Books & More
Hi! My name is Nadia Graham and I am a Jr. Writer that will introduce you to books, their authors, and more.
It's Here That You Will Be Introduced To One Of DFW Kids On The Move Favorite Things..Books!
We absolutely LOVE books. It's through books that we learn, explore, travel, and imagine.
Each month you'll be introduced to books that we love. If you have a great kids book to recommend, or if you are an author of children's books, email us at info@dfwkidsonthemove.com.
It's Here That You Will Be Introduced To One Of DFW Kids On The Move Favorite Things..Books!
We absolutely LOVE books. It's through books that we learn, explore, travel, and imagine.
Each month you'll be introduced to books that we love. If you have a great kids book to recommend, or if you are an author of children's books, email us at info@dfwkidsonthemove.com.
Some of Nadia's Favorite Books..
Martin's Big Words The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Book Review by Nadia Graham (Photo from the book). This book is written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier. I got this book at a book fair when I was in elementary school and I still remember it now that I'm in middle school. This book is about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It goes from his young days with advice from his mom to his adult life. It also provides different quotes. It mentions Rosa Parks with the Boycott and how he walked with the people to their jobs, schools, and Churches. There is a lot that I like about this book, from the bold illustration to the wording. There is an illustration in the book where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. kneels in the street. I remembered back when I first read the book. I didn't understand the meaning of him kneeling. Now that I am in the present of 2021, I understand it now. His kneeling then represents his message that Black Lives Matter too! Overall, I recommend this book for everyone. It is an easy read filled with quotes and illustrations. Thank you and have a great day! - Nadia Graham |
Aloria PrinceInterviewed by Nadia Graham - September 2020
1. Do you have any encouraging words for the readers?
You’re doing great! This school year has been a challenge whether you’re learning in person or going to school at home. The exposure you’re receiving from learning on various virtual platforms will be a great asset in the future. |
2. Who or what inspired you to write this book?
During my 2nd and 3rd grade year, my dad was deployed overseas in the U.S. Army. My teachers at that time were a huge part of our family’s support system. It was during this time that I discovered my love and appreciation for reading.
As I started competing in pageants, we were encouraged to immerse ourselves in community causes we were passionate about. It was then that I created, Love Through Literacy: Creating Lifelong Readers. Love Through Literacy was founded with the goal to emphasize the importance of literacy as an essential skill for everyday living and exposing children to the endless possibilities of the imagination through reading. Through after school programs, we shared with students across North Texas how reading can take you anywhere you want to go.
I was inspired to write the book in hopes of sharing the same story with even more children.
3. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Aside from reading, I enjoy spending time with my family and discovering new Netflix shows!
4. Who are the characters inspired by?
The main characters, LoLo and her Dad are inspired by me and my dad.
5. What is your favorite type of book to read?
My favorite type of books to read are mysteries and biographies!
6. What is a short description of the book?
“8 year old LoLo learns the devastating news that her father is leaving to serve overseas. She is filled with sadness, grief, and concern for her Dad's safety. One day at school, LoLo listens to her teacher read a book aloud. While listening, LoLo begins to discover the true magical powers of a book. Her feelings of sadness slowly disappear as her imagination takes hold. Join LoLo and her friends as they discover their love of learning, literacy, and each other.”
7. What are some things you want to do in the future?
A sequel to LoLo Loves to Learn will be coming soon! I’m looking forward to expanding LoLo as a series and brand. After graduating in May with my MBA, I’m looking forward to navigating a career in educational policy. Dance will always be a huge part of my life. I’m so excited to be a part of the Dallas Sidekicks Dancers this year and I’m looking forward to what this season holds.
During my 2nd and 3rd grade year, my dad was deployed overseas in the U.S. Army. My teachers at that time were a huge part of our family’s support system. It was during this time that I discovered my love and appreciation for reading.
As I started competing in pageants, we were encouraged to immerse ourselves in community causes we were passionate about. It was then that I created, Love Through Literacy: Creating Lifelong Readers. Love Through Literacy was founded with the goal to emphasize the importance of literacy as an essential skill for everyday living and exposing children to the endless possibilities of the imagination through reading. Through after school programs, we shared with students across North Texas how reading can take you anywhere you want to go.
I was inspired to write the book in hopes of sharing the same story with even more children.
3. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Aside from reading, I enjoy spending time with my family and discovering new Netflix shows!
4. Who are the characters inspired by?
The main characters, LoLo and her Dad are inspired by me and my dad.
5. What is your favorite type of book to read?
My favorite type of books to read are mysteries and biographies!
6. What is a short description of the book?
“8 year old LoLo learns the devastating news that her father is leaving to serve overseas. She is filled with sadness, grief, and concern for her Dad's safety. One day at school, LoLo listens to her teacher read a book aloud. While listening, LoLo begins to discover the true magical powers of a book. Her feelings of sadness slowly disappear as her imagination takes hold. Join LoLo and her friends as they discover their love of learning, literacy, and each other.”
