Dear Reader: I couldn’t be more thrilled that you’re reading my new picture book biography SOAR, ELINOR! When I was a kid everyone in my family flew airplanes- my dad, my mom, even my little sister. Eventually I became a pilot, too. So when I learned about girl pilot Elinor Smith I couldn’t wait to… Read more »
Author-In-Residence
Cynthia Leitich Smith, Author-In-Residence
From the time he was born, Holler had a voice s0 LOUD, pecans fell from the trees and cacti sprouted more needles. No matter where he went or how hard he tried, Holler’s voice was a burden. Hush! his friends and family scolded. Holler knew, sure enough, that he could learn to be quiet in… Read more »
Tameka Fryer Brown, Author-In-Residence
Heading down the street, waving to friends, taking in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood. AROUND OUR WAY ON NEIGHBORS’ DAY by Tameka Fryer Brown, illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb is a celebration of good people, joyful times, and a community that honors and respects the traditions and culture of those who call this part… Read more »
Cynthia’s Story
I was born in the middle of a snowstorm one New Year’s Eve in Kansas City. When I was your age, I still lived there. Sure, my mama and daddy took me to Oklahoma sometimes to visit family and to Colorado on vacation. But most of the time, I was in the heartland of the… Read more »
Tameka’s Story
I was an only child…with a really big family! The way I grew up, relatives who lived outside your house were just as much “family” as the ones who lived inside it. My family included many aunts and uncles, and lots of cousins to play with. People always ask if I was spoiled as an… Read more »
Your Friend, Cynthia Leitich Smith
Dear Reader: I hope you enjoy HOLLER LOUDLY! It’s a celebration of my love of public libraries, small towns, and the southwest. When I was growing up, my mama took me to the public library every Saturday morning. First, I’d go the “new” section, so I could see what had come in. My goal was… Read more »
Your Friend, Tameka Fryer Brown
Dear Reader, How are you? Fine I hope. As for me, I’m very excited these days because I have just published my first picture book called AROUND OUR WAY ON NEIGHBORS’ DAY. AROUND OUR WAY is special to me because it was inspired by the place where I grew up: Miami, Florida. Miami is a… Read more »
