. Your book is so good it should be a movie on BET! It has all the makings
for a great movie: great dialogue, heartfelt love, intense emotions and
realistic settings. I am in Theater Arts in my school and i would love to play
anyone of the characters. Keep on making great books!
Oh my, why does the books leave you wanting more…when is the next book coming out?
omg i read jason n kyra it was good but now im reading played n im on chapter 20 in just 5hours this book is amazing but almost at the end istill think its worng what ian did to kylie . ihope you make a movie to theses book ! when is the next one coming out it is 2011 almost 2012 n 2months they need a part 2
For any of Dana Davidson’s fans that have a tumblr, i found her on tumblr! She’s working on a new book. Maybe if her posts get more notes she will update her tumblr more. Here’s her tumblr. Check out her tumblr!!!!
http://dmdavidson.tumblr.com/
you should make a series for played or at least make a sequel
please please please make jason ad kyra a series its really good and i love your books.even played and please make that series of that book to.
I love both of Dana Davidson’s novels!! I need more, more, more!! (:
I Hello my name is mariatou and I was writing to tell you what a great author you are I love, love, loved your book Jason and Kyra and Played with Ian and Kylie. You know Kyra and Kylie are just a like. I love the way you flow in your books and I feel in love with Jason and Kyra my favorite book in the whole wide world you and Nini Simone are my favorite. I wanted to ask you if you can please keep writing more books based on the lives of Kyra and Jason and also with Ian and Kylie I fell in love with these characters it was as if I could feel every thing you wrote. Please do think about making it in to a series your are an amazing writer and person you get us teenagers soo well. Thank you be blessed
Love always Mariatou Mendy.
You really need to make Atleast another Jason & kyra book , I love it <3 I just finished it make it a series please [:
I am in love with Jason and kyra. I got it when i was in middle school and read it so many times that eventually the pages started to fall out. Anyway, I came across this website, desperately searching for more books written by this author. It says that she was going to write a story about Greg that was supossed to be out by 2010, its 2012 Can anybody tell me where is the book and what’s it called? I would and have recommended that everyone read the two books she has already written and I am highly antisipating the books to come. It seems to have been a while since her last books but I would be distraught if her writting days are over. It is so difficult to find an African American book about teens where there is no violence and the situation isn’t sterotypical or a clique. Jason and kyra and played were both books built on a new type of story. Hope there is more to come.
Hi. I live in Australia, and a couple of years ago i went to America and bough PLAYED. I Loved it so so much, as soon as i got back home i had to order your first book straight away!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE write another soon….
Hello! Does Mrs. Davidson have website or contact email?
dana come out with another book already whats taking you so looong im desperate to know whats going to happening next so please hurry up and get that book out
Hi Ms. Davidson. I hope that you will release another book soon. I am a huge fan.
hi ms.davidson i am a soon to be actress and jason and kyra should be a movie when i become a full time actress,,i want this book to be a movie and i will make sure it happen and credit will go to you
Ms.Davidson I am a true fan of your work! I wished that you had more books out. I wished there was a sequel for Played and Jason & Kyra. I have so many questions about both. PLEASE write more books.
you should make a move of jason and kyra and a part 2 book