Authored By Us

[ENCORE] There's a Bee in My Book Bag!: A Tale with Two Sides - Lisa Suber

"I grab my book bag.  Hey ... what's that sound?  There's a bee in my book bag.  This is REALLY bad!"  Sounds like a tale easy to understand.  You find a bee in your book bag, I think you know what to do.  But not so fast, wait until you read a bit more and learn that the bee has a side to tell that you really should hear.  "I was trapped in a dark place.  I met a bunch with no class."  The side of the story told by the bee, this sounds like a "she said, bee said" kind of story.  Find our wh...

A Conversation with Kwame Alexander

With over 35 books, we could have picked any one of these gems for this week's episode featuring best selling author Kwame Alexander, but The Crossover is where it all started for our host, Zenzi Hodge.  Tune in for a Conversation with Kwame Alexander as we explore his creative messages for young readers as they navigate life and learning through the pages of his books.

Chef Toussaint - David Miller

Welcome to Season 2 of Authored By Us!  We are "cooking" up some creative and entertaining fun with this week's author David Miller as he shares his new book, Chef Toussaint.  Chef Toussaint isn't just a whiz in the kitchen, he brings together his love of food, family, and history together in this page turner which truly leaves you hungry for more.

The Discussion: A Necessary Dialogue for Change - Cedric Threatt

How many friends do you have? Do they all look like your or are they different from you? Do you share the same thoughts, goals, and values? Author Cedric L. Threatt shows us the importance of sitting down and talking with someone in order to know what’s really on their mind. “The Discussion: A Necessary Dialogue for Change” is the story of two young boys, Rashad and Kenny, and the classroom conversation that tests the strength of their friendship.

You Can Become a Doctor Too - Dr. Christina T. Rosenthal

Before Career Day at his school, Art and his classmates believe becoming a doctor is impossible. After listening to the doctors, this all changes.  Join us as we talk with author, Dr. Christina T. Rosenthal as she shares her book, You Can Become a Doctor Too.

Do You See the Monster Under My Bed? - Chinwe Mbonu

Many children around the world have often wondered what lies underneath their beds at night. In this story, Chuka and his Dad try to uncover what lurks in the darkness underneath his bed. Join Chuka and Dad for the ride to see what they find. Your child may feel empowered by the child in this story to feel less anxious at bedtime, especially when the lights go out or dim. Does your little one have an anxiety monster that may take on many shapes and likes to visit at bedtime? Learn to tame yo...

The Talk: A Conversation Between a Black Father and His Son

Many will never know what it’s like for black fathers to have The Talk… When a black father and his son sit down to talk, deep, and often difficult, stories flow between them. The hope and pride that a father feels when he looks at his son teeters on the edge of his fears about the world and his need to prepare his son for life’s toughest moments. From racism to police brutality, Michael A. Woodward, Jr.’s The Talk: Conversations Between A Black Father And His Son offers a glimpse into the...

I Have a Secret! ¡Tengo un Secreto!: Yunito’s Adventures-Las Aventuras de Yunito - Maritere Rodriguez Bellas

"Shhh… I have a secret and I don’t want anyone to know about it. I’m starting school and I am so happy that my teacher only asks us to share our first name.  If she asked for my last name I think everyone might find out what my secret is."  What happens when a young boy not only doesn't want to speak his native language of Spanish, he doesn't want anyone to speak Spanish to him, even at home, and doesn't want anyone at his school to know that he is of Spanish descent? This is the story bein...

What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z - Tiffani Teachey

As children we were often asked what we wanted to be when we grew up.  Sometimes, the careers we picked did not turn out to be what we ended up doing in adulthood; and other times, we made selections not fully knowing what was available to us.  This week's author, Tiffani Teachey, wants to make sure that no child has to ever wonder what they can do with their love of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  As a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Tiffani crafter her book, What Can I Be? STE...

The Adventures of LiLi: A Miracle at Bates Memorial - Gin Noon Spaulding

When we think of diversity, we often think of how one looks or sounds to identify the "difference."  But what about those hidden elements that impact us on the inside, thus causing someone to behave differently or even learn differently.  LiLi is a smart and caring little girl but due to her sensory issues and speech delay, she is not always able to communicate or interact with others as she would like or in the same way as her friends.  This week's episode features author Gin Noon Spaulding...

The Supadupa Kid - Ty Allan Jackson

Javvon was living the life of a normal middle-schooler.  He had an annoying little sister, a loyal best friend, his first crush, and of course, daily encounters with the school bully.  Normal, right?  That's until Javvon acquired super powers and went on a mission to protect his neighborhood, save the occasional stray cat, and take down his arch nemesis.  This seems like a normal day for THE SUPADUPA KID as longs as he gets home in time to complete his homework.

A Special Authored By Us "Thank You!"

I Am Not Being Lazy, I Just Don't Understand - Gina Paul

It's hard enough being the new kid and when you don't speak the same language as everyone else you standout even more - and not in a good way.  In her new book,  I Am Not Being Lazy, I Just Don't Understand, Gina Paul shares a story based on her experiences as she and her family immigrated to Brooklyn, New York from the Caribbean island of Haiti.  This heartwarming story about young Georgette's struggle to be seen even though her words could not be understood is a tale of triumph for all.

The Art of Storytelling - Glenn Kwabena Davis

While books may contain stories, not all stories are found in books.  The tradition of storytelling is deeply rooted in the history and culture of people throughout the diaspora and around the globe.  And there is a difference between reading a story and telling a story, a distinction we will hear and experience from this week's guest, master storyteller, Glenn Kwabena Davis.  Gather 'round, It's Story Time on Authored By Us. 

