In this episode, I had the opportunity to interview Manavi Nag, a teenage author who lives in India.  She is an amazing writer, and her book, Breaking the Taboo, shed light on the demonization of periods around the world, but specifically in India.  She interviewed several girls who shared their stories and how this stigma has impacted part of their adolescent lives.  I think our conversation was amazing and I love how she conveyed the importance and the message from these girls while giving them a voice and platform to share their truth.

Manavi's book is very inexpensive on Amazon, so make sure that you purchase a copy.  right now, it is only 99 cents in American dollars.

Please support Manavi and read her compilation of these girl's story so that you can spread more awareness about this important issue!

Purchase Breaking the Taboo!

In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak to the author of This is My America, by Kim Johnson.  This is her debut novel and it releases on July 28th!  I can honestly say that this is now one of my favorite books because it was such a good read.  Because this book is unreleased, I have a few clarifications to make regarding the characters mentioned throughout the episode;

Tracy - She is a black teenage girl and the main character.

Jamal - This is Tracy's older brother who is a track athlete and is going to college.

Corrine - This is Tracy and Jamal's younger sister who was born while her father was in prison.

Steve - This is the attorney who was trying to exonerate Tracy's father.

Tasha - This is Tracy's female best friend, who is also a black teenage girl.

Dean - This is Tracy's male best friend, who is a white teenage boy.

Ms. Johnson and I had riveting conversation about prison reform and the impact that an incarcerated parent can have on their children.  Be sure to grab a copy of This is My America when it releases on July 28th, or pre-order right now!  It's an amazing book and will sell quickly, so don't miss this chance!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Ms. Johnson's Website

In this episode, Kaelynn and I discuss Elizabeth Acevedo's book, With the Fire on High.  This is an amazing story that really touched me, so when I got to talk more about it with Kaelynn, it was a great experience!  Kaelynn applied to be on the podcast all the way from Washington, and her insight made the conversation even better.  In this episode we discuss colorism, teen pregnancy, and the importance of not judging others.  This is important for everyone to hear!

HI everyone!  This is a special podcast upload where we actually did a live recording!  Thanks to DLG Creative and Mr. Derrick Guest, I had the opportunity to speak to my friend harmony about the book Slay while doing a YouTube Livestream.  This episode is unedited so it's just our raw thoughts.  It was a great experience!  In this episode, Harmony and I discuss how video games are a large part of life for several teenagers, the reality around racism, and toxic teenage relationships.  If you would like to purchase this book, go to amazon.com.  You can also visit DLG Creative at derrickguest.com. 

Watch the Youtube video here!

Felix Ever After is the heart-wrenching story of a trans, black, and queer, teenage boy.  The author, Kacen Callender, takes the reader on an emotional journey through their words and descriptive language.  I had a chance to talk to them for an interview an dI can honestly say it was a great experience!  We discussed, several topics such as; the discrimination within the queer community, why it's important to not pass judgement on others, and how to be confident in yourself despite what others say.  

You can find Felix Ever After on Amazon or Barnes and Noble!

Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett shares the experience of Simone, a teenager who is battling HIV. Despite having HIV from birth, her peers and even their parents bullied her about it.  At her new school, Simone finds new best friends and a boy she falls for, but unfortunately someone is threatening to expose her HIV status to the entire school!  In this episode, I get to speak to Ms. Garrett about some very important issues.  We discuss the importance of seeing beyond a diagnosis, how to accept people for who they are, and why it is your responsibility not to settle for ignorance.  Speaking with her was such a great experience!

You can purchase Full disclosure on Amazon or Barnes and Noble!

Kwame Alexander's bestselling book, The Crossover, gives a fascinating glimpse into the world of 12-year-old Josh, a twin and basketball star in his hometown.  This book shows some very interesting family dynamics and highlights the impact that a parent's actions can have on their children. Today, I spoke to one of my friends Chauncey about 

This book shows how difficult growing up can be for some teenagers and how important it is for parents to make sure they are healthy enough to care for their children.

Purchase a Copy!

Amazon

Also, Visit the Brown Kids Read website!

Brownkidsread.org

Go visit the the blog post for more information about topics covered in this episode!

In this episode I had the opportunity to learn more about Dear Martin, but also about Nic Stone as a person!  We discuss several things such as racism in school settings, academic expectations from minorities, and the importance of tolerance.  It was such an amazing conversation and it was fun to hear from Ms. Stone's perspective.  If you would like to hear about Dear Martin from it's bestselling author, Nic Stone, be sure to listen to this episode!  

Here are some links to articles you can read about police brutality, racism, and the treatment of black individuals in schools:

1. https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/11/what-would-martin-do/543300/

2. https://www.kickboardforschools.com/diversity-equity/causes-and-effects-of-racism-in-schools/

3. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Police-Brutality-in-the-United-States-2064580

There is also a discussion guide for this book!  Check it out here!

Do you want to purchase a copy of Dear Martin?

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Nicstone.info

Also, visit the Brown Kids Read website!

Brownkidsread.org

*This is Part 2 of my conversation with Christian Townsell about the book Dear Martin by Nic Stone.*

Dear Martin by Nic Stone gives a vivid glance into the mind of a teenager who is the victim of police brutality.  Justyce McAllister is a senior who lives in Atlanta and is trying to understand why there is so much senseless violence against his people.  As an African-American boy, Justyce encounters some situations that leave him questioning his position in society.

In this episode, I convince my friend Christian to read the book by discussing some topics such as;

Do you want to purchase a copy of Dear Martin?

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Nicstone.info

Also, visit the Brown Kids Read website!

Brownkidsread.org

*THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS*

The spoilers are completely relevant to the conversation.  Don't let the spoilers in this episode stop you from reading the book!  You can now read it with a critical eye and find your own interpretation of the story.

Dear Martin by Nic Stone gives a vivid glance into the mind of a teenager who is the victim of police brutality.  Justyce McAllister is a senior who lives in Atlanta and is trying to understand why there is so much senseless violence against his people.  As an African-American boy, Justyce encounters some situations that leave him questioning his position in society.  

In this episode, I convince my friend Christian to read the book by discussing some topics such as;

Do you want to purchase a copy of Dear Martin?

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Nicstone.info

Also, visit the Brown Kids Read website!

Brownkidsread.org