Tonya Duncan Ellis's Blog, page 6
March 19, 2022
Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day at Best Tasting Contest
If you’re in the Houston area March 26, I’d love to see you at Lemonade Day Houston’s Best Tasting contest! The Sophie Washington series is a sponsor of this event, where youth entrepreneur’s will showcase their special lemonade recipes. I’ll be a judge and can’t wait to sample plenty of delicious drinks.
Lemonade Day is a free program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their own businesses. The official Lemonade Day event takes place May 7, 2022. For more information or to sign up visit www.lemonadeday.org.
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the bestselling, award winning 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), 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 Sophie’s Club for a FREE ebook! HERE
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March 9, 2022
Diversity in Children’s Literature 2021
New numbers are in, and the needle barely moved on the number of traditionally published books by Black authors from 2020 to 2021. According to the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) just 9% of children’s books published in 2021 were written by Black authors, up from 8% the year before. Traditionally published Asian creators increased from 12% to 15%, and traditionally published Latinx creators jumped from 7% to 10%. Indigenous, Arab and Pacific Islander authors also saw modest gains.
Why do these numbers matter?
REPRESENTATION
It’s important for children to see themselves portrayed authentically in stories and for kids of all races to gain an authentic view of other cultures. Own voices writers give true representation of their groups that benefit society.
DOLLARS AND CENTS
Many Black writers turn to self-publishing when they feel shunned by the publishing industry or don’t know how to get a seat at the table. This allows other groups to profit from telling Black stories. In 2020, less than half of traditionally published children’s books that featured Black characters were written by Black authors. Publishing book deals come with paid advances, book store and library distribution, zero start-up costs for authors, editorial and marketing support, and greater social acceptance and prestige.
MOVING THE NEEDLE
Education on the traditional publishing process is needed to increase the number of published Black authors. Last year I started this process by securing a literary agent, the first hurdle in getting a publishing deal. I’ll share the steps I took to do this in coming weeks and offer tips as I continue my journey. Self-publishing is a great option for authors looking to see their work in the world, but Black authors need to continue to knock on industry doors to ensure we are getting paid for telling our own stories.
Source: Cooperative Children’s Book Center https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/liter...
Tonya Duncan EllisTonya Duncan Ellis is author of the bestselling, award winning 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), 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 Sophie’s Club for a FREE ebook! HERE
The post Diversity in Children’s Literature 2021 appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
February 15, 2022
How to Get Your Books Included in the Accelerated Reader (AR) Program
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a reading management system used by half the schools in the nation. Students take quizzes to earn AR points from books read, getting class credit and sometimes prizes. Having your books included on the AR list is a great way to find new readers.
Follow the tips here to have your books considered for inclusion in the AR database:
Get professional reviews from sources such as the School Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus. Publish your book on multiple platforms. Libraries do not order from Amazon, so your book needs to be published through Ingram or Baker and Taylor to be included in any library program.Make sure your book is quizzable. Reference books, books of poetry and books with limited text are not eligible for inclusion on AR quizzes. Check the complete list of how books are determined to be eligible for the AR program HERE.Have readers request your book. Readers can submit requests for books to be added to the AR database HERE.Sophie Washington books 1-4 (Queen of the Bee, The Snitch, Things You Didn’t Know About Sophie, and The Gamer) are included on the Accelerated Reader list. Parents who want to request that their child’s other Sophie Washington books receive AR points can use the link and ISBN numbers listed below to speed up the approval process:
AR request submission link – renaissance.com/suggest-ar-quizzes-us/
Sophie Washington Book ISBN Numbers
Sophie Washington: Hurricane 978-1732706040
Sophie Washington: Mission: Costa Rica 978-1732706057
Sophie Washington: Secret Santa 978-1732706064
Sophie Washington: Code One 978-1733776301
Sophie Washington: Mismatch 978-1733776363
Sophie Washington: My BFF 978-1733776387
Sophie Washington: Class Retreat 978-1735338910
Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day 978-1735338934
Tonya Duncan EllisAuthor
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the bestselling, award winning 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), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation Sponsored Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort.
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Join Sophie’s Club for a FREE ebook! HERE
The post How to Get Your Books Included in the Accelerated Reader (AR) Program appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
January 25, 2022
I Won a NATIONAL SCBWI Award!
I won a NATIONAL Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) book marketing award for independent authors! This grant will allow me to get my latest book, Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day, into the hands of more readers. Thanks so much SCBWI for the opportunity!
