Cover Reveal–It Doesn’t Take A Genius

Gordon C. James has said of his work: “When people see my art I want them to say, I know that person, I know that feeling.” And I burst into cheers when I saw this NY Times bestselling artist’s cover art for my middle grade novel IT DOESN’T TAKE A GENIUS. He so beautifully captured [ Read the full article… ]

Spotlight on Elle McKinney & Robyn Smith’s Nubia: Real One

I admit to being  jaded about the DC or Marvel universes. When the movies first showed up on the big screen, I was excited to see a form of fantasy and magic take center stage. I  brimmed with anticipation, just like everyone else of an *ahem* certain age that had watched the cartoons or the [ Read the full article… ]

OPAL’S GREENWOOD OASIS: History in Full Color

The upcoming centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre on May 31, 2021 – June 1, 2021 offers us the opportunity to hear from Black creators telling the story of what happened in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921 through books, television, film, radio and other planned public programs. Three Black creatives in Oklahoma [ Read the full article… ]

On Becoming Muhammad Ali: A Conversation with Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, publisher, and New York Times best-selling author of thirty-five books, including his Newbery Medal–winning novel, The Crossover. Some of his other works include Booked, which was long-listed for the National Book Award, The Playbook, and The Undefeated, which was longlisted for the National Book Award and won the Caldecott [ Read the full article… ]

The Talk Cover

Torrey Maldonado on: The Talk

In The Talk, out today, thirty diverse, award-winning authors and illustrators engage young people in frank discussions about racism, identity and self-esteem. Featuring stories and images filled with love, acceptance, truth, peace, and an assurance that there can be hope for a better tomorrow, The Talk is an inspiring anthology and must-have resource published in [ Read the full article… ]

Do You Know YOUR NAME IS A SONG?

Happy Publication Day to author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow! Her latest picture book, Your Name is a Song, releases today. This phenomenal picture book (illustrated by Luisa Uribe and published by Innovation Press) is the story of a young girl who doesn’t want to go back to school after the first day because no one is able [ Read the full article… ]