Tonya Duncan Ellis's Blog, page 13
December 4, 2019
5 Holiday Books With Black Characters
The Christmas season is in full swing. It’s the perfect time to add books about holiday traditions to the storytime mix. Here are a few holiday themed books that feature characters of color:
Sophie Washington: Secret Santa -Written by Tonya Duncan Ellis
It’s three weeks until Christmas and Sophie uncovers clues to figure out who is sending her daily Secret Santa gifts in this heartwarming, illustrated chapter book for kids ages 8-12.
“…the resolution of this story just warmed by frozen little heart.” – Goodreads Reviewer
My Baby Loves Christmas -Written by Jabar Asim
Celebrate all the lovely things that Baby discovers about Christmas. This board features rhythmic poetry from Jabari Asim and art from Tara Nicole Whitaker. Preschool and up.
“The illustrations in this book are lovely and full of plenty of colors and characters that will appeal to babies and toddlers.” – Amazon Reviewer
The Night Before Christmas: An African American Retelling -Written by Noland Nixon
Written by teen Noland Nixon, this book is an African-American retelling of Clement Moore’s classic holiday poem, which is complimented by illustrations of an African-American family. Ages 4-8.
“I love that my son has a Santa Claus book in which the Santa looks like him!” -Amazon Reviewer
Dr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: December Celebrations – Written by Dr. Terrance Shipman
Join Banaica as she recalls the December celebrations in Mr. Shipman’s classroom during the favorite time of the year. Ages 4-10
“It’s entertaining and the kids had a great time reading it!” -Amazon Reviewer
The Nutcracker in Harlem – Written by T.E. McMorrow
This jazz-inspired reinvention of The Nutcracker is a worthy tribute to the dreamlike wonder and magic of the Christmas season. Ages 4-8.
“What a great updated retelling of a classic. Working in a school with a lot diversity this was a great way to retell a wonderful story around the holidays.” – Amazon Reviewer
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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November 3, 2019
Upcoming Events: Tonya Duncan Ellis Books
November 19 – Children’s Storytime at Midtown Park featuring Andy Roo and Author Tonya Duncan Ellis
November 22 – Author Visit, Budewig Intermediate School
November 22 – Riverstone Holiday Market
December 7 – Saint James’ Episcopal Church Holiday Market
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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October 28, 2019
Kwame Alexander Shout-Out Makes Sophie Washington a Texas Book Festival Sensation
I felt like I shot a game winning buzzer beater at the Texas Book Festival this past weekend, after New York Times Best Seller Kwame Alexander gave a shout-out to the Sophie Washington series during his talk. Kwame stopped by my booth before his speech, and initially, I did not recognize him. I know this man from somewhere, I thought while I went through my Sophie Washington elevator pitch for him and other customers. He bought three of my books and said he’d let some of his reps at Houghton Mifflin take a look at them, and I almost passed out!!
After I asked his name, I realized he was THE KWAME ALEXANDER, the innovative, Newbery award winning author. Just two weeks ago, my youngest son finished reading his book, The Crossover, for English extra credit and has moved his grade to an A.
Kwame rushed off to do his speech, and I later heard from attendees that he said his new Sophie Washington books are on his to-be-read pile. Many who bought my books said they were intrigued because of his support. I so appreciate him taking time to check out my series!
The festival was great in other ways too, because as usual at these events, I had fun sharing my books with young readers and interacting with them. It was just wonderful to be surrounded by so many people who love books as much as I do.
This is my second time participating in The Texas Book Festival, and I hope to be able to return next fall. The weather was gorgeous, and it was a good time all around.
I have a few other events coming up in the next weeks and look forward to a prosperous holiday season!
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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October 13, 2019
Great Middle Grade Reads/Tonya Duncan Ellis Books
My to-be-read pile grows daily as I discover interesting new books. This fall I’ve found some really great middle grade reads that I’m happy to share below:
A Good Kind of Trouble – by Lisa Moore Ramee -The cute girl with the bun and pearl earrings on the cover of this book had me thinking it would be a light read, and boy was I surprised. Look closer and you’ll notice her black armband and the black power fist on her girlish pink backpack, which gives you a better idea of the themes of this Black Lives Matter movement book for the middle school set. Twelve-year-old Shayla avoids trouble at all costs, preferring to spend time doing well in school, hanging with her Asian and Latinix best friends, and trying to get the attention of her crush. The shocking aftermath of a police shooting in her Los Angeles community forces her to take a stand for what’s right, while also settling into her own identity as a black young woman, and in the process she learns that sometimes getting into little bit of trouble can be a good thing.
