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

Tis the Season...Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a season of gathering, a time to be thankful, and an opportunity to serve others. During this time, we are mindful of those who are less fortunate and of those who need support to forge ahead through another day. In a meaningful way, have conversations and dialogues with your children about the spirit of thanksgiving and what it means to be truly appreciative of the blessings that have been bestowed upon them. Service projects are bountiful right now in feeding the hungry, in supporting clothing drives, in gathering toys and books for children, in working with the elderly, and more. Teaching sons and daughters to simply say "thank you" is a start of showing gratitude, but leaving a lasting impression comes in active participation and giving toward others. Have a joyous Thanksgiving and Holiday Season!

Literacy Matters: WWII Vet Conquers Reading

Ed Gray, a World War II veteran, holds numerous awards for his bravery and service in combat in the US military. Battling wars in the military was hard, but he says nothing has been harder than learning how to read. His goal as he states was to read just one book. Well at 89 years old, he achieved this goal and more. With assistance from a reading professional, Gray started with sight words which led to picture books which led to 3rd grade-level books. Proudly, he's reading books on a 6th grade-level today. Hopefully, this story will inspire the importance of reading at any age. For it's never too early or too late to learn how to read.http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57611600/wwii-vet-starts-new-chapter-after-conquering-illiteracy/

My Soul Featured in Pride Magazine

Tis the season to be thankful!!! I am so honored and privileged that my book, My Soul/African American Spirituals, is featured on page 44 of the November-December issue of Pride Magazine. As an author, I am super excited to share this amazing book with others on a broader scale. In the article, Season of Gathering and Giving: Author, Philanthropists Share Their Passions, it states, "The upcoming holidays are all about time with family and friends, Charlotte's African-American community counts its blessing and gives back in thankful praise." To my ancestors who provided this legacy of spirituals and history, I humbly say, "Thank you. Your gift has been timeless and priceless. I still pay homage to you." To order a copy of My Soul for the holidays and to view the book trailer, visit www.akclassicstories.com.www.pridemagazine.net www.akclassicstories.com