Middle grade author Janae Marks’ debut novel, From the Desk of Zoe Washington, won the Tassy Walden: New Voices in Children’s Literature Award and was nominated for an Edgar Award. Bookpage calls her “one of the brightest new stars of contemporary middle grade” and we agree. Janae is our Day 11 honoree. Janae Marks is [ Read the full article… ]
28 Days
Day 10: Dinah Johnson
Dinah Johnson has a generous spirit and a wealth of knowledge about children’s literature. Her passion for stories and history are evident in everything she does, as is her desire to create a better world for children, especially Black children, through books. We are delighted to honor Dinah Johnson and her work on Day 10 [ Read the full article… ]
Day 9 – Bryan Patrick Avery
At the age of 7, Bryan Patrick Avery discovered a love of reading after receiving his first Bobbsey Twins Mystery Book. Today, he is an award-winning poet and author of over 20 books for children. Bryan is our 28 Days Later Day 9 honoree. BRYAN PATRICK AVERY is an award-winning poet and author of over [ Read the full article… ]
Day 8: Brittany J. Thurman
Brittany J. Thurman is a talented writer using her education, experience, and sheer creative talent to craft endearing stories for children of all ages. She is certainly one to watch as she creates an abundant catalog of work. We congratulate Brittany on all her past and future successes. Learn more with us as Brittany shares her journey in this post for The Brown Bookshelf.
Day 7: Valerie Bolling
Day 6: Judy Allen Dodson
Judy Allen Dodson has a highly-developed skill for research that serves as the historically rooted foundation for the stories she creates. As a griot of children’s literature in the Black diaspora, this joyful librarian, archivist, and writer holds a wealth of knowledge that she uses to weave stories for young readers. Join us to read Judy’s journey in her own words.
Day 5: Sharee Miller
Our Day 5 honoree is a both an illustrator and author, known for her fresh and cheerful characters. Sharee loves creating picture books, graphic novels, and illustrations that depict black joy. We are proud to feature Sharee Miller as part of this year’s 28 Days Later Celebration. SHAREE MILLER is the bestselling illustrator and author of [ Read the full article… ]
Day 4: Nikki Shannon Smith
Nikki Shannon Smith is an author, fourth grade teacher, and advocate for literacy, educational equity and social justice. She believes words wield power. She is the 28 Days Later Day 4 honoree. NIKKI SHANNON SMITH is an educator, presenter, and the award-winning author of 20 published and forthcoming books. She writes everything from board books [ Read the full article… ]