Christmas Book List For 2017, Self-Published Authors

While you're ordering those awesome toys, make sure you check out these great self-publish authors and their books! I have done a review for most of these books, so yes they're Miss T approved! Just click the pictures below to learn more!

http://www.decoreyhale.com/

Onyx McFly Saves the Day!-Book Review and Author Interview

Onyx McFly Saves Day! is not your ordinary “cute girl” story. The story is centered around the fact that there is a superhero in all of us. Onyx McFly is an eight-year-old with a hip personality and a hip boom box as her sidekick named Boom. Onyx McFly is visiting with a family member when suddenly there is an emergency and her quick thinking saves the day. Not to mention, I am loving the black girl magic! I can’t wait until this super girl has her own cartoon series (; Author Crystal Judkins not only demonstrates black girl magic, but she educates us on real-life superheroes in her book. In the last section of Onyx McFly Saves the Day, she honors some great women in history. She even educated me on some great women.

I am so glad the author of Onyx McFly Saves the Day, could sit down and answer a few questions. I can’t wait to give this book away as a giveaway and introduce little girls to Onyx McFly and her sidekick Boom!

Meet Author Crystal Judkins

Tell us a little about yourself perhaps something not many people know? 

My name is Crystal Judkins and I'm a self-published author and para educator from Alexandria, Virginia. I'm a poet, songwriter, an overall creative but I'm not as outgoing as people assume. I'm really more laid back and introverted. That's when I'm at my best creatively. 

What made you want to write books for children?

While being in education, I noticed the lack of diversity in children's literature and it always bothered me. After years of reading stories that my babies couldn't relate to, I decided that something needed to change. I wanted our children to be able to look at these pages and see themselves.

What was your favorite book or books as a child?

My favorite book was "Miss Nelson is Missing." I would read that over and over. It was just such a great concept. I also enjoyed the "Anasi the Spider" series. I was always a fan of fables/folktales and stories with great lessons. 

How did you get your ideas for this book. How did you prepare?

Honestly, her name was the first thing that came to mind.  I wanted something  hip and catchy but cute. Once I figured out her name, I thought about what I really wanted Onyx McFly to stand for. I decided she should be an unconventional superhero and just rolled with it. 

It was a very step by step process. I literally came up with Onyx's entire life before I even started writing. Character analysis if you will. Once I did that, the story pretty much flowed. I had an amazing time creating Onyx!

What do you plan on doing next in terms of children's literature?

I would love to keep releasing Onyx McFly books. I would also like to create other books for a variety of children's ages. My ultimate goal is to turn the Onyx McFly series into a cartoon. 

What advice do you have for young people who want to be writers?

Stay focused,  be creative and keep writing. It will happen! 

Where can people buy your book?

Right now it can be found on Amazon. I am currently working on a website so it will soon be available there also. 

What was one of the most surprising thing you learned in creating this book?

I was really shocked that I could write a very insightful and yet exciting children's book. I work with children but the majority of my writing is geared towards a more adult audience. I truly surprised myself. 

What were some of the challenges that you faced writing this book?

Trying to find the perfect illustrations to really fit the images I envisioned was probably the most difficult thing I had to face. Everything else pretty much fell into place.

Don't forget your Purple Cape!

Books that Speak the Truth: S.D. Nelson

"Laughter itself is a holy gift."-S.D. Nelson

Do you know S.D. Nelson? He is an Illustrator/Author and he lives in Flagstaff, Arizona. His splendid artwork of watercolors caught my attention after I saw his book Red Cloud on a blogger's page. Nelson's book Red Cloud: A Lakota Story of War and Surrender is about the great Lakota Chief Red Cloud. He was a controversial leader and deeply opposed white Expansion into Native American territory. However, this is not Nelson's first book about the great Lakota/Sioux leaders and warriors. His first book in this series was Sitting Bull: Lakota Warrior and Defender of his People. Sitting Bull was one of the greatest Lakota/Sioux warriors and chiefs. Sitting Bull directed his people against the U.S. Army and he was also in the forefront of battles like Killdeer Mountain and Little Bighorn. Another book in this series is Black Elk's Vision: A Lakota's Story, Black Elk was an Oglala-Lakota medicine man. At an early age, Black Elk was warned to beware of the "Wha-shi-choo" or white people. Black Elk held on to this vision to help his people.

The Star People: A Lakota Story, Greet the Dawn: The Lakota Way, Gift Horse: A Lakota Story, and Coyote Christmas: A Lakota Story,  are a few of the great books written and illustrated by S.D. Nelson that pay homage to the Lakota people. Moreover, I wanted to understand what would motivate S.D. Nelson to write great books and create awesome artwork about the Lakota people. S.D. Nelson is a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in the Dakotas. His people are known as the Sioux or Lakota. Nelson brings the history of these astounding people to life. I am impressed that S.D. Nelson is able to bring these important points of history to life.
Listen to learn more about S.D. Nelson below and check out my favorites by him!