Up for Air by Laurie Morrison – Middle schooler Annabelle feels most at home underwater, where she breaks swim team records and is placed on a summer team with high school students. Outside the pool, things aren’t so easy. Annabelle struggles to do the work at her private school, even though she gets extra time, and never feels like she fits in with her high achieving mother and stepdad. When an older boy starts giving her special attention at swim practice she is flattered and risks her parent’s trust, her friendships, and her place on the team to impress him, and in the end, moves closer toward self acceptance. I really enjoyed this sweet and relatable story and look forward to more books by this author.
Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams – I had to stop reading a few times before I finished this book because some of the issues are really heavy, but it’s a story that will stay with me for years to come. Genesis and her family are being put out of yet another home, and they start a new life in a beautiful house that her alcoholic and gambling addicted father finds for them in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Things will be different this time, he promises, and Genesis “begins again” to make friends and start a new life with hopes that this time, the dream will come true. After she finds some true friends, joins the choir and gains the courage to sign up to sing in the school talent show, Genesis finds an eviction notice on the door that hints that her father may not have gotten the job promotion he claimed to have after all. Self acceptance is a big theme of this book, and Genesis actually keeps a list of the reasons she hates herself, many of them stemming from her dark skin and African American features. The scenes where she tries to alter her skin and finds out her grandma and father’s views of her appearance are heartbreaking, but there is a strong message of hope and forgiveness in the end.
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
The post Great Middle Grade Reads/Tonya Duncan Ellis Books appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
October 2, 2019
Sophie Washington in the Houston Chronicle!
Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
The Sophie Washington series was recently featured in the Houston Chronicle newspaper! It was wonderful to see my author journey and books highlighted in an article by journalist Joy Sewing.
A link to the full story is HERE.
Hopefully, the word will continue to spread about my books and I can positively impact more young readers. Thanks so much to all who have supported the Sophie Washington book series!
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
The post Sophie Washington in the Houston Chronicle! appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
September 1, 2019
Sophie Washington: Mismatch Review Tour
Sophie Washington: Mismatch is going on a Review Tour! From September 10 to October 1, the book will be featured on the sites below. Follow along to find out book blogger views on Mismatch and to enter drawings for a chance to win Amazon gift cards. Hope to see you there!
September 10: Andi’s Middle Grade and Chapter Books
September 10: Sharing Links and Wisdom
September 17: Locks, Hooks and Books
September 17: The Reading Addict
September 24: Our Town Book Reviews
October 1: Kit ‘N Kabookle
October 1: Fabulous and Brunette
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
The post Sophie Washington: Mismatch Review Tour appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
August 29, 2019
Tonya Duncan Ellis Upcoming Events
September 23 – Author Visit, Cornerstone Christian Academy
October 1 – Author Visit, Stafford Elementary School
October 4 – Author Visit, Christa McAuliffe Middle School
October 12 – Gingerbread Market, Sienna, Missouri City, TX
October 19 – Storytime with Tonya Duncan Ellis, Houston, TX
October 26-27 -Texas Book Festival, Austin, TX
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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August 17, 2019
Healthy After School Snacks from Sophie Washington: Mismatch
It’s back to school time in many areas, and after a busy day of learning, most kids want a snack. Here’s some tasty and healthy snack options that are featured in my book, Sophie Washington: Mismatch. These snacks are nutritious, delicious, and simple enough that kids can make them on their own.
Green Apple Smoothie
Ingredients
1 cup (packed) baby spinach
3/4 almond milk or water
1/2 cup diced fresh Granny Smith apple
1 small frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
Handful of ice cubes
Directions
Blend spinach, 1/2 cup almond milk or water in a blender until smooth. Add other ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy.
Enjoy!
Banana Dog Bites
Ingredients
2 peeled bananas
1/4 cup peanut or almond butter
2 tortillas
Directions
Spread peanut or almond butter on tortilla
Insert banana
Roll banana in tortilla and cut into bites
Enjoy!
