Tonya Duncan Ellis's Blog, page 11
June 26, 2020
Representation Matters – Buy Books By Black Authors
“Buying books by Black authors is a political act….We want to dismantle and disrupt racism and push for change.” – Kelly Starling Lyons
The 2019 numbers on diversity in KidLit/YA by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center are out, and they are similar to figures from 2018. Of 3,718 books surveyed, 11.9% represent Black/African characters, up from 10% in 2018.
“Taken together, books about White children, talking bears, trucks, monsters, potatoes, etc. represent nearly three quarters (71%) of children’s and young adult books published in 2019,” said librarian Madelyn Tyner.
Books about Asians also rose slightly to 8.7% from 7% in 2018, while children’s books featuring Latinx and Native American characters stayed flat at 5.3% percent and 1 percent.
What’s disheartening to me is that not only are Black characters rarely given leading roles in children’s literature, but Black authors aren’t being given a chance to tell our own stories. Just 46.4% of all surveyed books featuring Black and African characters were penned by Black people in 2019. That means that over half of the traditionally published children’s books about Black people aren’t even written by us.
One hundred percent of surveyed books featuring Asians were written by Asians, and 95.7 percent of surveyed books featuring Latinx characters had Latinx creators.
Early this week, I listened in on a webinar by the Authors Guild entitled “Black Voices Pushing for Change in Children’s Book Publishing.” Traditionally published Black children’s authors, publishers, and book agents, highlighted long-standing racism in the publishing industry and called for change. They talked about the struggles even well-established Black authors face getting book deals and getting similar pay advances as others. I learned that less than five percent of the agents, editors, and marketers in the publishing industry are Black.
As an independent author looking to break into the traditional establishment, hearing this news is discouraging. Getting a foot in the door for any author is a lengthy challenge (1-2 years to secure an agent, 2 or more years to get a book deal, 1-2 years before the accepted book is published). Add in the fact that few in the traditional publishing world look like me, or the assumption that “black kids don’t read,” and things seem bleak.
Still, I keep publishing because I love what I do, and feedback from parents, librarians and readers of all races tells me they appreciate my work. I continue to keep the faith that change is on the horizon. Just like I never imagined I’d live during a pandemic or see all the racial upheaval that’s going on in our country, anything is possible. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the diversification of the publishing industry will speed up to allow more opportunity for all.
Thanks to the readers who have supported my work and purchased books by Black authors. If you are looking to diversify your library, consider books by some of the independent Black children’s authors listed below:
Picture Books
Audrey Lost Her Shoe by Felicia Lee
B is For Breathe by Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd
Black Girl Shine by Shavondra Walker
Big Hair, Don’t Care by Crystal Swain-Bates
C.J.’s Big Dream by C.J. Watson
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today by Patrice McLaurin
King Khalid is Proud by Veronica Chapman
Little Miss is Destined For Greatness by Amber Bogan
Simone Visits the Museum by Dr. Kelsi Bracmort
Ten Fingers Ten Toes by Yolanda McElroy
The Message in the Mirror by Katrina Denise
The Rumble Hunters by Courtney B. Dunlap
What If We Were All the Same by C.M. Harris
Your Own Kind of Beautiful by Tamara Pray Frazier
Chapter Books/Middle Grade
Anyia Dream of a Warrior by Jacquitta A. McManus
Beyond the Kitchen: How to Cook Up Success With Life’s Mistakes by Nigel and Shane Mushambi
Danny Dollar Millionaire Extraordinaire – The Lemonade Escapade by Allan Jackson
Feyi Fay Series by Simisayo Brownstone
Jaden Toussaint The Greatest by Marti Dumas
Nerdi Bunny Series by Aisha Tombs
The Crunchy Life Book Series by Glen Mourning
The Sophie Washington Series by Tonya Duncan Ellis
Online Book Sellers
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
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June 5, 2020
KidLit Rally for Black Lives Comforts and Inspires
Let him get home safe, I said a silent prayer as my six-foot-two teen son walked to the store in my suburban neighborhood. Still a boy in my eyes, to anyone else, he appears to be a grown man. Take that hood off your head! Belt your pants! Pick out your hair! Don’t look like a threat.