Who do I Love? Book Review and Author Interview with Minister Sabrina Davidson

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV

I learned about Minister Sabrina Davidson through Facebook. She was announcing her book signing for her first book Who do I Love?, in Opelika, Alabama. I have followed her journey as a minister, motivational speaker, teacher, and author. 

Minister Davidson wears many hats, but through it all, she still finds time to exhibit the love of God to others. The love of God is shown not only through her book, but her lifestyle. I am impressed by her community outreach programs, her inspirational speaking engagements, and letting God lead her purpose. 

Who do I Love? Shows children that someone will always love you. No matter how many times the world puts you down, what the world needs is love. A lot of children are returning to school for the new school year and making new friendships.  Let's teach love and show love so that we can help others live for a greater purpose. 

1 Corinthians 13:13 states, And now these three remain : faith, hope and love. BUT the greatest of these is love. 

I am so thankful that  Minister Sabrina Davidson took time out of her schedule to answer a few questions for Miss T's Book Room! 

Let's get to know the author of Who do I Love? Minister Sabrina Davidson 

Tell us a little about yourself perhaps something not many people know?  

I’m a simple girl who doesn’t shop a lot at all. I keep clothes for years.  There is no telling what blast from the past you may find in my closet. (LOL)

What made you want to write books for children? 

I taught grades 1st-3rd grade. I worked with a lot of students who were struggling readers. Even though it was a challenged and sometimes the parents, child, and I would feel overwhelmed, the end result would be so rewarding. Each year I would look forward to that feeling of joy I would get from seeing those who struggled pick up a book and read it with confidence.

How did you get your ideas for this book? How did you prepare? 

I was unable to continue teaching due to an illness.  I was ok with leaving because I knew I was unable to be the best teacher that I knew I could be, but when I got home it hit me hard that I was leaving something I dreamed of doing as a child.  I had a really bad day and couldn't sleep, I woke up at 3am, went to my kitchen table, and wrote the book with drawing and all in 30 minutes. The ideas came from God and I wrote it down.  I always ran and still run to my mom when I feel blue.  My daughters run to me the same way.  My daughters think their father can fix anything broken. Great teachers love their students regardless of their behavior.  Family and church members show love and support.  Most of All God loves us.  This message of love is painted throughout the book.  Later after the book was published, God shared with me that the message he wanted me to share during the readings and book signings was no matter the mistakes you make or how far away from home you stray, you can always come home where someone loves you.  The prodigal son Luke 15:11-32 is the scripture reference.

What do you plan on doing next in terms of children's literature? 

I have had so many things speak to me, and I have receive them, but I'm only going forth if God downloads it to me. God has given me activity lessons and several songs to add to the book. Who Do I Love? will be in homes and schools across the world. 

What advice do you have for young people who want to be writers? 

Let Christ guide your pen and trust His timing. Put your faith in Him and use your platform for His glory. DON’T Give Up!  

Where can people buy your book? 

www.sabrinadavidson.com and Facebook Sabrina Davidson’s Author Page.

What were some of the challenges that you faced writing this book? 

Writing the book was the easy part, but finding an illustrator who could capture the vision was a challenge. 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating this book? 

Children beyond 2^nd grade are excited during the reading. Adults get teary eyed and say Ahhh. They say it gives off a warm feeling of joy and love.

Love More!!!

The Series and The Sequels-Books For Middle and High School Students

On this new blog post, I just wanted to give you guys a highlight of some great book series and sequels for middle and high school students. Preteens/Teens can be reluctant to read, it is awesome when we can find books that match their interest.  When we think of books for this grade level and age range, we realize that sometimes we have to introduced them to more books that are out of the norm.  

Mildred D. Taylor: The Logan Family Saga

Mildred D. Taylor is very famous for her literary works and her remarkable stories. The Logan Family Series has been a familiar series in some middle and high schools. Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry is one of my favorite books and movies, I watched the movie a lot as a child. I was also elated to discover that my favorite illustrator/artist Kadir Nelson has remastered her iconic book covers, take a look.

The Five Ancestors Series is essentially a graphic novel without any graphics. Five orphans are raised as foster brothers and Buddhist monks in 17th century China. The Grand Master has given the boys animal names and trained each of them into a martial-art style related to his titular animal's strengths.

Virginia Hamilton is one of my favorite authors. Most of her books were read during my childhood. She wrote stories that ranged from generational legacy to science fiction to folktales and more. Hamilton wrote 41 books.



A couple months ago, I read Rodman Philbrick's Freak the Mighty and Max The Mighty. In Freak the Mighty, both characters have disabilities and have a genuine friendship with each other. The two of them create a genuine relationship through fighting bullies and family problems. For the the two boys, they never imagine the big things that they would encounter. The sequel to this book is Max The Mighty,, which is similar to the first book.  Max and Worm also discover the greatness of a friendship through their difficulties. Max is a hero when he finds out that Worm needs saving from the harsh reality of school and her own issues at home.

 

Other Authors to Check-Out!

Lisa Yee
R.J. Palacio
James Patterson