Authored By Us: Recent Episodes
Authored By Us
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Episode Sponsor
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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 tech startup that allows consumers to pick a culturally relevant physical greeting card and write a personal note using handwriting fonts. Visit Culture Greetings and enjoy 25% of birthday cards when you purchase as an Authored By Us listener.
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
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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 or her.
As a parent and author of children's books, Omar has crafted a not just a story but a teaching tool for parents, mentors, and young readers as they learn how to receive the baton and be prepared to pass it along in the future.
About our Author
Omar Chin was born in The Bronx, NY to Jamaican parents and was raised in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He has always enjoyed writing, teaching, and helping children grow by realizing their full potential. When he was in middle school, he began to write short stories which helped to stretch his imagination. From that point on he explored different writing styles like poetry, storytelling, and short narratives. When he was in college, he started to mentor kids and learned that they had much more to offer if they were given the opportunity. He realized that there was an opportunity to combine all of his passions by writing children's books with the hopes that they will inspire conversations between children and adults. Someone is Watching You is available on Amazon in paperback and e-book.
Episode Sponsor
Mr. Pete's Playhouse is a children's program that takes children of all ages on a fun learning adventure, which includes various segments of songs, dance, readings and so much more! Catch episodes of Mr. Pete’s Playhouse on YouTube.
About our Host
Zenzi Hodge is the author of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas. The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.
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. Pete's Playhouse is a children's program that takes children of all ages on a fun learning adventure, which includes various segments of songs, dance, readings and so much more! Catch episodes of Mr. Pete’s Playhouse on YouTube.
"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 Know What Makes a Man?.
Episode Sponsor
Culture Greetings is an Atlanta based tech startup that allows consumers to pick a culturally relevant physical greeting card and write a personal note using handwriting fonts. Visit Culture Greetings and enjoy 25% of birthday cards when you purchase as an Authored By Us listener.
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 civic engagement and the value of family in a child's life in her book, #ENOUGH.
Episode Sponsor
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"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.
This episode of Authored By Us is dedicated to the memory of Klarque Garrison.
Episode Sponsor
Looking for a fun and creative way to gather with family and friends? Personalized Paintings creates custom painting experiences for artists of all ages and skill levels. Select from their catalog of art or create something custom with their artist. Personalize Paintings, creating memories with art. Order today at PersonalizedPaintings.net.
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 tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.
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 to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.