Thursday, February 12, 2026

Voices Worth Reading: Claudette Jude


Meet Author Claudette Jude


Tell us about yourself.

    I am a working mother and a children’s author based in London, United Kingdom. I love creating colorful, family‑centered stories that celebrate curiosity, imagination, and everyday adventures. My background in English Literature fuels my passion for storytelling, while my St. Lucian (Caribbean) heritage inspires the warmth and family values woven into my books. I regularly visit the island for inspiration and to stay connected to its culture.

    I write with the hope of sparking a love of reading in young children and bringing families together through shared stories. My books are designed for ages 3–6, filled with vibrant illustrations, rooted in real experiences, and each one carries a meaningful lesson.


Tell us about your featured book.

    Kaiden’s Bedtime Adventure is the first story in the series and a perfect introduction to Kaiden’s lively imagination. The series is based on my children, with each story inspired by real experiences. From a young age, my son would say there were so many intellectual things he could be doing instead of going to bed — and that spark of personality became the heart of this book.

    Kaiden never liked going to bed; he always wanted to stay up, play, and stretch bedtime out just a bit more. Every night he would slip under the covers as slowly as he could, hoping to delay sleep. But one night, something truly magical happens. What begins as an ordinary bedtime suddenly transforms into the most unforgettable adventure Kaiden could ever imagine — an experience filled with wonder, excitement, surprises, and a touch of bedtime magic.  

    Kaiden’s Bedtime Adventure invites young readers to join Kaiden on his very first adventure and follow him into a world where imagination turns the simplest routine into something extraordinary. It’s a cozy, joyful, lesson‑filled story that reminds families that bedtime can be full of magic too.


When did you start writing?

    I have been writing in one form or another for as long as I can remember, but I began focusing on children’s stories when I realized how much joy I found in creating simple, meaningful moments for young readers. Writing for children felt like a natural extension of my love for storytelling and literacy. I was inspired to write for children after sharing countless stories with my own children, which sparked a desire to create books that families can enjoy together.


In your opinion, what are the most important elements of good writing?

    For me, good writing begins with a genuine love of storytelling and a passion for literacy. It should be clear, warm, purposeful, and written from the heart. In children’s books especially, rhythm matters — the language should flow smoothly when read aloud. Characters need heart, the story needs honesty, and every sentence should invite a child to imagine, laugh, wonder, and learn.


Describe your writing space.

    My writing space is cozy and calm, with a notebook (yes, I still use paper) always nearby and a few colorful children’s books within reach for inspiration. Ideas and sentences come to me anywhere, so I often have bits of paper scattered around and notes saved on my phone. I like good lighting, a comfortable chair, and a space that feels welcoming — somewhere I can slip easily into the world of Kaiden and Kerana.


What is the most challenging part of writing for you?

    The biggest challenge is balancing simplicity with meaning. Writing for young children requires choosing just the right words — enough to spark imagination and keep them engaged, but not so much that the story becomes heavy or unbalanced. It’s a delicate, thoughtful process, but one I truly enjoy.


How do you handle literary criticism?

    I see criticism as an important part of the creative journey. It helps me understand what my audience connects with, and I take time to listen, reflect, and use what’s helpful. My goal is always to grow, refine my craft, and create stories that resonate with children and families. Feedback plays a valuable role in that process.


Who is your favorite author and why?

    I admire authors who write with warmth and clarity, as it shows how much they care, and those who can capture big feelings in simple, child‑friendly language. I’m especially drawn to writers who celebrate family, culture, learning, and imagination, because those themes resonate deeply with my own work.


What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

    When I’m not writing, I enjoy studying, gardening, learning, spending time with my family, exploring new ideas, and staying connected to my St. Lucian heritage. I’m also hoping to start learning a new language soon. And of course, I love reading — especially stories that spark creativity, joy, and a sense of wonder.


What would you like to say to your readers?

    Thank you for joining Kaiden and Kerana on their adventures. I hope these stories bring you laughter, comfort, and a spark of imagination. Keep reading, keep exploring, and keep finding magic in the everyday moments around you, through life and through books.  

I look forward to continuing to write exciting stories for you to enjoy and to collaborating with others to promote the importance of literacy for many years to come.


Follow Claudette Jude on the following platforms:


Author Catalog
Click on the book to be connected and find out more. 
Meet Kaiden and his family on the first of many adventures in this series. Kaiden never liked going to bed, he did not like bedtime as he always wanted to stay up and play. Each night Kaiden would slowly get into bed. One night Kaiden went to bed and had the most magical adventure! An adventure Kaiden would never dream could ever happen to him. Join Kaiden on his adventure!



