Tonya Duncan Ellis's Blog, page 2

My Time as a Texas Book Festival Featured Author

I made my first Texas Book Festival appearance as a vendor in 2018 and vowed during my last vendor appearance in 2022 to return as a featured author. This year, I made my dream come true with my debut picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK.

Author attica locke



Author’s breakfast

I loved sharing my book with young readers in the Read Me as Story tent and also taking in plenty of other amazing book talks and panels during my two days in Austin. The weather was beautiful, and the energy was electric. Being amongst so many book lovers was great. Shortly after I arrived a grabbed some yummy tacos from a festival food truck and sat with some attendees who later bought my book.

In the author’s green room and at author after hours events I ran into celebrated writers like Attica Locke, Nicola Yoon, David Bowles (who mentored me on my book’s manuscript at a Highlights conference years ago), and Raul the Third.

The only downside of this well-organized event was when it ended. There was so much to see and so many wonderful people to meet that time zoomed by. Participating in the Texas Book Festival was a highlight of my year and author career. I hope I’ll be invited to attend at future events!

Author Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal starred reviewed picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK, and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series. She is based in Houston, Texas.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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Texas Family Literacy Festival Fun

Story Square’s 2024 Texas Family Literacy Festival was a multicultural day of family fun! Hundreds passed through Houston’s Discovery Green Park to purchase and receive free books, hear author readings, and enjoy live and recorded music that spanned from African drums, to Spanish Flamenco, to Indian Bollywood to Rock and Roll, and more.

There were smiles all around throughout the busy day. It was great to meet new readers and to interact with the star-studded cast of Houston-based authors and illustrators in attendance. I also loved seeing children from preschool to high school age tuned off screens and turned on to books.

Story Square’s mission to get family’s engaged in literacy was achieved! At the end of the event, I got a nice surprise when my picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM, won an honorable mention writing award. I’m so happy I was able to participate in this event.

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal starred reviewed picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK, and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series. She is based in Houston, Texas.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Join my email list! HERE

 

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Highlights Foundation-Black Voices: An In-Community Retreat for Storytellers 2024

I do much of my creative work alone, so whenever I can get in community with other authors and illustrators it’s a treat. Serving as a resident assistant for the Highlights Foundation Black Voices: An In-Community Retreat for Storytellers was just what I needed after a busy launch season for my debut picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM. It was three days of writing, networking, recharging and building community!

Award-winning authors Valerie Bolling (TOGETHER WE SWIM, I SEE COLOR) and Jas Hammonds (WE DESERVE MONUMENTS, THRISTY) were faculty. My role as resident assistant was to make sure participating writers had their needs met and felt comfortable on the grounds and to help with scheduling of activities. I also taught a marketing workshop, giving tips on book selling, networking, and brand building for authors.

As usual, I loved being surrounded by the natural beauty, working in my own private cabin in the woods and eating three delicious chef prepared meals each day. After she heard my five minutes of raving about the lemon sugar cookies (they were the best I’ve had in my life!) one of the cooks gave me a copy of the recipe. I hope I can do them justice.

Other retreat activities included writing sprints and an open mic night, where we shared our works. I’m always surprised at how much headway I make on projects while retreating and how great it feels to fellowship with kindred spirits who “get” my creative aspirations, struggles and frustrations. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many talents. Much thanks to Highlights for providing this space for storytellers to grow and learn!

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park and the bestselling, award-winning, Sophie Washington chapter book series and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation Sponsored Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on X: @TonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
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My Amazing Time at ALA 2024

Written by Tonya Duncan Ellis

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Magical, Memorable, Ah-Mazing! So many positive adjectives describe my first, and hopefully not my last, American Library Association Conference. It was three fun-filled days of networking, fangirling, and celebrating the love of books and literacy.

After a smooth, three-hour flight from Houston, I arrived in sunny, San Diego on Friday afternoon, checked into my hotel and then met up with a Ebony Lynn Mudd, a founder of the PB Rising Stars group that I’m a mentor in and other Black creatives for lunch. We were joined by Carole Boston Weatherford, Anne Wynter, Vera Ahiyya, Trenise Ferreira Sabin, Alana Tyson, K.E. Lewis, Seina Wedlick, Mychal Threets and Sade Smith. I’ve interacted with many of these talented folks online, and it was great to meet everyone in person.

Once we finished lunch, the conference hall was not completely open yet, but I was able to check in, pick up my badge, decorate it with personalized swag ribbons, and also stop by my publisher, HarperCollins’ booth. It was so cool to see my debut picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM, on display! I didn’t have a signing during the event, but was gifted copies by agent, Sara Megibow of kt Literary, to hand out to a few of the thousands of librarians in attendance.

That evening, it was off to the PB Rising Stars Welcome party, where we dressed as our favorite book characters from the past five years. Mine was Nell, from Anne Wynter’s award-wining book, NELL PLANTS A TREE. This was a great time getting acquainted with PB Rising Stars mentors and mentees, and the party started the conference off on a high note.