When I was just 15-years-old, an autistic boy was killed by the police in my neighborhood. His mother was having trouble handling him and made the mistake of calling the authorities. Forced outside in 20-degree weather with no shirt on, her son died that night. Life went on, and I don’t think anything happened to the officers.
Like the rest of Black America, I raged when George Floyd was murdered shortly after other high-profile killings of innocent African Americans. Why can’t Black people live in peace in this country? Why have I had to shield my teen son from racism since he was shunned on a preschool tee-ball team, while others on Facebook wonder when they should “break the news” about racism to their 12-year-olds?
Watching the KidLit Rally for Black Lives, sponsored by The Brown Bookshelf, was like taking a cooling shower on a sweltering day. Authors Jacqueline Woodson, Jason Reynolds, Derrick Barnes, and Denene Millner’s stirring examples were a virtual warm hug. Illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newton’s sweet singing soothed my soul. Words from Elizabeth Acevedo, Gene Luen Yang, and other non-Black artists, encouraged me that many are committed to the struggle. Newbery Medal Winner Kwame Alexander’s stirring closing poem literally took my breath away and had me on my feet.
We have a long journey ahead, but the comments from educators and parents tuning in, wanting to help, trying to understand, gives me hope that this time, change will truly come and that the loss of so many beautiful Black lives has not been in vain. If you missed the first showing of this Facebook Live event, do yourself a favor and check out the recording at The Brown Bookshelf.
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
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May 26, 2020
Fun Book Series Featuring Black Main Characters
When I have a stressful day, curling up with a lighthearted book is a great escape. In recent days, reading has been an even greater comfort as the outside world seems out of control. Kids sometimes need this break as well. The feel-good book series listed below, featuring African American main characters, include stories you can hand off to your child for education, entertainment, and good old-fashioned fun.
The Clubhouse Mysteries series by Sharon M. Draper– Best friends Ziggy, Rashawn, Jerome, and Rico decide to form a clubhouse, complete with secret codes, meetings, and special treasures. Join them as they solve mysteries, find their courage and help their community in this fun and heartwarming series!
Jaden Toussaint, The Greatest series by Marti Dumas – Super-smart, Jaden Toussaint’s brain is even bigger than his afro. From debating, to ninja dancing, to being an animal scientist, there’s nothing the witty five-year-old can’t do. Follow along in the five-book series for hours of fun.
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Ruby and the Booker Boys series by Derrick Barnes -Newbery Honor author Derrick Barnes gives us Ruby Booker, a sweet and sassy eight-year-old who has three big brothers. Ruby sings likes nobody’s business, has a pet iguana named Lady Love, and chooses grape-jelly purple as her favorite color. Welcome to her world!
The Magnificent Mya Tibbs series by Crystal Allen – Author Crystal Allen presents the most fabulous nine-year-old cowgirl in Texas! From competing in her school’s Spirit Week and Wall of Fame Game contests to figuring out where she fits in when her parents have a new baby, spunky, Mya, has plenty of boot-scootin’ fun in this three-book series.
The Jada Jones series by Kelly Starling Lyons -Sweet, science-loving fourth grader, Jada Jones, navigates friendships, runs for class office, helps those in need, and learns to dance in this adorable series by celebrated author Kelly Starling Lyons.
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The Sophie Washington series by Tonya Duncan Ellis – Spelling bee queen Sophie Washington handles the ups and downs of friendship, stands up to bullies, and stays true to herself in the Sophie Washington series. Follow along with the sassy sixth grader and friends in 10 books!
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
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May 15, 2020
Behind the Scenes: Jillan Broddie – The Voice of Sophie Washington
Meet Jillan Broddie, the voice of SOPHIE WASHINGTON! Jillan has spoken on six of the seven total SOPHIE WASHINGTON animated book trailers and hopes to continue the role with future releases.
The 15-year-old high school sophomore is a student at Louisville Male High School in Louisville, Kentucky. She took time to share a bit about her role as a voice-over artist.
What were your thoughts when you were chosen as the voice of SOPHIE WASHINGTON? I felt really excited, and I couldn’t wait to get started.
How long have you held the role? About two years.
How do you prepare to do your voice-over work? Do you do anything to get into character? It definitely helps to read the books, so I know Sophie’s point of view.
