ELIZA’S FREEDOM ROAD will debut in January~ Here is a bit of pre-release buzz to whet your appetites: “A story of hope, determination, and the triumph of the human spirit.” — Alma Powell, wife of former Secretary of State Colin Powell “Like the young slave girl who watches a cook ‘stirring tears into…stew,” Nolen stirs … Read more
Two weeks ago I drove up to Nashville, TN to speak with Jewell Parker Rhodes at the Southern Festival of Books. Not only did I get to meet a wonderful author, but I was able to spend some quality time with my younger brother and take him to his very first book festival. On the … Read more
I love original artwork. When I fall in love, there is no greater thrill for me than to be able to own an original piece that I can cherish always and forever. Years ago when I was gainfully employed as an art teacher, I stalked admired Kadir Nelson’s work (still do) and wished that I … Read more
Last week Renée Watson visited Atlanta to appear and sign at the Decatur Book Festival. While she was here we teamed up to conduct a two day writing and art workshop with students at Frederick Douglass High School (my alma mater). The students wrote poems modeled after Renée’s poem, “Where I’m From”, using an “Anaphora” … Read more
Thursday August 26, 2010 NBC Nightly News Date Change Author Renée Watson & Illustrator Shadra Strickland are back from New Orleans! The segment on A PLACE WHERE HURRICANES HAPPEN has changed and will now air on SATURDAY, August 28th on NBC Nightly News Check your local listing for time and channel
Check out the work of Jonas Sickler! Jonas went to Syracuse Univ. with me and I was so glad to see his new web site with shiny new books for all of the babies to enjoy! Check him out here. As for me, I’m wrapping up a cover and working on final art for two … Read more
What a treat! Renée Watson is on KBOO Radio. Listen in to hear her talk about her two new books, A PLACE WHERE HURRICANES HAPPEN and WHAT MAMA LEFT ME. If you missed it, check it out here!
My editor sent over a great review today from SLJ. More great is the fact that the reviewer is from Louisiana and calls APWHH “one of the best books for children to come out of the tragedy of Katrina”. I am humbled and honored. K-Gr 3–New Orleans friends Adrienne, Keesha, Michael, and Tommy take turns … Read more
If it missed your inbox, check out the June newsletter where you can find a link to Renée Watson’s teacher’s guide for A PLACE WHERE HURRICANES HAPPEN.
We’ve had three great reviews for A PLACE WHERE HURRICANES HAPPEN. I am always a bit nervous for reviews. One never knows how a book will be received, especially those that deal with heavier social issues. The goal is to deliver the story accurately, but retain the elements of childhood that make the story real … Read more