Jen Bryant Flying Tidings June 2019




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September 2021

"Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered to them as a precious gift." — Kate DiCamillo

“Back to school” this year sure looks different than in the past. But happily, there are some things that haven’t changed: the hard work and dedication of educators, the enthusiasm of students, the many hours of service and support by staff, parents, and administrators. And of course—great books! Teachers and school librarians provide the much-needed fiction and non-fiction reads that all ages crave in this uncertain time. So as we start back this month, please remember to thank the people who select, care for and share great books.

Click here to send a message to Jen about virtual school visits and other appearances for 2021.

And speaking of "great" ...

Frank Morrison and I think it’s pretty great that NCTE tapped our picture book biography of early NBA player and athlete-activist Elgin Baylor as their 2021 Orbis Pictus Award winner. Above the Rim—How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball has been a true passion project and a joy to share with readers of all ages! In November, Frank and I will gratefully accept the Orbis Pictus Award and celebrate the wonderful honor books at the (all virtual) Annual NCTE conference in Lexington, KY.

Seven years ago, a teacher who was using my books in her classroom, came up to me at a book signing. "Thanks for doing what you do," she said. "Here's a small gift from where I teach in Japan." Her gift has been on my desk at home ever since. Little did I know that the Daruma Doll would become the central image in my forthcoming biography of Congresswoman Patsy Mink!!

Back in June, I was delighted to share the cover art (by the immensely talented Toshiki Nakamura) for Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight—Patsy Takemoto Mink and the Fight for Title IX. Published in January 2022 by Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollins, the book explores the many challenges faced by Mink, the first woman of color and the first Asian-American woman, to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Stay tuned for more!

Better Late Than Never

Horace Pippin, the self-taught artist from West Chester, PA and the subject of my 2013 picture book biography A Splash of Red—The Life and Art of Horace Pippin, illus. by Melissa Sweet, publ. by Random House Children's Books / Knopf Kids was a member of the Harlem Hellfighters. This month, we are delighted to learn that this all-black regiment, who served proudly beside the French in WWI, will finally get its long-overdue recognition—in the form of the Congressional Gold Medal.

Current and Past Issues

Horace Pippin painting at his easel, his wife, Jenny, in the background
Photo courtesy Chester Co. Historical Society, West Chester, PA

I recommnd these great Fall STEM and STEAM reads

Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott, by Melissa Sweet

Shaped by Her Hands: Potter Maria Martinez, by Anna H. Freeman

Dear Treefrog, by Joyce Sidman

The Cicadas Are Coming! by Doug Wechsler

189 Canaries, by Dieter Boge

One Million Oysters on Top of the Mountain, by Alex Nogues

Thanks for reading all the way to the end! To enter our current drawing for ANY ONE signed book copy (your choice) by Jen Bryant, send your full name, mailing address and “Fall 2021 contest” in the subject line to jen@jenbryant.com. Winner to be drawn October 1st.

Be safe and well, and keep in touch.

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