7. What are some things you want to do in the future?
A sequel to LoLo Loves to Learn will be coming soon! I’m looking forward to expanding LoLo as a series and brand. After graduating in May with my MBA, I’m looking forward to navigating a career in educational policy. Dance will always be a huge part of my life. I’m so excited to be a part of the Dallas Sidekicks Dancers this year and I’m looking forward to what this season holds.
Meet Author
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Through a few conversations and interactions, she not only gets the, “mean girls,” to stop bullying, but they also become friends. |
3. Does your book give a comparison of the right and wrong way to help stop bullying?
Yes. This happens towards the end of the book. Malaysia talks about ways that people say it should help and most of the time it doesn’t. Also, the way she handles the bullies by herself with her friends.
4. What are some of the hardships you had to go through making this book?
Dedicating my time to writing it, along with character development and identifying my target reader.
5. Do you have any tips or comments for the reader?
If someone has an interest in writing a book, make it to where you are sharing a lesson as well as entertaining the reader. For the reader, I want you to know good and more helpful ways to deal with bullies without getting into conflict.
6. How do you feel/think about what is happening in today's world regarding the Covid-19 virus and the racism in the world?
With COVID, it’s hard for a 12-year-old to have to quarantine themselves and not be able to socialize face-to-face with their friends. It is also good as well to enjoy your family and spend more time. Racism has always been here, but these past few incidents over the last few months have been very eye-opening to see how people really feel and think about the Black people around them.
7. How old were you when you had the incident you mentioned in your bio that inspired the book?
I was 10 years old.
8. How long did it take you to write the book?
We completed the book in 45 days. My book coach and I worked together twice a week.
9. What things do you like to do in your spare time?
Play Roblox and work on my hairdressing skills while also running my business and my nonprofit.
10. Who all helped you in the making of the book?
My dad, who has written two books this last year and my mom who supported me by sharing ideas and Ms. Tamika L. Sims who helped guide me through.
11. What should we expect in the next volume?
That Malaysia is going to continue fighting against bullies. Only this time the children are older than her.
For more information about Sydney Jo and her book series, please visit www.sydneysblock.com.
Yes. This happens towards the end of the book. Malaysia talks about ways that people say it should help and most of the time it doesn’t. Also, the way she handles the bullies by herself with her friends.
4. What are some of the hardships you had to go through making this book?
Dedicating my time to writing it, along with character development and identifying my target reader.
5. Do you have any tips or comments for the reader?
If someone has an interest in writing a book, make it to where you are sharing a lesson as well as entertaining the reader. For the reader, I want you to know good and more helpful ways to deal with bullies without getting into conflict.
6. How do you feel/think about what is happening in today's world regarding the Covid-19 virus and the racism in the world?
With COVID, it’s hard for a 12-year-old to have to quarantine themselves and not be able to socialize face-to-face with their friends. It is also good as well to enjoy your family and spend more time. Racism has always been here, but these past few incidents over the last few months have been very eye-opening to see how people really feel and think about the Black people around them.
7. How old were you when you had the incident you mentioned in your bio that inspired the book?
I was 10 years old.
8. How long did it take you to write the book?
We completed the book in 45 days. My book coach and I worked together twice a week.
9. What things do you like to do in your spare time?
Play Roblox and work on my hairdressing skills while also running my business and my nonprofit.
10. Who all helped you in the making of the book?
My dad, who has written two books this last year and my mom who supported me by sharing ideas and Ms. Tamika L. Sims who helped guide me through.
11. What should we expect in the next volume?
That Malaysia is going to continue fighting against bullies. Only this time the children are older than her.
For more information about Sydney Jo and her book series, please visit www.sydneysblock.com.
Nadia Graham Interviews the Author of Bougie Girl Chronicles
Lady Trenette Wilson
July 2020
1. What inspired you to write the book?
I was inspired by my desire to provide a platform for black girls to be exposed to different settings, inspired and educated beyond their daily experiences. |
2. Who or what did you think about when you made the characters?
The characters are a mix of the girls I have worked with over the past 25 years and my 3 daughters. |
3. Why did you choose the ages 9 through 12?
I chose 9 to 12-year-olds because it is such a difficult age. By reading about how Nyah navigates this space, girls have a point of reference. |
4. What is the book series about?
Bougie Girl Chronicles follows the fictitious life of Nyah Nicole Bridges as she attends the prestigious Ellen Stein Finishing School. |
5. Why did you decide to make it into a series?
I wrote it as a series because I wanted to deal with numerous tween issues that couldn't all fit in one book. |
6. What do you think about when you hear the word "bougie"?
Bougie- Brilliant, Outstanding, Unique, Girls in Elevation. |
7. Why did you choose to write a book about etiquette?
Etiquette builds confidence. The more confident a young woman is, the less at-risk behavior she will engage in. |
8. How long did it take to write the book?
4 years |
9. What tip or note do you have for people reading the series?
Open your mind for new experiences and growth. |
10. What hardships did you go through in the making of the book?
Through God's grace, the only hardship was ending the series. |
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