Monday, September 17, 2018

My Flipping YaYa-Book Review and Author Interview with Yonce Daniels


Grandparents are the greatest! They make you treats, give you presents, and spoil you. But have you ever heard of a grandma that flips. Well meet Mrs. Yonce Daniels the Flipping Ya-Ya. I know you’re thinking, “Why is she called a Flipping YaYa?”

My Flipping YaYa by Yonce Daniels is told  through the eyes of a little girl name Zuri. Zuri’s grandmother (Yaya) is a great flipper. Yaya tumbles, flips, teaches Zuri how to swing on bars, and how to walk on balance beams. I enjoyed reading this book because it is different from the normal books about grandmothers. Zuri wants to do everything her Yaya does even if it takes her a while to catch up. Yaya not only shows Zuri her style, but she also encourages her to never give up.


I also enjoyed this book because the daughter of Daniels is the amazing illustrator. Artist Daryl Myntia Daniels has amazing drawings in this book. I think her art has its on way of being dramatic and I love it! It adds a great touch to My Flipping YaYa, the daughter-mother collaboration is a big plus for me too!  Please check out her Facebook page and her other great pieces!
I am so happy that Mrs. Yonce Daniels took out the time to answer a few questions for Miss T’s Book Room. It means a lot!



A little about myself

I'm 53 and I have a love for gymnastics. I was introduced to the sport at the age of 5.  I received a full ride gymnastics scholarship to the University of Iowa, performed professionally with Olympian Kurt Thomas for 5 years. Opened the first African American female owned gymnastics school training preschool through elite level gymnast. I will be celebrating 32 years of marriage in October. I have two children, my daughter is the illustrator  and an artist in NYC where she received her MFA, and my son is giving me my first Yaya baby. He is also a council man and football coach for a local high school.

My Favorite book as a child was 

The secret language. This book was about a girl who was in a boarding school, she was a bit stand - offish. She developed a language all of her own. That she used to describe certain people , situations 
This book was a great read for me, For some odd reason I connected with the main character. Even though our lives where nothing a like. I remember thinking as a child how cool it would be to say something out loud and no one having a clue what you were talking about or what it meant or even who it was directed to.

What made me want to write a children's book

I work with young people everyday, sharing my love of gymnastics and when I found out I was having a grandchild, I became very excited! Both of my children lived my life as a performer and coach and I wanted to make sure my grandchild knew me in the same way. This book was a mother/ daughter collaboration and it is the first African American children's book about a flipping grandmother and her grand child. My daughter is an amazing artist and knows the sport of gymnastics like the back of her hand. I knew she would be able to capture exactly, what I envisioned each page of the book to be.

My future plans

I recently finished the second book. We are going to do a series of 4-5 books. In the second book, Zuri learns to do a skill by herself and she is quite proud of herself. 

The most surprising thing I learned about creating this book/ project 

was how fast the process went. The opportunities that have come from writing this book. I'm  doing a TV show called Issues. They will interview me about the book and my life. I have several schools lined up that I will be visiting this year to read the book and do gymnastics demonstration for. The book is currently being showcased internationally with my publisher and I am being interviewed by you. All around this book has been a blessing on so many levels. I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new and I am glad I did.

The book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Xlibris. If anyone wants a signed copy. They can contact me at aqua47.yd@gmail.com and I will ship them a copy. They can purchase it through PayPal.

Website :
My flipping Yaya.com

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram
My Flipping Yaya

You can also follow my gymnastics team and see me in action on Mason Gymnastics Twisters.

Thank you, for taking time to reach out and hear my story.





























Saturday, July 7, 2018

Let's Eat! A List of Great Cookbooks for Kids!

Hello, everyone, Miss T has been kind of busy and trying to relax for the Summer. Also, I am getting some amazing things ready for Miss T's Book Room. July is upon us and all I can think about is Family Reunions, Back to School Bashes, and more Summer Fun! But do you know what goes great with all these things, Food!





Eating is one of my favorite past times…. I grew up in a Food Loving Family! I come from a long line of great cooks, which consist of my grandmother, mom, aunts, and a few cousins! I was born and raised in the South, so I know that food has a way of touching your soul. As for myself, I like trying out new recipes and trying new foods. 

Food preparation is an art, watching people cook is like watching an artist paint a masterpiece. When you cook, you reveal your creative side! Have you ever watched Chopped and Chopped Junior on The Food Channel? I love those shows! The adults and children must think quickly when given unordinary ingredients. The contestants compete against three or four others and they make the best dish with those unordinary ingredients. During the show, judges taste and critique the food and dismiss one contestant until they’re down to one.  

For kids, cooking can be a great tool to teach creativity, Science, teamwork, math skills, problem-solving skills, and patience. Please encourage your kids to cook with you or have a day set up for the kids to cook a meal for the family. In the past, I have introduced different recipes to kids and they enjoy the recipe and an activity. The time can also be good to introduce healthy food choices. I am sure a lot of people know, but always assist children while they’re in the kitchen.

I have put together a list of great cookbooks for kids! These cookbooks range from international cookbooks, vegan, and vegetarian! If your children adore big plates of pasta, chocolate fudge cookies, or edible slime. Hopefully, you will find down below!


