Meet Kaiden on the second of many adventures of this series.
Kaiden never liked eating peas. He sometimes did not like dinnertime as he always had peas or vegetables. At dinner, Kaiden would slowly eat his peas one by one, hoping Mum and Dad would say he did not have to eat his peas.
One day, Kaiden had the most magical experience after eating his peas, an experience that Kaiden and his family were so proud of.
Join Kaiden on his peas-eating adventure!








Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Voices Worth Reading: Shari Beckford

Shari Beckford


Tell us about yourself.
    I am an author, entrepreneur, and creative visionary who believes in using words as tools for healing, clarity, and growth. My work is deeply rooted in real life real emotions, real challenges, and real resilience. Beyond writing, I build brands, host empowerment events, and create spaces where people especially women, can reconnect with their purpose and confidence.

Tell us about your featured book.
    My featured book is a reflective and motivational work designed to meet readers exactly where they are. It encourages self-awareness, emotional honesty, and forward movement, even during difficult seasons. The book blends encouragement with practical reflection, reminding readers that they are not broken they are becoming.

When did you start writing?
    I started writing as a form of self-expression long before I ever considered publishing. Writing became my safe space first as a way to process life, then as a way to inspire others. Over time, it evolved into a calling to share my voice and experiences with a wider audience.

In your opinion, what are the most important elements of good writing?
    Honesty, clarity, and connection. Good writing doesn’t try to impress it tries to resonate. When writing comes from a place of truth and intention, readers can feel it. Simplicity and authenticity often leave the strongest impact.

Describe your writing space.
    My writing space is calm, intentional, and flexible. I can write anywhere as long as there is peace and focus sometimes at a desk, sometimes with a journal nearby, and sometimes with soft music playing. What matters most is the mental space, not the physical one.

What is the most challenging part of writing for you?
    Balancing vulnerability with boundaries. Writing honestly requires courage, but it’s also important to protect certain parts of yourself. Finding that balance being open without overexposing is the most challenging yet rewarding part of the process.

How do you handle literary criticism?
    I receive criticism with discernment. I welcome constructive feedback that helps me grow, and I release opinions that are not aligned with my purpose. Writing is personal, but growth requires listening without losing your voice.

Who is your favorite author and why?
    Maya Angelou is one of my favorite authors because her writing is fearless, graceful, and deeply rooted in truth. Her words carry both strength and softness, and she reminds readers that lived experience is powerful literature.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
    I enjoy creating, building brands, hosting meaningful conversations, and spending time reflecting. I also love supporting other creatives and entrepreneurs, traveling when possible, and finding inspiration in everyday moments.

What would you like to say to your readers?
    Thank you for allowing my words into your life. If something you read made you feel seen, encouraged, or understood then the book has done its job. Keep going, keep believing, and remember that your story matters.


Follow Shar Beckford on the following platforms: 


Book Purchase Link



Upcoming Events:

Stillness & Strength Seminar
February 14, 2026



Podcast Interview of Dani Nicole

 

Some authors don’t just write books — they create community, encourage others, and open doors for voices that deserve to be heard. Dani Nicole is one of those authors.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and now calling Charlotte, North Carolina home, Dani Nicole wears many hats. She is an author, a mom, a coach, and a mentor who is passionate about helping both readers and writers grow. After independently publishing her first romantic drama novel in 2024, she stepped into the literary world with a clear mission: to tell meaningful stories while helping other authors gain the visibility they deserve.

Her fiction novel Entangled With Deceit takes readers on an emotional journey, while her nonfiction work focuses on uplifting and supporting mothers through real-life encouragement. Her Moments for Moms series (Volumes 3 and 4), along with her affirmation coloring book, offer inspiration, reflection, and moments of self-care for busy moms navigating everyday life.

Dani’s passion for supporting authors doesn’t stop with her books. Through her podcast, Book Talk Author Visibility, she creates a space where writers can share their journeys, promote their work, and connect with a wider audience. The podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio, making it easy for listeners to tune into authentic conversations about writing, publishing, and building visibility.

She continues to stay active in the literary community with upcoming appearances, including a podcast with Magnificent Moms on February 18 and a BookTok podcast on TikTok with Sharice Johnson on February 21.