Are you involved in any other performance arts? What other things have you participated in? I sing in school and at my church (First Virginia Avenue Baptist Church).
What inspired you to get into acting? Watching musicals and things like that always held my attention, so I decided to try it out, and I liked it.
What are your career aspirations/future goals? I want to work with abused women and children.
Do you like to read? What books did you read at Sophie’s age (11). What are some of your favorite books now? I have always enjoyed realistic fiction books, and some of my favorites right now are We Were Liars and Recovery Road.
Check out Jillan’s latest work in the trailer for SOPHIE WASHINGTON: My BFF:
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
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May 14, 2020
Middle Grade Books That Address Social Justice
There was a public outcry when news leaked that Ahmaud Arbery, a young, unarmed, African American jogger, was gunned down in Georgia. When kids ask us about incidents like this what do we say? Civil rights violations, shootings of innocents, and other social justice problems are tough, but important, issues to discuss with youngers. Reading the middle books listed below is a great way to get those sensitive conversations started.
Blended by Sharon Draper – Eleven-year-old Isabella shifts between two worlds on a weekly basis as she moves back and forth between her divorced parent’s homes. Her mother, who calls her Izzy, is white, and her father is black, adding to the young adolescent’s confusion about where she fits in. Izzy and her brother are stopped by the police during an ice cream run and a shocking ending to the story opens the door to many other talking points.
A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee – The sweet cover illustration that includes a hot pink backpack covered with an ice cream cone, a peace sign, flower and track team appliques had me thinking this was another simple story about middle school life and friendship. But as I started reading, I looked twice and noticed the sewn on black fist and Black Lives Matter band on the main character’s forearm and realized that A Good Kind of Trouble covers some serious ground. Twelve-year-old Shalya avoids problems at all costs. She has few other black friends and enjoys hanging around her two besties, Julia and Hannah, a.k.a. “The United Nations.” Then a social justice issue comes close to home and the girl who used to stay away from trouble causes some commotion of her own.
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes – Jerome, a twelve-year-old boy from Chicago, is shot and killed after a police officer mistakes his toy gun for a real one. Jerome’s ghost meets the ghost of Emmett Till, another boy wrongfully killed in the past, and helps heal emotional wounds suffered by those left behind. Ghost Boys explores the aftermath of a wrongful shooting from all angles, showing how it affects the boy’s family, the community at large, and even the police officer’s daughter.
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks – In between making yummy cupcakes and arguing with the boy next door, twelve-year-old Zoe Washington learns that her incarcerated father has been wrongfully jailed and researches and contacts the Innocence Project to help him get justice. Though it has a heavy topic this book is very relatable for young readers and a happy, hopeful read.
Clean Getaway by Nic Stone – After an incident in school puts him on lockdown during his spring break, eleven-year-old William “Scoob” Lamar takes a runaway road trip though the South with his unconventional, white grandmother, G’ma, and gets a valuable history lesson about the segregated South.
Betty Before X by Illyasah Shabazz and Rene Watson – This book tells about the growing-up years of Dr. Betty Shabazz, widow of human rights activist and black nationalist Malcolm X. As a child growing up in Detroit, Betty was inspired by leaders like Thurgood Marshall and Paul Robeson, who visited her church, and she volunteered for the Housewives League, a group that supports black-owned businesses. The book touches on racism, threats, and a teen boy who was murdered by police.
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
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May 9, 2020
Diverse Books That Take Readers to Another Place
“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” – Mason Cooley
Summer vacation is upon us, and social distancing and job changes are causing many families to cancel their normal travel plans. Kids looking forward to building sandcastles on the beach or playing tag with cousins at the annual family reunion may be disappointed. But staying in your own backyard doesn’t have to be boring. Open up exciting new worlds for the little ones with these fun books:
Zaynab’s Enchanted Scarf by Robyn Abdusumad – Zaynab takes a magical trip to the motherland of Africa in this colorful picture book. Along the journey readers learn about the historical contributions of Africans and African-Americans and Zaynab gains the courage and strength to find her way home. Ages 6-10. Buy HERE.
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia -This exciting epic fantasy stars a seventh grader named Tristan Strong and introduces a magical world that includes African American folk heroes and West African gods. The sequel, Tristan Destroys the World, is scheduled to release this fall. Ages 8-12. Buy HERE.