I passed on the after party at a karaoke bar, because I had to leave my hotel at 6:30 a.m. the next morning for a HarperCollins sponsored breakfast. Waking up was definitely worth it! I met new and old author friends and gave out copies of my books to attending librarians.

Afterwards, I headed to the conference hall and spent a fun afternoon bumping into writer friends, having books signed by my favorite authors, and filling my bag with advanced reader copies. A highlight was seeing my illustrator Jenin Mohammed and having our picture taken. I’m very grateful for the stunning illustrations she created for THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM. That afternoon I attended engaging sessions by bestselling, award winning author Kwame Alexander and Actress/Author Taraji P. Henson. I finished up Saturday evening with a fun dinner with the PB Rising Stars group.

Sunday morning’s Coretta Scott King breakfast was the highlight of the conference for me. The speeches from winners and honorees were so touching. The love and the camaraderie in the air was uplifting and inspiring. I floated back to my hotel afterwards.

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The good feelings continued with a fun lunch with agents from kt Literary and the wonderful Newberry/Caldecott dinner that evening, where author/illustrator Vashti Harrison became the first Black woman to receive a Caldecott medal.

I left my fantastic ALA experience Monday morning with a suitcase stuffed with books and a heart filled with beautiful memories. Hope I can attend again next year!

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park and the bestselling, award-winning, Sophie Washington chapter book series and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation Sponsored Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on X: @TonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Join my email list for a FREE gift! HERE

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Tips for Participating on an Author Panel

On April 3-5, I participated in my first author panel at the State of Maryland Literary Association 2024 Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. The theme of the conference was Bridging Young Readers to Forever Readers. It was a wonderful time of networking and learning with fellow authors and educators. I had quite a few takeaways that I’ll use in my next panel experience.

Featured Panelist 101

Being featured on an author panel is a great way to introduce yourself and your work to a new audience. Since you’re not the main focus of attention, being a member of a panel may seem easier than doing a solo presentation, but it’s still important to prepare ahead of time to show yourself in the best light and bring value to the audience. Check out some of my learnings from my first author panel experience below:

Know the Panel Questions Beforehand – I was grateful that the moderator provided a list of questions he planned to ask beforehand. I typed out answers to all of them as a personal cheat sheet and planned out talking points, sound bites, and statistics that I wanted to mention. Had I not gotten the questions beforehand I would not have felt as prepared.

Familiarize Yourself With Other Panelists – Research the backgrounds of your co-panelists and familiarize yourself with their work, so that you can discern topics that you will agree on and those where you may have differing views. This will make for more engaging discourse. And you may make some new professional contacts and friends.

Check Your Bio – Since I’m a children’s author, the About the Author page on my website is written in a child-friendly manner, while I include another Media page with a bio geared towards adults. I was miffed when the moderator mentioned my love of peanut M&Ms during my introduction, while highlighting one of my fellow panelist’s Coretta Scott King Book Award.

I submitted my more professional bio to the conference representatives but wasn’t aware that the moderator might pull something else from my website. Next time I’m on a panel I will definitely ask about this! Also, make sure that the moderator can pronounce your name properly if you can do so before the panel begins.

Focus on the Audience – Think about issues that might be of concern to the audience and how you will address them ahead of time. Focus on topics that can help the audience members expand their knowledge, or give them takeaways they can use after the conference, rather than just trying to toot your own horn and business offerings.

Don’t be a Blowhard – I have strong feelings about the subject that was discussed on my panel, and I had to rein myself in a couple of times to ensure I gave other panelists a chance to speak. Be courteous to the other panelists so that they can get their points across and the audience can hear varied viewpoints on the featured topic.

Bring Your Book – I dropped the ball on this one. My debut picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK, released a month after my panel. I had an author copy I could have brought, but I left it at home for fear of losing it during my travels, since I needed it for a reading the next week. The other authors had copies of their books to display on the panel table, and I regretted not bringing mine. I did make sure to announce my book title, web address and social media handles, and several people in the audience looked me up and followed my pages from that, but not bringing my book was a missed opportunity. If your book is not yet released during the time of your panel, you can also make a printout copy of the cover to display on the table.

Don’t Rush Off After the Panel – If you have the time, hang around for a few minutes after the panel to answer additional audience questions. I made a few new connections this way.

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park and the bestselling, award-winning, Sophie Washington chapter book series and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation Sponsored Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Join my email list for a FREE gift! HERE

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A Starred Review for THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM

THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK received a Publisher’s Weekly starred review! Starred reviews indicate that a book is of especially high quality, according to PW, a high honor for me as a debut picture book author. I’m hoping this translates into lots of buzz and sales once the book releases on May 14.

