A native of Rich Square, North Carolina, Shelia P. Moses draws on her upbringing from her small hometown for many of her books. According to her website biography, she got her start as a writer at the young age, but I was interested to learn that she self-published her first book One More River to Cross which is a collection of essays and poems. She later self-published a second book So They Burned the Black Churches before being approached by Dick Gregory to write his memoir. Reading that Shelia began her career as a self-published author surprised me, but it also made me feel a kinship with her.
2009 is off to a great start for Shelia who was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Joseph in the Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens category. Previously, she was honored as a National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature and received the Coretta Scott King Author Honor Books Award for The Legend of Buddy Bush.
I, Dred Scott earned her recognition as the Georgia Author of the Year in 2006. Interestingly enough, her book on this renowned slave came about while conducting research for Dick Gregory’s memoir. Curiousity about Scott was born at the sight of a plaque bearing his name in the St. Louis courthouse where his infamous trial was held. From there, she immersed herself in slave narratives and strived to connect to Scott’s voice to create a story about him beyond the court case that made him an important footnote in Black history.
Not only is Shelia an author, but she also owns M-Productions, a research and production company that specializes in the writing and publication of books about historic people, places and events.
Talented and well-rounded, the Brown Bookshelf looks forward to reading more from Shelia P. Moses in the future.
Bibliography
The Legend of Buddy Bush (2004)
I, Dred Scott: A Fictional Slave Narrative Based on the Life and Legal Precedent of Dred Scott (2005)
The Return of Buddy Bush (2006)
The Baptism (2007)
Sallie Gal And The Wall-a-kee Man (2007)
Joseph (2008)
The Buzz on Joseph
This story, told entirely from Joseph’s point-of-view, is an exploration of the bonds that make up family. . . Moses creates a compelling character in Joseph. His struggle to survive his current situation intact is fascinating to read. Joseph’s insights into his and Betty’s lives combined with his child’s wish to protect his mother make Joseph both worldly and innocent at the same time. Negative influences such as drug dealers and users are described in a clear, cold light. Education and hard work are praised for their positive influences. Middle school and junior high teens will enjoy this story. ~ VOYA
Told in Joseph’s candid, present-tense voice, the tale makes plain the tangle of emotions that ties children to even the most incapable parent. Old beyond his years, he observes with a clear-eyed understanding the forces swirling around his fractured family. Moses’s heart-wrenching story of a young man’s struggle to cut ties with his mother and a dead-end life will leave readers profoundly moved. ~ Kirkus Review
I very much look forward to Sheila Moses’ new book. The description of Joseph sounds so compelling. With a company that specializes in historical fiction, it seems a sure thing that we’ll get more great historical narratives from this author.
I really enjoyed Buddy Bush. I am looking forward to reading Joseph. Thanks for highlighting Sheila Moses!
I really liked Joseph. I believe he had to go through alot of things. Some teen do not nomarlly have to go through. I think that there should be a part 2 to Joseph. it should be about the results of his mother and their relationship. Thank Mrs. Moses for publishing this book.
Thanks for sharing, it’s very much appreciated.
Shelia, You may have forgotten me but, I am Gwendolyn Ward I know you know my sister Jacquline Ward in Rich Square. The reason I am contacting you is because I would like if you will be our quest speaker for Women’s Day the 3rd Sunday in March of next year. I’ve thinking of you since last March but didn’t think time would run up on me like it did. I know you are a very busy lady and congraulations on ALL your blessings. Please contact me if you can @252-396-1649. Thanks so very much. Hope to speak to you soon.
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Joseph is such a great book! It caught my eye from first page of the book. I hope one Shelia P. Moses comes out with a second prequel “Joseph” book!