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The Power of Storytelling: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich on Writing, Identity & Empowering Young Readers

“Story was just the foundation of my life.”

In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan speaks with award-winning author and educator Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, whose work explores themes of family, migration, and the rich storytelling traditions of the African diaspora. A Jamaican Nigerian New Yorker, Olugbemisola weaves her cultural identity into her writing, creating compelling children's literature that resonates with young readers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How storytelling fosters empathy and empowerment
✅ Olugbemisola’s process for crafting authentic, emotionally rich characters
✅ The importance of cultural identity in children's literature
✅ How she taps into the emotional landscape of adolescence
✅ Why diverse storytelling matters in shaping young minds

About Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich:

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich is a renowned author and educator whose books include Operation Sisterhood, Two Naomis, 8th Grade Superzero, Someday Is Now: Clara Luper and the 1958 Oklahoma City Sit-ins, Makeda Makes a Birthday Treat, You're Breaking My Heart, The Sun Does Shine, It Doesn't Take A Genius, Makeda Makes a Mountain, and many more! She is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and helping young readers connect with stories that reflect their experiences.

Want to be a guest on KeyBARD? Send Thembi a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1740803399472257afce75768

KeyBARD is produced, written, and hosted by Thembi Duncan.
Theme music by Sycho Sid.

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