Know Your Hairitage: Zara's Wash Day - Zenda Walker

Zara's weekly hair washing ritual with her mother is anything but mundane.  While she may not look forward to the discomfort which accompanies the washing and combing of her hair, she enjoys the time she spends with her mother learning about her heritage and her HAIRITAGE.  Hairstyles some simple, yet telling a story of pride and a rich African legacy which reveal to Zara that with her "crown" on her head she can take on the world.

Know Your Hairitage: Zara's Wash Day

Zara's weekly hair washing ritual with her mother is anything but mundane.  While she may not look forward to the discomfort which accompanies the washing and combing of her hair, she enjoys the time she spends with her mother learning about her heritage and her HAIRITAGE.  Hairstyles some simple, yet telling a story of pride and a rich African legacy which reveal to Zara that with her "crown" on her head she can take on the world. About our Author Zenda Walker is an author, licensed cosmet...

How Red Ants Got Their Color - I. Carole Husbands

Storytelling is a tradition in African and Caribbean culture and How Red Ants Got Their Color is a story within a story.  Author I. Carol Husbands shares a telling tale not just about a father and daughter enjoying a picnic interrupted by the ants but the story is beautifully set with the picturesque island of St. Thomas as a major character.  Listen and and perhaps you will learn just how red ants really got their color.

The Adventures of Max and Levi: The Alpha League Series - Portia Smith and Michael Johnson

Being bullied is the pits!  This is something that Max and Levi have experienced individually but when their paths collide and they have to encounter the school bully, they become fast friends and learn that not only are they stronger together, they learn that their friendship is their superpower.  The Adventures of Max and Levi: The Alpha League Book Series is a wonderfully written origin story that shows children how to find strength within and affirms that you, too, can be a super hero. ...

A Good Day - Julie Carter

We tend to depart the presence of loved ones by sending wishes to "Have a Good Day," without thinking what that really means and also assuming that their day begins once they have left our presence.  Join author Julie Carter as she shares her book, A Good Day as it chronicles the daily routine of "CJ" as he and his family give us insight that a good day truly starts at home, from the moment you wake and in the company of those you love. Episode Sponsor Culture Greetings is an Atlanta based ...

Hello Queen - Tacardra Rountree

What started as a class assignment became an expression of creativity and pride, and has now been produced as Tacardra Rountree's latest book, "Hello Queen."  Powerfully written with words of empowerment and beautifully illustrated with the custom work of acclaimed artist, Audrey “Sala Adenike” Jeter- Allen, "Hello Queen" is a blessing to young queens everywhere. Episode Sponsor Follow Audrey “Sala Adenike” Jeter- Allen on Twitter and Instagram at @SalaAdenike.

Something is Watching You - Omar Chin

Children are always picking things up and parents have to make sure they are picking up the right things.  This is the focus of "Someone is Watching You," by author Omar Chin.  From the moment of birth, a child relies on its parent for nurturing and that nurturing is for both the body and the soul.  With each interaction, a parent teaches a child how he or she should walk through life because that child may one day become a parent and will be responsible as someone will soon be watching him ...

What Color is Your Rainbow? - Joanne Moorehead

Colors are everywhere and author Joanne Moorehead is making sure that young children not only learn their colors but learn a love for words and reading in the process.  Joann's colorful board book takes its inspiration from ROY G BIV, which we learned is not a person but the acronym for the actual colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.  Join us as we explore this delightful tale that will leave you asking, "What Color is Your Rainbow?" Episode Sponsor Mr. P...

Do You Know What Makes a Man? - Del’Shawn Taylor

"Do you know what makes a man?  I am not so sure I understand."  This is the question asked by a young boy earnestly searching for the ingredients for his "manhood recipe."  But what we learns is more value than just a few characteristics as the people in his life give him vision and inspiration as he goes forth on his quest.  Join us as we venture through this tale with guest author, Del'Shawn Taylor, as he shares this story of kindness, strength, and love, as told in his first book, Do you...

#ENOUGH - Tasha Ellis, EdD

Christopher is living it up as a 'tween but he is about to learn that there is a lot more to life.  As he witnesses the impact that social injustice has on his community, his friends, and his family, Christopher is compelled to make a change, and he is bring others along with him.  In this compelling story you learn that you're never too young to take a stand and make a contribution to society,  Join us as we talk with author and educator, Tasha Ellis, EdD as she shares the importance of civ...

There's a Bee in My Book Bag! A Tale with Two Sides - Lisa Suber

"I grab my book bag.  Hey ... what's that sound?  There's a bee in my book bag.  This is REALLY bad!"  Sounds like a tale easy to understand.  You find a bee in your book bag, I think you know what to do.  But not so fast, wait until you read a bit more and learn that the bee has a side to tell that you really should hear.  "I was trapped in a dark place.  I met a bunch with no class."  The side of the story told by the bee, this sounds like a "she said, bee said" kind of story.  Find our wh...

Authored By Us Trailer

Authored By Us is a weekly podcast where we meet the authors behind the children's books telling the stories about characters of color and of different cultural experiences.  Each week, join our host, author, Zenzi Hodge, as we turn the pages of these bookshelf gems and hear from their authors who understand that stories of diverse experience truly come to life when Authored By Us. About our Host Zenzi Hodge is the of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas.  The story tells the...

"What story had the most impact on you as a child?" -- Insider Insight with Zenzi Hodge

We all have a story that is memorable to us.  Whether it is a Dr. Seuss classic or a little known family favorite.  In this bonus episode, our host, Zenzi Hodge, author of The Never Snowy Christmas shares the story which had the most impact on her as a young reader and eventually an author.  We can't wait to find out about her notable bookshelf gem? About our Host Zenzi Hodge is the of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas.  The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it t...