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the bestselling, award winning 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), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation Sponsored Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
The post I Won a NATIONAL SCBWI Award! appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
January 12, 2022
Tonya Duncan Ellis Upcoming Events
I’m booked for the next few weeks with exciting author interviews on my Write This! Instagram Live show (@tonyaellisbooks) and speaking engagements. The IG Lives are on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m. CT. Hope to see you there or catch the replay on my IG page!
Write This!
Mark your calendars to for educational and inspirational talks, with topics ranging from Black Children’s Book Week, writing romance, picture book tips, new book releases, and more! Authors and aspiring authors, this is a great chance to learn from some experts! Check out the dates below:
1/19: Write This! Author Veronica N. Chapman (Black Baby Books)
1/26: Write This! YA Author Ronnie Davis (On Writing Romance)
2/2: Write This! Author Bryan Patrick Avery (Discusses his new Black History release)
2/27: Speaker, Jack and Jill Tallahassee
3/2: Speaker, Scanlan Oaks Elementary Literacy Day
3/7: Speaker, SCBWI Houston (Indie Author Success)
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the bestselling, award winning 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), 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 Sophie’s Club for a FREE ebook! HERE
The post Tonya Duncan Ellis Upcoming Events appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
December 27, 2021
National Lemonade Day endorses the Sophie Washington series!
National Lemonade Day is endorsing the Sophie Washington series! This is a huge honor as this group has impacted over a million youth since it started in 2007. My latest book, Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day, is inspired by the awesome Lemonade Day event that teaches kids to start and run their own businesses and give back to the community. Check out their website at www.lemonadeday.org to find out how you participate!
Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day Trailer
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the bestselling, award winning 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), 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 Sophie’s Club for a FREE ebook! HERE
The post National Lemonade Day endorses the Sophie Washington series! appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
December 6, 2021
4 Sophie Washington Secret Santa Crafts!
The Activity Author, Sheryl Smiley-Oliphant, recently created four, fun Sophie Washington: Secret Santa themed activities. Try them out for hours of holiday fun!
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the bestselling, award winning 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), 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 Sophie’s Club for a FREE ebook! HERETweet
The post 4 Sophie Washington Secret Santa Crafts! appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
December 5, 2021
Sophie Washington: Queen of the Bee Review
Thanks so much to BookZone Reviews for this five-star review of Sophie Washington: Queen of the Bee!
Author Tonya Duncan Ellis has hit a slam-dunk with this series. I grew up reading Enid Blyton books, which are delightful and well written, however, there was no cultural representation for me, which I was too innocent at the time to realize as an issue. With this series, Tonya brings to life a main character with which I can identify. She’s feisty, has a mind of her own and doesn’t take any crap from her little brother. She’s a good student and great speller, she’s just not sure about all this contest business. I enjoyed the family dynamics:
*Parents married and still in love.
*Kids being themselves and either fighting or getting along.
*Dinner together.
*Parents encouraging Sophie to go to the next level despite her trepidation.
What I loved the most was Sophie’s compassion. I almost threw in a spoiler, but you will have to read the series yourself to find out about her compassionate act.
After reading book one, I have to read all the others before I get to Lemonade Day, which is the most recent book. (Not that this is necessary, it’s just a quirk of mine). The series caters to readers aged 8 – 12 and book one, this one, is currently free.
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the bestselling, award winning 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), 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 Sophie’s Club for a FREE ebook! HERETweet
The post Sophie Washington: Queen of the Bee Review appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
November 23, 2021
Sophie Washington Black Friday Specials
The holidays are here! To make the season bright, we’re lowering prices on Sophie Washington books! From November 24-30 Sophie Washington: Mission: Costa Rica, Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day and Sophie Washington: Secret Santa ebooks will be priced at just 99 cents on Amazon and other online retailers.
Already low-priced paperback books and book packs on tonyaduncanellis.com will be discounted 15% using the code “santa.”
Happy Shopping!
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the bestselling, award winning 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), 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 Sophie’s Club for a FREE ebook! HERE
The post Sophie Washington Black Friday Specials appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
November 17, 2021
Sophie Washington: The Snitch Thank Yous
I spent a wonderful morning with the SWEETEST third grade students from Tempe, Arizona’s Holdeman Elementary School. Prior to the visit, the students did a study of my book, Sophie Washington: The Snitch. It was great to see the children excited about writing and books during my virtual visit, but the icing on the cake was receiving two lovely video thank you notes. Thanks again for hosting me, Holdeman, and keep reaching for the stars!
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the bestselling, award winning 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), 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 Sophie’s Club for a FREE ebook! HERE
The post Sophie Washington: The Snitch Thank Yous appeared first on Tonya Duncan Ellis.