Connect with Dani Nicole:
Facebook: @Dani Nicole

Purchase her books:

πŸ“š Celebrating Literary Greatness: The 2026 Aspiring Authors / BookGal Awards Winners

Every story begins with a voice brave enough to speak — and every year, the Aspiring Authors / BookGal Awards celebrate the voices that refuse to be silenced.

The 2026 awards season has officially come to a close, and what a powerful journey it has been. From heartfelt nominations to passionate voting and overwhelming community support, this year reminded us exactly why SCBookGal & Friends exists — to uplift authors, celebrate storytelling, and create a literary space where writers feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

This is more than an awards announcement. This is a celebration of purpose, passion, and the power of words.

✨ Honoring the Voices That Move Us

Each winner represents more than just a title — they represent dedication to craft, courage in storytelling, and the ability to connect deeply with readers. These authors have given us stories that made us feel, think, reflect, and sometimes even heal.

The Aspiring Authors / BookGal Awards were created to spotlight both rising and established voices, recognizing that greatness exists at every stage of the writing journey. Whether through fiction that transports us, poetry that speaks to our souls, or nonfiction that educates and empowers, this year’s winners have left their mark on the literary world.


πŸ† Congratulations to Our 2026 Winners!

Today, we celebrate the authors who captured the hearts of readers and the spirit of our literary community:



    
       

       

      

      

     

     

   

    

    

   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  



Each of you represents the beauty of storytelling and the strength of creative expression. Your work reminds us that stories are not just written — they are lived, shared, and passed forward.

πŸ’¬ Community Is the Heart of Everything We Do

At SCBookGal & Friends, we believe books build bridges. These awards are powered by readers, writers, reviewers, and supporters who continue to show up for one another. The nominations, the conversations, the votes — every moment reflects a community committed to uplifting literary excellence.

Through our podcast, author interviews, magazine features, and community events, our mission remains the same: to amplify voices and celebrate stories that deserve to be heard.

πŸ“– The Journey Continues

To every nominee, finalist, and winner — thank you for trusting us with your stories and allowing this community to celebrate your work.

And to our readers and supporters: thank you for continuing to show up, engage, and champion authors who inspire us all.

The pages keep turning, the stories keep coming, and SCBookGal & Friends will always be here — celebrating every chapter along the way.

Congratulations again to our 2026 Aspiring Authors / BookGal Award winners. Your stories matter, your voices matter, and this is only the beginning.






Friday, February 6, 2026

Author Profile: Monique Love

Monique Love

Monique Love is a multi-genre author known for bold, emotionally charged storytelling that blends urban fiction, romance, and raw realism. Her work explores love, trauma, ambition, and survival, centering complex Black characters who navigate life’s contradictions with grit and vulnerability. Drawing inspiration from real experiences and deep emotional truth, Monique’s stories give voice to the silenced and shine light on the beauty found in broken places. She is the founder of PenGoddess Ink Presents, where storytelling is treated as legacy-building, and she is passionate about creating narratives that both entertain and heal. With multiple published titles and a growing readership, Monique Love continues to craft unforgettable stories that linger long after the final page.





Tell us about your featured book.
    I Used to Love Him is a powerful story about survival, healing, and reclaiming your life after trauma. It follows Ariel Winston, a woman who believed she had found real love, until the man she trusted slowly revealed himself through control, isolation, and abuse she learned to hide. When Jordan pulls the trigger, Ariel survives the shooting, but her real fight begins afterward.

Paralyzed and forced to rebuild her life from a wheelchair, Ariel must navigate physical therapy, the courtroom, and the emotional wreckage left behind, all while holding on to her faith and protecting her son. With the steady support of Marcus and the unwavering love of her family, she begins to rediscover her strength, her voice, and what healthy love truly means.

This book is a story of survival, rebirth, and empowerment, written for every woman who has ever loved the wrong person and needed proof that freedom and healing are still possible.



When did you start writing?
        I started writing at the age of 12 years old. Making books out of five subjects notbooks using the brown paper as my book covers. I always knew writing and creating were my gifts. 



 In your opinion, what are the most important elements of good writing?
        In my opinion, the most important elements of good writing are honesty, emotional connection, and clarity of voice. A story has to feel true, even when it’s fictional; readers can sense when a writer is being real versus when they’re holding back. Strong characters with depth and flaws are essential because people connect to people, not perfection. Good writing also requires intentional pacing, vivid details, and dialogue that sounds natural and purposeful. Most importantly, a clear author’s voice matters. When a writer understands who they are and what they’re trying to say, the story flows with confidence. Technical skills can always be learned, but authenticity, heart, and purpose are what turn words on a page into something that stays with the reader long after the book ends.



