Authored By Us

"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 what all the buzz is about in this episode with guest author, Lisa Martin Suber, as she shares her sweet story, There's A Bee in My Book Bag:  A Tale with Two Sides.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 your imagination and decrease bedtime anxiety.

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 conversations that connect the souls of black fathers and their sons, ultimately leading to stronger young men and safer, more vibrant communities.

"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 being told by Maritere Bellas in her book I Have a Secret! ¡Tengo un Secreto!: Yunito’s Adventures-Las Aventuras de Yunito.  Mari is an advocate for raising multi-cultural and multi-lingual children ready to compete in a global society.

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? STEM Careers from A to Z as a guide for the youngest readers so that they can envision STEM careers here on Earth and even among the stars.

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 giving voice to children like LiLi and providing support to parents.