Shuri: A Black Panther Novel by Nic Stone – Black Panther fans are transported back to Wakanda with T’Challa’s younger sister, Princess Shuri, in this exciting series opener by New York Times Bestselling Author Nic Stone. When the magical plant that gives the Black Panther his strength mysteriously stops growing, teenaged Shuri sets off on a quest to restore it and save her homeland. Ages 9-12. Buy HERE.
Feyi Fay and the Case of the Disappearance of Captain Nosa by Simisayo Brownstone – This is the second book of the imaginative series about Feyi Fay, an African fairy who travels the world to help kids solve their problems. In this fun-filled book about compassion and respect she journeys to Costa Rica to find brainy superhero, Captain Nosa. Ages 6-10. Buy HERE.
The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste – Set in the Caribbean, this is the opener in a three-book series about a brave girl who stands up to scary spirits to save her island home. The story is loosely based on a Haitian folktale called “The Magic Orange Tree.” Others in the series include, The Rise of the Jumbies and The Jumbie God’s Revenge. Ages 9-12. Buy HERE.
Sophie Washington: Mission: Costa Rica by Tonya Duncan Ellis– Sophie and friends take a spring break mission trip to Costa Rica and have a wild jungle adventure filled with zip lines, a river ride, and plenty of wildlife sightings in this exciting, illustrated chapter book. This is the sixth installment in the 10-book series. Ages 8-12. Buy HERE.
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
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April 26, 2020
How to Keep Kids Reading During Quarantine
Since at-home learning started has it been difficult for you to keep your children on a reading schedule? If social media posts and memes from parents are any indication, you’re in good company. It’s hard enough to get some children to pick up a book when school’s in session. Anxiety and disrupted schedules may now make it seem nearly impossible. If convincing your little one to read feels like making him eat vegetables, try some of the suggestions listed below:
Try New Book Genres –Kids may not like to read because they aren’t interested in, or don’t feel connected to, assigned books. Allow them to try out different genres or styles than they normally read (biographies, graphic novels, poetry, historical fiction, etc.) to see what sparks their interest.
Have a Family Reading Hour – Lack of time may be less of an excuse to bow out of reading aloud with our children now that many of us are sheltering at home and aren’t doing daily commutes. Use some of those extra minutes to read and discuss books with the kids, who generally find storytime more enjoyable when cuddled with parents.
Host a Zoom Book Club – Book clubs are great ways for kids to connect with friends and talk about their favorite reads. Choose a common book selection and come up with, or download, fun discussion questions or quizzes to use as talking points. Kids can also complete coloring pages, activity sheets, or crafts that go along with the story during book club that many authors provide for free on their websites. Make it even more enjoyable by letting members snack on yummy treats at the book club meeting.
Visit a Virtual Story Time – Authors who have had to cancel live book tours are now offering virtual storytimes, and celebrities like Dolly Parton and Michelle Obama are also doing online book readings for children. Check on your favorite author’s social media page and/or website to find out if and when they might be doing a virtual reading.
Check Out Your Library Online – Public library doors are shut right now, but online options remain open to the community. Look for children’s ebooks and audiobooks to download and free movies and music to stream. Libraries are holding online story times and reading-based activities as well.
Support Independent Booksellers – These community centers have shifted to become online neighborhood hangouts, offering regularly scheduled programming like author visits, story times, and free talks and classes, virtually. Most provide online ordering with discounted shipping and curbside pickup.
Review Favorite Books Online and Tag Favorite Authors – Now’s a great time for children to connect with their favorite authors, who miss contact with readers from cancelled book events. Help your child post reviews of their favorite books on social media or post pictures or videos of them reading the book, and your favorite author may just comment on the post or message you back.
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
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April 25, 2020
Sophie Washington: My BFF is Going on a Blog Tour!
Sophie Washington: My BFF is taking an online tour on nine book review blogs! Join along April 27 to May 18 to learn more about the Amazon #1 New Release and to enter a drawing to win a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Sophie Washington: My BFF, which is the 10th book in the bestselling Sophie Washington illustrated chapter book series for kids ages 8-12, deals with the ups and downs of tween friendship. It’s an entertaining page turner that has good lessons as well as plenty of fun.