Describe your writing space.
        My writing space is quiet, intentional, and deeply personal. I need a calm environment where my thoughts can flow without interruption. I usually write with soft lighting, my phone nearby for notes, and music playing low in the background—typically R&B or something instrumental that matches the mood of the scene. I like to be comfortable, whether that means writing late at night or early in the morning when the world feels still. My space isn’t about perfection; it’s about energy. As long as I feel focused, inspired, and emotionally connected to the story, I can create anywhere. For me, the real writing space is the mental one, where memories, imagination, and truth all meet on the page.



What is the most challenging part of writing for you?
        The most challenging part of writing for me is revisiting emotional spaces that still carry weight. Writing honestly means opening doors to pain, trauma, love, and loss that don’t always stay on the page; they follow you afterward. I don’t skim over emotions; I sit in them, and that can be draining. Another challenge is knowing when to stop revising. Because I’m deeply connected to my stories, it’s easy to keep tweaking scenes, wanting every line to hit just right. Balancing emotional truth with the discipline to let the work be finished is something I’m constantly learning, but it’s also what keeps my writing raw and authentic.



How do you handle literary criticism?
        I handle literary criticism by listening first and reacting later. I understand that not every reader will connect with every story, and that’s okay. I take constructive criticism as a tool for growth, especially when it helps me strengthen my craft or see my work from a different perspective. At the same time, I stay grounded in my purpose and my voice. I don’t allow criticism to silence my truth or water down the stories I’m meant to tell. Discernment is key, knowing what feedback to apply and what to release. Growth matters, but authenticity always comes first.



Who is your favorite author and why?
        One of my favorite authors is Sister Souljah because she writes with unapologetic truth and purpose. Her storytelling doesn’t just entertain, it challenges the reader to think critically about society, culture, and self. I admire how she blends strong Black characters with political awareness, emotional depth, and moral complexity without watering anything down. Her work showed me early on that writing can be both powerful and fearless, and that stories rooted in truth can spark conversation, growth, and accountability. She inspires me to stay bold with my voice and intentional with my message, no matter how uncomfortable the truth may be



What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
        When I’m not writing, I enjoy grounding myself in real life and the people who matter most to me. I love spending quality time with my children and my fiancΓ©, those moments keep me centered and remind me why I create in the first place. Whether it’s family time at home, laughing with friends, or being surrounded by loved ones, those connections recharge me emotionally. I also enjoy moments of rest, reflection, and simply being present, because living fully fuels my creativity. The love, conversations, and experiences I share with family and friends often find their way back into my stories, making them richer and more authentic.



What would you like to say to your readers?
        I want to say thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your time, your emotions, and sometimes your own lived experiences. Every page you read, every message you send, and every review you leave reminds me that these stories matter. My hope is that you see yourself in my characters, feel understood in moments you couldn’t put into words, and find strength where you once felt alone. Never forget that your story is important, your healing is valid, and your voice deserves space. I write for you, with you in mind, and because of you. Thank you for walking this journey with me.


Follow Author Monique Love on social media @:
Amazon- Monique Love


Author Catalog


 Author Upcoming Events
March 20–21, 2026
Characters in the City Book Event
Charlotte, North Carolina


July 26, 2026
Pages in the City Book Event
Queens, New York

 February 19–21, 2027
Urban Riders Book Feast
Virginia

April 17, 2026 (Tentative – Registration Pending)
Miami Urban Book Expo
Miami, Florida
(Special date—held on my birthday πŸŽ‰)

August 20–21, 2027
The EyeCU Reading Literacy Experience
Detroit, Michigan



Featured Book: 

Ariel Winston thought she found real love, until the man she trusted became the man she feared.
What started as sweetness and promises slowly twisted into control, isolation, and violence she learned to hide.

And then Jordan pulled the trigger.

Surviving the shooting was only the beginning.
Waking up paralyzed, fighting through therapy, facing him in court, and rebuilding her life from a wheelchair, Ariel must rise from the ashes with nothing but her son, her faith, and the strength she never knew she had.

With the gentle support of Marcus and the fierce love of her family, Ariel discovers what freedom, healing, and real love truly look like.

A story of survival.
A story of rebirth.
A story every woman who’s ever loved wrong needs to read.





