I don’t think I could write anything more fascinating about India than what she shared in her “About Me” section on her website! Check out these fun facts!: -She was voted Best Writer of her Fourth Grade Class. -She’s seen Beyoncé in concert three times. -Kobe Bryant read her debut novel! -Throughout her entire book [ Read the full article… ]
28 Days
Day 1: Nikkolas Smith
On this first day of Black History Month 2022, we are excited to kick off our 28 Days Later campaign by highlighting the supremely talented Nikkolas Smith. This Houston, Texas, native has designed theme parks at Walt Disney Imagineering, and is now an ARTivist, concept artist, children’s books author, film illustrator and movie poster designer. [ Read the full article… ]
Congratulations to the 15th Class of 28 Days Later Honorees!
It’s our favorite time of year! We are proud to announce the honorees of our 15th annual 28 Days Later campaign, a Black History Month celebration of outstanding Black children’s book creators. Each day during February, we will showcase an author or illustrator whose work reflects parts of who we are. It’s more important than [ Read the full article… ]
Day 28: Shannon Wright
Shannon Wright is an illustrator and cartoonist based out of Richmond, Virginia. Some of her clients include The Guardian, TIME Magazine, NY Times, Mother Jones, NPR, Google and Scholastic. TWINS, written by our own Varian Johnson, is her debut graphic novel, and has received five starred reviews. The Journey: I’ve been drawing since I was a [ Read the full article… ]
Day 27: Shakirah Bourne
Fun fact, I met Shakirah on a maxi taxi in Trinidad a few years ago when the folks from Bocas Lit Fest brought me down for the annual Caribbean Literature Festival. We were on our way to a cocktail party where the winners of the Burt Award, for books for young adult literature. She was a finalist. We were well dressed, there was a signature cocktail, and we hit it off. So it’s my pleasure to introduce her to you here.
Day 26: Lily Anderson
“As a woman of Afro-Puerto Rican descent, representing a diverse world isn’t a trend for me—it’s my greatest joy.” Lily Anderson As I began my research (scouring the internet) in search of information about Lily, one of the first articles to pop up said she was in a car accident. What the what? I immediately [ Read the full article… ]
Day 25: Kelly J. Baptist
An avid reader and writer, Kelly J. Baptist got her break when her short story, “The Beans and Rice Chronicles of Isaiah Dunn,” won We Need Diverse Book’s short story contest. It was published in the award-winning anthology, Flying Lessons and Other Stories. She was just getting started. Kelly adapted that story, continued and expanded [ Read the full article… ]
Day 24: Darnell Johnson
A native of Miami, Florida, Darnell Johnson discovered his love for art while watching Saturday morning cartoons as a kid. Later, he spent time designing his own characters and making comics. In high school, Darnell knew he wanted to pursue a career in art. Darnell pulls inspiration from his faith, family, friends and life to [ Read the full article… ]