Hope to see you on the tour! Dates and stops are listed below:
April 27: Mythical Books
April 27: Kit ‘N Kabookle
May 4: Our Town Book Reviews
May 4: Karma Readz
May 4: Andi’s Middle Grade and Chapter Books
May 11: Fabulous and Brunette
May 11: The Reading Addict
May 18: Locks, Hooks and Books
May 18: ACME Teen Books – Kids, YA, and NA Too!
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @TonyaDEllis
Folow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
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April 24, 2020
See Yourself: Quarantine Reads Featuring Kids of Color
If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” – Toni Morrison
“Reading is boring,” is a refrain education-focused parents hate to hear from their children. But in a world where more books feature animals than African Americans, 27 percent versus 7 percent in 2018, this is not surprising. Children want books that are both mirrors and windows, showing them themselves while exposing them to new worlds. The inspiring books listed below, written by independent Black authors, do just that. Add a few to your online shopping cart to educate and entertain your children during quarantine and beyond.
I Am Unique by Jennifer Vassel – I Am Unique touches on self-love and being comfortable with what makes you one-of-a-kind. Main character, Erin, loves to act, but her best friend discourages her from trying out for the school play because she has a birthmark. Will she let this “perceived flaw” stop her from following her dream? Buy Here
The Rumble Hunters by Courtney B. Dunlap – The fearless Rumble Hunters take on things that go bump in the night. Written in rhyme with a surprise ending, it’s a great bedtime read. Buy Here
Kool Kids & the Land of the Giants by James Tate – This group of Christian children motivates readers to fight “giants” such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, and debt. Buy Here
Zakiyyah’s Talking Flower Garden by Robyn Abdusamad – Zakiyyah learns about flowers and the kings and queens of Africa in this colorfully illustrated story, which is the second book in the Zaynab’s Enchanted Scarf series. Buy Here
The Sophie Washington Series by Tonya Duncan Ellis – The ten books in this chapter book series star a sweet and sassy tween from Houston, Texas. Each book weaves gentle life lessons about kindness, responsibility, and being true to yourself in with entertaining storylines. Buy Here
Simone Visits the Museum by Dr. Kelsi Bracmort – Simone spends an afternoon at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in this beautiful picture book and learns lessons about responsibility and the importance of family along the way. Buy Here
Black Girl Shine! by Shavondra Walker – This book encourages young girls to work hard and be determined to make all their dreams come true. Beauty, confidence, character, intelligence, and self love are stressed in the vibrantly illustrated story. Buy Here
Anyia Dream of a Warrior by Jacquitta A. McManus – Anyia breaks village traditions to become a warrior in this epic fantasy adventure. Buy Here
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @TonyaDEllis
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April 22, 2020
Coping with COVID-19: When Being Homebound Is Too Much
COVID-19 has had us all homebound for weeks. School doors are closed for the semester. Anxious parents are juggling getting work done with helping children, who miss their friends and routines. It’s enough to make anyone ready to scream. If the idea of another day cooped up at home is sending you over the edge, here are a few suggestions to help you and family members cope:
Journal – Writing down your day-to-day activities and feelings is a great way to release emotional tension and process what’s going on. Reading over your entries at a later time often gives you perspective on your situation that helps you feel better.
Get Outside– Fresh air, butterflies, and bird songs are great reminders that life goes on and there are new beginnings each day. Walking, biking, and daily trips to the great outdoors, if your location and weather permits, increases endorphins and boosts your mood.
Get Creative – Focusing on creating, or learning new crafts and skills (writing, knitting, crocheting, painting, coloring, gardening, etc.) can take your mind off daily frustrations and add excitement to your life. Just make sure you take up something you enjoy and that doesn’t increase your stress.
Reach Out – Reaching out to family and friends via phone calls, Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype enables us to let our hair down and maintain connection to others outside our households. It gives us something to look forward to and is just plain fun.
Read – Books take you to another place when you have nowhere to go. Reading is a wonderful way to destress, be entertained, get inspired, and learn new things. A good book can help you zone out of your current reality until you are better able to deal with it.
Be Grateful – These are challenging times, with many across the globe losing their livelihoods and way too many losing their lives. Counting your blessings each day for everything you’re gifted with (food, shelter, family, health) goes a long way toward making these days at home endurable.
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
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