Monday, February 2, 2026

Literature as Legacy: How Black History Lives on the Page

 Literature as Legacy: How Black History Lives on the Page


Black history is often remembered through landmark moments and public figures, but its most personal truths are preserved through literature. Black writers have long used storytelling to document lived experiences, challenge injustice, and affirm identity. Through novels, poems, essays, and memoirs, literature has become one of the most powerful archives of Black history.

Early Black authors used the written word to claim agency in a society that denied it. Writers such as Phillis Wheatley, one of the first published African American poets, used poetry to assert intellect and humanity at a time when both were questioned. Her work disrupted assumptions and laid a foundation for future generations of Black writers.

As the nation evolved, so did Black literature. Authors like James Baldwin examined race, sexuality, and belonging with fearless honesty, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about American society. Baldwin’s essays and novels did more than tell stories—they demanded reflection and accountability.

During the same era, Gwendolyn Brooks captured the beauty and complexity of everyday Black life. Her poetry centered ordinary people—children, parents, neighbors—and elevated their experiences as worthy of literary recognition. In doing so, she preserved moments that might otherwise have been overlooked by history.

Black women writers have also played a crucial role in shaping literary history. Toni Morrison redefined how Black stories could be told, centering memory, ancestry, and the lasting impact of slavery without filtering those experiences through a white gaze. Her work demonstrated that Black history could be both deeply specific and universally resonant.

Children’s literature has been another vital space for preserving Black history. Authors like Mildred D. Taylor introduced young readers to stories of family, resilience, and racial injustice, ensuring that historical understanding begins early. These narratives help young people see themselves as part of a larger historical continuum.

Today, contemporary Black authors continue this legacy by addressing modern realities while honoring the past. Writers such as Ta-Nehisi Coates and Jesmyn Ward explore systemic inequality, generational trauma, and survival, reminding readers that Black history is not confined to the past—it is unfolding in real time.

Libraries, schools, and community organizations play an essential role in keeping these works accessible. When readers engage with Black literature, they are not only reading stories; they are engaging with history as lived, felt, and remembered.

Black literature stands as proof that history is more than dates and events. It is voice, memory, imagination, and truth. Through the written word, Black authors ensure that the past is honored, the present is examined, and the future remains open to possibility.


Patrice "SCBookGal843" Grimball

In Memoriam: Claudette Colvin

 Claudette Colvin: The Courage That Came First



American civil rights activist Claudette Colvin (1939–2026) was just 15 years old when she made history. In early 1955, the Montgomery, Alabama, high school student refused to give up her seat on a segregated city bus—nine months before Rosa Parks would do the same. Colvin’s arrest and conviction marked a critical yet long-overlooked moment in the Civil Rights Movement. As civil rights attorney Fred Gray later said, “If there had been no Claudette Colvin, there would have been no Rosa Parks.”

Born on September 5, 1939, in Birmingham, Alabama, Colvin was the daughter of Mary Jane Gadson and carried the surname of her biological father, C. P. Austin. Unable to support her daughters on her own, Gadson’s aunt, Mary Ann Colvin, and her husband Q. P. Colvin took in Claudette and her younger sister, Delphine, giving them the Colvin name. The family lived first in Pine Level, a rural sharecropping community near Montgomery, before relocating to the King Hill neighborhood of the city. Tragedy struck in 1952 when Delphine died of polio on Claudette’s 13th birthday.

That same year, Colvin began ninth grade at Booker T. Washington High School, one of Montgomery’s two all-Black high schools. Only weeks later, students were shaken by the arrest and death sentence of Jeremiah Reeves, a Black teenager convicted by an all-white jury after a coerced confession. The injustice left a lasting impression on Colvin and her classmates.

A serious, book-loving student, Colvin was deeply influenced by her teachers. English teacher Geraldine Nesbitt introduced students to constitutional law, democracy, and human rights, while history teacher Josie Lawrence explored African and African American history. During Negro History Week in February 1955, those lessons crystallized into something powerful for Colvin—an understanding of her rights and her worth.

On March 2, 1955, after school, Colvin boarded a Montgomery City Lines bus and sat in the middle section, a space Black riders were allowed to occupy only under certain conditions. When the bus filled and a white woman was left standing, the driver ordered Colvin and three other Black students to move. The others complied. Colvin did not.

“We had been studying the Constitution,” she later recalled. “I knew I had rights.” More than that, she was tired of the humiliation. She stayed seated.