Guacamole and Chips
Ingredients
3 ripe avocados
1/2 small onion, finely diced
2 Roma tomatoes, finely diced
3 tbsp fresh cilantro, diced
1 jalapeno pepper
2 garlic cloves
1/2 tbsp. salt
1 lime, juiced
Directions
Slice and peel the avocados and remove the pits. Mash the avocado and mix in the other ingredients. Serve with unsalted tortilla chips.
Enjoy!
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
Check out my newest release, Sophie Washington: Mismatch!
The post Healthy After School Snacks from Sophie Washington: Mismatch appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
August 6, 2019
Amazing Middle Grade Reads! Tonya Duncan Ellis
So many books, so little time! My to-be-read pile gets higher and higher as I discover interesting reads. Here are a few middle grade children’s books I’ve recently liked that I recommend for young readers:
![Feyi Fay and the Case of the Mysterious Madam Koi Koi by [Brownstone, Simisayo]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1570102582i/28238097.jpg)
Feyi Fay and the Case of the Mysterious Madame Koi Koi by Simisayo Brownstone – A children’s book about a chocolate-colored fairy from a Wakandaesque world? Count me in! Feyi Fay and the Case of the Mysterious Madam Koi Koi features a whimsical human-sized fairy whose assignment is to help children solve their problems. I loved the idea of a brown skinned fairy from a magical African-like land who sports cowrie beads and braids, and I also liked how the author introduces young readers to other countries and cultures. This imaginative and fun adventure is sure to please its intended audience. Ages 6-10
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper – This book’s been on the shelf in my house for awhile, and when I heard it was being made into a movie I finally got around to reading it. Sharon Draper expertly shows life through the eyes of an exceptionally bright girl with cerebral palsy, who after years of silence is given a way to share her thoughts and feelings with family and peers through the use of a special computer. I was actually crying tears midway through this novel. It gives you ALL the feels. I’ll never look at a disabled person the same way again. Ages 10 and up
Jada Jones: Dancing Queen by Kelly Starling Lyons – It’s school Caring Week, and the student council comes up with the perfect way to raise money to buy coats for needy kids: a school dance! The students get sponsors to pay them for doing dances like the Cupid Shuffle, the Whip and Nae Nae, and the Floss. Main character Jada is all for giving, except for one problem, she has two left feet. As a person who hides in the back row during line dances, I definitely could sympathize with little Jada as she struggles to master the latest dance crazes for a cause. Along the way, she learns that doing the steps perfectly doesn’t matter, it’s the feeling that counts. This is a super cute book with a sweet message, just as with dancing, the best giving comes from the heart. Ages 6-8
Nikki and Deja: Election Madness by Karen English – Third grader Deja is running for student body president and takes the idea of leadership too far when she bosses her campaign manager and best friend Nikki and other members of the class around in her efforts to win. Not surprisingly, her friendships take a hit and she has to learn the hard way that winning may not be everything. This funny and realistic book teaches kids the necessity of maintaining relationships while competing. Ages 6-9
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
Check out my newest release, Sophie Washington: Mismatch!
Contact Tonya Duncan Ellis
The post Amazing Middle Grade Reads! Tonya Duncan Ellis appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
August 1, 2019
Excerpt: Sophie Washington: Mismatch
Chapter 1Tryouts
I’m trying out for the tennis team with my friends, and I feel like I’m on my way to get a flu shot. This is my first time playing on an actual sports team, and I’m as jittery as a bucking bronco before the rodeo.
“You need to move faster, Sophie,” says my best friend Chloe, “or we’ll be late.”
“Yeah, come on,” says my other bestie, Mariama. “You’re moving like your feet are glued to the ground.”
The three of us walk to Xavier’s athletic complex and turn left by the baseball fields. Our private school built the sports center that includes a track, tennis courts, and baseball and soccer fields two years ago, and everything in it is state-of-the-art.
As we push through the metal gate onto the tennis courts, I see the other girls who are trying out. My stomach feels tight, and my hands are so sweaty I almost drop my tennis racket.
Lindsey, Jacqueline and Kennedy, all eighth graders, talk like they’ve known each other since their Dora the Explorer days.
