Literacy is a Big Deal!

September is #NationalLiteracyAwarenessMonth! The #LiteracyCouncilofUnionCounty celebrated this occasion by recognizing student achievements and  thanking our community partners, tutors, and volunteers! Hearing the success stories of how some of our adult students have enrolled in school or received a better job or increased a reading level or understands their child's teacher or purchased a new home truly warms my heart. #LiteracyIsABigDeal! #SoProud #LiteracyBuildsStrongFamiliesAndCommunities

Spelling Is Spectacular

There is still charm in hearing words pronounced. There is appeal in hearing the derivation of words. There is wonder in hearing words used in a sentence. There is excitement in spelling words (particularly difficult ones) to see if they are spelled correctly. This is how I spent my Sunday afternoon in Athens, GA at the annual spelling bee for the Athens-Clarke Literacy Council. Kudos to all participating teams who gave it their all & to the winning team who spelled this word, vichyssoise!

Why I Left My Mighty Agency and New York Publishers (for now)

Why I Left My Mighty Agency and New York Publishers (for now)

Keep Writing Baby!

Today, I have been enthralled by the numerous posts paying homage to the dynamic and phenomenal woman, Dr. Maya Angelou. Although many are relaying their personal expressions, the most captivating ones to me are those written by everyday people like me who encountered her by happenstance. My experience with Dr. Angelou occurred on June 29, 2013, and this is what I wrote (on Facebook) that describes my reaction: My cup runneth over! Today, I heard the legendary Ms. Maya Angelou...captivating, poetic, wise, and courageous. Then I was introduced to her. She looked me in my eyes, held my hand, and said, "Keep on writing, baby!" Instantly, my eyes were filled with tears, and I am inspired even more to do as she requested. #MayaAngelouhasspoken! Other posts that I've read share a commonality of genuine encounters too! Her spirit resonated and lifted you, and her energetic touch poured into your soul just like her poetry. In my mind, Dr. Angelou was the true measure of a woman! She used her personal plight and the injustices of the world to enrich, nourish, enlighten, educate, empower, and inspire. Although her actual presence will be missed on earth, her testament to purposeful living and her masterful words will live on. #KeepWritingBaby!

My Soul Turns 1!

My Soul is 1 year old today! Last year, this book which honors the legacy of African American Spirituals launched. As a celebration of this anniversary, I invite you to receive a special 25% discount towards a copy of My Soul for the momentous occasions in your life. Thanks in advance for your continued support and fervent encouragement. The success of this book is because of you! To purchase, please click: http://akclassicstories.com/buy-books.html *Offer is good until June 4, 2014.

My Soul Celebrates...

#MySoul celebrates its 1st anniversary! View the #BookTrailer & save 25% on a copy of this engaging book. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyYDkb85lfQ&sns=tw via @youtube #Legacy #History

We Need Diverse Books: The Campaign Continues...

What a powerful article! The campaign continues...Diversity in Children's Books: Moving From Outcry to Real, Market-Driven Solutions http://huff.to/1lRh6ck via @HuffPostImpact #WeNeedDiverseBooks #ACalltoAction

Too many NC children aren’t receiving adequate education, court filings say | CharlotteObserver.com

Too many NC children aren’t receiving adequate education, court filings say | CharlotteObserver.com #ReadToAchieve

Books That Celebrate Mom | Parents | Scholastic.com

Books That Celebrate Mom | Parents | Scholastic.com. These are heartwarming stories for Mother's Day! The Runway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown is a classic and one of my favorites! Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Reading Changes Things!

It's exciting to hear a first grader say that she loves to read, but disheartening to hear her say that she no longer wants to read because the kids in her class are always picking at her. What?!?! These are the formative years, and reading is essential! No child should contend with teasing for reading. Hearing this saddened me, and it still troubles me. However, some good did come out of this conversation. This little girl didn't know that she was speaking to a person who writes children's books. Once I told her about my books and why I write them, she beamed! We continued to talk more, and then she asked if she could have a copy of one of my books. I told her "yes" if she promises to keep reading. She agreed, and I autographed a book for her. Yet, the story won't end here, my goal is to follow-up with the principal and site coordinator on her progress. #ReadingMatters #ReadAnyway #ReadingChangesThings #KeepReading

Celebrating National Library Week: Libraries Hold Value

Reading programs at the library are a wonderful way for youth to stay engaged in reading. When I was a kid, my sister and I would go to the library every Saturday to check out books to read. We had our own library cards with our own code names on them. My code name was California queen, and my sister's code name was California princess. As children, we felt a sense of empowerment because we possessed a library card, and we also felt a sense of ownership because no one could take reading from us...it was ours to have. Today, libraries are still offering great programs and book suggestions for young and advanced readers. For the most part, libraries are a wonderful resource for information. They offer reading programs for all ages, book clubs, language classes, computer access, and a range of seminars to keep the public updated and informed. Yet, the best part about libraries in my assessment is the free access. In a time where most things are associated with costs, it is good to know that libraries hold their value and more.

Photos - Head Start book party 03.18.14 - CharlotteObserver.com

Photos - Head Start book party 03.18.14 - CharlotteObserver.com

Books Are Not Created Equal

If you didn't get an opportunity to read this article, Where Are the People of Color in Children's Books by Walter Dean Myers, I encourage you to read it now: http://nyti.ms/1d03H2A. My first reaction to reading this compelling article was one of confirmation and validation. What Myers is saying is true! Books are not created equal for the writers or for the students who need to read them. When I initially pitched my multicultural books with musical CDs over seven years ago in New York, publishers directed me to a toy manufacturer stating that the industry did not publish books with CDs in them. There was an uneasiness to produce these types of books.Today, there are plenty of books with this concept. Another major point that some may not be aware of is that publishers truly feel that they have provided an extensive product line for diverse readers, and that is just not the case. Thus I am bothered by the industry's standards and approach because more needs to be done in terms of inclusion, yet I'm also encouraged by Myers' words because he had the guts as a veteran writer and author to ask the question which gives me/others hope. Now that this question has been raised, please create demand for diverse books to benefit diverse readers! Every story needs to be told, and every child needs to be inspired to read! Diversity and inclusion matters. This is my book perspective.http://nyti.ms/1d03H2A

President Obama Proclaims March 3, 2014 as Read Across America Day

President Barack Obama Proclaims March 3, 2014, Read Across America Day "When parents, educators, librarians, and mentors read with children, they give a gift that will nourish souls for a lifetime. Today, Americans young and old will take time to get lost in a story and do their part to cultivate the next generation of talent and intellect," says the U.S. President.

Read Across America

Read Across America Day is today. It’s designed to recognize the birth of Dr. Seuss and his phenomenal books. Some of my favorite books include There’s a Wocket in my Pocket, My Many Colored Days, and Oh the Places You’ll Go. To this day, I see the colors, here the rhymes, and feel the experiences. Dr. Seuss is one of my favorite authors because he knew how to excite children to read. He had an absolute solution and formula to mesmerize kids with words, and it worked. As an adult, I’m still mesmerized and highly influenced by his writings for my multicultural children’s books. So in Dr. Seuss style, let’s give readers what they want, desire, and need…rhymes, unforgettable expressions, illustrations, and a little insanity to make it all fun. Thanks, Dr. Seuss, for providing an incredible legacy of books and storytelling. As you can tell, I’m still a fan!

Read Together

Studies have shown that there is a substantial difference in students whose parents #read with them. Through my literacy efforts in engaging students to read, I can see a difference too. Parents, take time to read with your children. It's a collective activity that works! #ReadTogether #SeetheDifference