The bus driver summoned authorities. Despite pressure from passengers and officers, Colvin refused to move. She was forcibly dragged from the bus by police officers, kicked, handcuffed, and taken to the city jail—not juvenile detention. There, she endured further humiliation before finally being released on bail, paid by her pastor. That night, her family stayed awake in fear of retaliation, guarding their home against potential violence.

Colvin was charged with violating segregation laws and assaulting a police officer—based on a minor scratch incurred during her arrest. Though city officials privately admitted the arrest was wrong, she was convicted. The case made national news, including a brief mention in The New York Times.

Civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., took note. While Colvin was not chosen as the public face of a boycott—due in part to her age and later pregnancy—her courage had already helped ignite momentum. When Rosa Parks was arrested on December 1, 1955, the groundwork had been laid.

Colvin’s most lasting impact came through the courts. In 1956, she became one of five plaintiffs in Browder v. Gayle, a federal lawsuit challenging bus segregation. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled that segregated public transportation was unconstitutional—effectively ending the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Jim Crow transit laws nationwide.

At just 17, Colvin was a new mother and found herself unable to secure work in Montgomery. She eventually moved to New York City, where she worked for decades as a nurse’s aide. For many years, her role in history went largely unrecognized.

That began to change later in life. In 2009, her story reached a new generation through Phillip Hoose’s Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice, which won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. In 2017, Montgomery officially declared March 2 Claudette Colvin Day. In 2021, an Alabama judge granted her long-awaited request to have her juvenile records expunged—finally clearing her name.

“When I think about why I’m seeking to have my name cleared,” Colvin wrote, “it’s because I want young people to know that progress is possible… and that things do get better.”

Claudette Colvin died of natural causes on January 13, 2026, at the age of 86. Her death came just weeks after the 70th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Reflecting on her legacy, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said, “Movements are built not only by the names we know best, but by those whose courage comes early, quietly, and at great personal cost.”

Claudette Colvin’s courage came first—and it helped change a nation.




Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Book Review Alert: Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes



 Book Review Alert: Ghost Boys

Author: Jewell Parker Rhodes

Paperback edition

Published: April 17, 2018

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 

ASIN: 978-0316262262

5 stars


πŸ“– When the present echoes the past, it answers the lingering questions of a 12-year-old in the afterlife. πŸ‘»

Jerome is a 12-year-old African American boy who is killed by a white police officer. This is where his story begins. As a ghost πŸ‘», Jerome can see everything that happens after his death—from the moment his life is taken to the trial that follows ⚖️. He witnesses the deep pain πŸ’” and devastation his death brings to his family and his neighborhood.

Only one person can see Jerome: Sarah, the daughter of the police officer who killed him. Through this unexpected connection 🀝, Jerome begins to understand the impact of his death beyond his own family. He is soon introduced to a community of boys like himself, known as the Ghost Boys πŸ‘¦πŸΎπŸ‘¦πŸΏπŸ‘¦πŸ½. One of them helps Jerome adjust to death and explains why Jerome has become the most well-known among them ⭐.

Join Jerome and Sarah on an emotional journey πŸ›€️ as they uncover the truth about what really happened and discover that Jerome’s death mirrors the tragic deaths of young boys from the past πŸ•Š️.


Ghost Boys is a powerful and timely book. It is an essential read for parents who want to bridge the gap between past and present conversations about race πŸ–€πŸ€ŽπŸ€. Many children may not know the story of Emmett Till but are familiar with Tamir Rice. This book connects both histories in a way that is accessible and impactful. It can be described as The Hate U Give for a younger audience—thought-provoking 🧠, emotional 😒, and absolutely necessary πŸ“š.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Book Review Alert: Out With the Old by Sedona Rose

 


Book Review Alert: Out With the Old

Author: Sedona Rose

Kindle Edition

Published: February 4, 2025

Publisher: Sedona Rose 

ASIN: B0DVXD8B4G

5 stars

Solani is determined to welcome the New Year the right way—no more tears, no more moping, and no more painful reminders of her divorce. A fresh start calls for a getaway with her friends… or so she thinks.

What she doesn’t know is that her New Year is about to get even better when someone from her past unexpectedly reappears. Happy New Year!

This was a perfect short read to ring in the New Year. And Ryder—whew, how was it? I love a man who knows exactly what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it, while still knowing how to handle the situation with care. Ms. Rose, though, I need to know what happens next with this couple. Best believe I’ll be on the lookout for more come spring!


Voices Worth Reading: Claudette Jude

Meet Author Claudette Jude Tell us about yourself.      I am a working mother and a children’s author based in London, United Kingdom. I lov...