“This YouTube video is hilarious!” Kennedy says with a giggle as she shows the two other girls her cell phone.
“Let me see.” Lindsey pushes her long blonde bangs out of her eyes to get a better view.
“Hi, guys!” says Chloe as we walk up.
The three older girls don’t say anything, and Kennedy looks us up and down.
Chloe already appears like a tennis pro in her matching pleated, red, and white tennis skirt and top. Her shiny black curls are held back with a cute bow, and she carries a fancy new tennis racket. I’m guessing Mariama’s mom, a sewing expert, made the pretty pink shorts outfit she’s wearing that has interesting zebra print cutouts sewn in. Mariama’s family moved to Houston from Nigeria, Africa, last year, and she loves to wear clothes that show off her culture. I’m sporting our school’s P.E. shorts and tee shirt, and a baseball cap covers my two thick braids.
“Hey! That video must be interesting,” Chloe continues, not noticing the other girls’ cold stares. “Watcha looking at?”
“Something too grown up for a little sixth grader like you,” Kennedy says, breaking the silence. “It’s PG-13.”
“That’s a good one, Ken,” says Jacqueline with a laugh.
If some eighth graders said something like that to me, I’d want to curl into a ball and disappear, but Chloe doesn’t back down a bit.
“Sorry, nobody told us it was National Mean Girl Day,” she says. “Come on, Sophie and Mariama. Let’s wait over there.”
“See ya, wouldn’t want to be ya,” says Kennedy as we head over to the chain link fence that surrounds the tennis courts. The older girls turn back to scrolling through their phones.
“Wonder what her deal is?” I say to my friends.
“She thinks she’s ‘Miss It’ because she’s played tennis since third grade and is really good,” says Mariama. “She was team captain last year.”
“Well, with girls like that on the tennis team, no wonder not many are here for tryouts,” says Chloe.
“Yeah, they sure know how to make you feel unwelcome,” I say.
Most of the other middle school girls run track or play softball, so I heard that Coach Quackenbush lets practically everyone who tries out be on the tennis team. That’s good news for me because I can hit the ball back when it comes directly to my racket, but I’m not going to be bringing home a first-place trophy anytime soon. So far, there’s only us and the eighth graders here, so my chances of actually making the team seem high.
When Chloe suggested we try out, I was excited about playing on my first real sports team with my friends. New players are usually partnered up to play doubles at our school, and I figured I would be matched with either Chloe, Mariama, or our other good friend, Valentina. I even made up a cool, secret handshake that my partner and I can do when we make points.
“Too bad Valentina can’t tryout,” says Mariama. “She’d have told that mean Kennedy a thing or two.”
Someone spilled popcorn on the gym floor during our last home basketball game of the season a couple of weeks ago, just as Valentina, our cheer captain, was doing a front walkover. She slipped and crashed on the floor, spraining her ankle, and she has to wear a medical boot for the next six weeks. Now she can’t try out with us, and our friend group is uneven. If the coach doesn’t pair me with Chloe or Mariama, I’m not sure who I’ll be playing with.
While we wait for Coach Quackenbush to arrive, I notice Mackenzie Clark, another sixth grader, swatting a ball on the ground with her racket on the other end of the tennis courts. She’s wearing ear buds and has her back to us, so she probably didn’t hear what just happened with the eighth graders.
I’ve never spoken to Mackenzie, because she’s not too friendly. Her skin is a ghostly white, her hair is styled in a short, spiky cut, and dyed a blackish blue color, and she sometimes wears black nail polish. Mackenzie keeps to herself, and she’s always in detention for being late to school or missing class. Her father owns a popular, fast food restaurant that makes really good hamburgers. Since she used to be chubby in elementary school, some of the meaner kids in our class started calling Mackenzie “Big Mac.” Unfortunately for her, the name has stuck even though she’s slimmed down as she’s gotten taller.
“Here comes Coach Quackenbush!” Chloe points out the short, bald man with turned out feet and a beige polo shirt. “Tryouts are just one day. I wonder if we’ll find out who are partners are at the end?”
Holding a clipboard in his hand, the coach waddles over to us with his lips puckered out.
“Welcome to the tennis team, ladies. All right, let’s get started.”
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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