I need to preface this highlight by saying that…well, I think the book might be out of print. My apologies. Regardless, I’m highlighting this book and it’s author anyway. For me it was an introduction to a talented author, one whom I plan to follow. In the future, I promise I’ll do my homework to [ Read the full article… ]
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Heads Up Vol. II
Heads Up is a reposting of AACBWI’s announcement of book releases that may picque the interest of young African American readers. As a Brown Bookshelf partner, The African American Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators society is dedicated to spreading the word about these and other books that are of special interest to multi-cultural audiences. From Board Books to [ Read the full article… ]
The 28 Days poster
In February, we here at The Brown Bookshelf will begin our first initiative, 28 Days Later. For each day, we will highlight an author of children’s or young adult books. To go along with the initiative, I’ve designed a poster which will be available for download. For now, question marks mask the faces of the [ Read the full article… ]
Thinking Teen
I’ve been asked by both adults and teens, how am I able to write an authentic teen experience, as I’m obviously well beyond my teen years. My answer is always the same: My primary responsibility as a writer, is to write a teen character that’s true to my story and the fictional world I’ve developed. [ Read the full article… ]
Those Who Paved the Way
As we enter awards season, it’s the time to celebrate new voices, but also to pay homage to those who paved the way. So in the spirit of the coming year, here’s a quiz on some African-American children’s literature trailblazers: 1. The first Coretta Scott King Award was given in 1970. Who received it? A. Sharon Bell Mathis, [ Read the full article… ]
The beauty of words
You hear it all the time now, every time you turn on the radio. Syncopated rhythms, heavy beats, words laced together at an alarming speed. But where many people hear blasting music and demeaning lyrics , I hear alliteration, assonance, and allegory. Simply put, I hear poetry. Of course, I’m not saying that there aren’t a [ Read the full article… ]
Head’s Up
Heads Up, a periodic column of The Brown Bookshelf, is a reposting of AACBWI’s announcement of book releases that may picque the interest of young African American readers. As a Brown Bookshelf partner, The African American Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators society is dedicated to spreading the word about these and other books that are of special interest [ Read the full article… ]
Help! My Kids Don’t Like to Read
If you’re a teacher, author, librarian, bookstore employee, chances are that you’ve been asked, “How do I get my kids or students to read more?” or “How do I get my kids or students to like reading?” As a teacher, I was asked some variation of those questions. Since becoming an author, I’ve been asked [ Read the full article… ]