Check out the full review below:

“They built me to remember.// June 19, 1865./ The day enslaved people found out the truth” writes Duncan Ellis in this moving tribute to Houston’s Emancipation Park, narrated in the park’s voice. Rousing first-person prose lingers on the park’s creation (“They built me to show they were strong…. to celebrate…. to play”) as well as its seasonal transformation during years of use, neglect, and rejuvenation. Mohammed’s layered application of color and printmaking textures reflect the past and present—in one spread, contemporary park-goers observe the sky, where the ghostly images of formerly enslaved people appear to march toward a new day. Subsequent page turns transport readers to 1865, then forward in time as the park is built, a later celebration banner notes the “25th Year of Freedom,” and protest signs read “Power to the People.” Now, “a different generation visits,” as present-day park-goers of various abilities, body types, and skin tones make use of the spot of nature in a bustling city, recalling “their ancestors and all they overcame…./ Singing songs of jubilee… running free.” A contextualizing note concludes. Ages 4–8. (May)

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park, the bestselling, award-winning, Sophie Washington chapter book series and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation Sponsored Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Join my email list for a FREE gift! HERE

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A Starred Review for THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM!

THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK received a Publisher’s Weekly starred review! Starred reviews indicate that a book is of especially high quality, according to PW, a high honor for me as a debut picture book author. I’m hoping this translates into lots of buzz and sales once the book releases on May 14.

Check out the full review below:

“They built me to remember.// June 19, 1865./ The day enslaved people found out the truth” writes Duncan Ellis in this moving tribute to Houston’s Emancipation Park, narrated in the park’s voice. Rousing first-person prose lingers on the park’s creation (“They built me to show they were strong…. to celebrate…. to play”) as well as its seasonal transformation during years of use, neglect, and rejuvenation. Mohammed’s layered application of color and printmaking textures reflect the past and present—in one spread, contemporary park-goers observe the sky, where the ghostly images of formerly enslaved people appear to march toward a new day. Subsequent page turns transport readers to 1865, then forward in time as the park is built, a later celebration banner notes the “25th Year of Freedom,” and protest signs read “Power to the People.” Now, “a different generation visits,” as present-day park-goers of various abilities, body types, and skin tones make use of the spot of nature in a bustling city, recalling “their ancestors and all they overcame…./ Singing songs of jubilee… running free.” A contextualizing note concludes. Ages 4–8. (May)

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park and the bestselling, award-winning, Sophie Washington chapter book series and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation Sponsored Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Join my email list for a FREE gift! HERE

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Kirkus Review: They Built Me for Freedom

A Kirkus Review came in for THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATON PARK, and I couldn’t be prouder!!

“A beautifully layered story just as rich as the history it represents.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Ellis writes in spirited, succinct verse.”
– Kirkus Reviews

“A joyful ode to freedom from the perspective of a park in Houston, Texas.”
– Kirkus Reviews

“Mohammed’s bold, active illustrations give rise to powerfully poignant words.”
– Kirkus Reviews

Read the full review HERE. Preorder THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM on Amazon, Barnes and Noble.com, Bookshop.org and fine booksellers everywhere.

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park and the bestselling, award-winning, Sophie Washington chapter book series and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation Sponsored Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Join my email list for a FREE gift! HERE

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Save the Date: They Built Me for Freedom Book Launch

Save the date! They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park book launch event is scheduled for June 1, 2024 at Kindred Stories book store, right across the street from historic Emancipation Park!! Kindred Stories is located at 2304 Stuart Street, Houston, TX 77004. The event will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. CT. Hope you’ll join me in this celebration of Juneteenth and its history!

Synopsis

A moving picture book about the history of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas—and the origins of Juneteenth.

When people visit me, they are free—to run, play, gather, and rejoice.

They built me to remember.

On June 19, 1865, the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas learned they were free, ending slavery in the United States. This day was soon to be memorialized with the dedication of a park in Houston. The park was called Emancipation Park, and the day it honored would come to be known as Juneteenth.  

In the voice and memory of the park itself—its fields and pools, its protests and cookouts, and, most of all, its people—the 150-year story of Emancipation Park is brought to life. Through lyrical text and vibrant artwork, Tonya Duncan Ellis and Jenin Mohammed have crafted an ode to the struggle, triumph, courage, and joy of Black America—and the promise of a people to remember.

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park and the bestselling, award-winning, Sophie Washington chapter book series and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation Sponsored Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Join my email list for a FREE gift! HERE

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Cover Reveal – THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park

The cover and illustrations for my debut picture book are finished, and they are absolutely beautiful!! I can’t wait to share the complete story about this historical place. THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park, releases through HarperCollins, Balzer+Bray in May 2024 and is available for preorder on Amazon.

A moving picture book about the history of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas—and the origins of Juneteenth.

When people visit me, they are free—to run, play, gather, and rejoice.

They built me to remember.

On June 19, 1865, the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas learned they were free, ending slavery in the United States. This day was soon to be memorialized with the dedication of a park in Houston. The park was called Emancipation Park, and the day it honored would come to be known as Juneteenth.  

In the voice and memory of the park itself—its fields and pools, its protests and cookouts, and, most of all, its people—the 150-year story of Emancipation Park is brought to life. Through lyrical text and vibrant artwork, Tonya Duncan Ellis and Jenin Mohammed have crafted an ode to the struggle, triumph, courage, and joy of Black America—and the promise of a people to remember.

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park and the bestselling, award-winning, Sophie Washington chapter book series and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation Sponsored Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Join my email list for a FREE gift! HERE
 

 

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