Friday, March 16, 2018

The We Belong Bunch: Pookie J. 's School Day Book Review and Interview with Authors Dr. Samuel and Angela Johnson



“When we’re talking about diversity, it ‘s not a box to check. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us.” Ava DuVernay


How many times have you talked about Diversity? When was the last time you suggested Inclusion? Diversity and Inclusion can affect everyone, but where can we start talking about diversity? Home and school are the best places, a  multicultural education is an important component. It is important just like reading, writing, science, history, and math. We might not believe in the same thing, but we can learn from one another and that is something to value.  The first time I heard about The We Belong Bunch I saw a drawing of The We Belong Bunch Friends. I was impressed by the diversity and of course the cuteness overload.

Together We Focus LLC presents, The We Belong Bunch: Pookie J.’s School Dayis a book all about celebrating and understanding differences. The book is told from the perspective of a little boy named Pookie J. who goes through a usual school day with his close friends, The We Belong Bunch. Pookie J. wants to be a professor like his father who also encourages him to follow his dreams and teaches him that everyone belongs. Pookie J. describes all his friends, not by their features or their beliefs, but by their dreams and aspirations. Even his teacher, Ms. Crawford, nurtures his classmates, encourages them to work hard, and tells them to believe in themselves. The authors Dr. Samuel Johnson and his wife Angela Johnson are showing that kids and adults might come from different backgrounds, but they can offer so much!

The We Belong Bunch also has their own song/book trailer titled You’re My Friend (which is below). I love the song! It goes perfectly with the story. It talks about being friends, loving each, taking care of each other, and embracing each other’s differences.

But mostly, I am glad that the authors Dr. Samuel and Angela Johnson were able to sit down and answer a few questions for Miss T’s Book Room. Please read, listen, and comment on the video and the blog!  

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I have been an educator of children for close to 18 years. I am a graduate of The Ohio State University, Wright State University, and Howard University. I am married to co-author of the “We Belong Bunch” Angela Johnson. 


What made you want to write books for children?
 With all that is going on in our society, there seems to be an uprising of disrespect or a lack of empathy for people. Our children learn from the adults concerning how they should treat others that don’t necessarily look like or share their same beliefs. This book was written as an effort for students, parents, teachers, and community members to communicate the idea that “We all Belong” despite our differences.


I love the "You're My Friend " song. How did you come up with that song? What made you put a song with the book? 
Thank you so much! I wanted to write a song that depicted the theme of the book that could connect with both children and adults. I wrote the lyrics, Rob Hittz composed the music, while Sid Johnson served as the producer. Sid Johnson co-wrote the 80’s hits called “Slow Jam” by Midnight Star and “Two Occasions by a group called the Deele which featured Babyface. The vocals were provided by Mark Scott from Cincinnati who did just a fantastic job on the track. Lastly, we released a song that would coincide with the book because music makes things come alive.  The song and animated video allow the opportunity for the characters to jump off the page while spreading a positive message.

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

We are planning on releasing the second book in “The We Belong Bunch” series.


What was one of the most surprising thing you learned in creating this book/project?
We were trying to ensure that we wrote a book that would enlighten our readers and really tried to touch on the themes of friendship, embracing differences, grit, and the adults being role models for children. We really tried to attempt to tie all those themes together as best we could so the readers could really get something out of it.

Where can people buy your book?

Amazon and Barnes and Noble.







Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Black Boy Joy, Books, and Boldness

First, I want to state my inspirations for this blog:

  1. Kiyonna Anthony, a young man who was accepted into Harvard at the age of 16! 
  2. Caleb Green, a four-year old boy who read 100 books and his parents live streamed him reading these books in one day!
  3. Trevor Noah interviewing Jason Reynolds!!!Yes!! If you do not know Jason Reynolds, look him and his books up!
  4. Last but not least, Black Panther!! #WakandaForever  
Black Boy Joy was in full effect! 

    Now, I am sure you could go on and on about some experiences that deserve the hashtag #blackboyjoy. It is a breath of fresh air to read a hashtag as such. There are times when black boys and black men are not given the credit of being great. So many times the media has shut them down and call them THUGS, a delinquent or an embarrassment to society. But they're so much more!!! You're a poet, an artist, a scientist, a professor, you can be it all! There is a song by Esperanza Spalding called Black Gold. The lyrics that stand out are

    "Now maybe no one else has told you so
    But you're golden, baby
    Black Gold with a diamond soul
    Think of all the strength you have in you
    From the blood you carry within you
    Ancient men, powerful men
    Built us a civilization...." 



      That song has been on my playlist for a long time and I listen to it often. The lyrics are very powerful and have so much meaning. When I see the words black boy joy, I think of those words written by Spalding. I think of little boys and girls building a great civilization. So feed their minds with as many books as you can, build their library, and tell them that they are Black Gold!
    These books are apart of Miss T's Black Boy Joy Collection and some of them you probably have seen a couple of times on my blog, some you haven't . Some of them are about historical figures, athletes, but most of them are just about a little black boy living in a world all his own. I like to see black boys embrace the simplicity of boyhood. Truthfully, I like seeing any boy experience that type of independence.

    Be Bold and Build! The world is waiting!















    Read it! Write it! Create it!












    Wednesday, January 31, 2018

    Review of Clever Carmel by Henrietta Nwagwu-Rochford and Author Interview

    "Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going."-Rita Mae Brown


    I  first want to tell the Author Henrietta Nwagwu-Rochford and her husband Carl Rochford thank you for giving me the opportunity to review Clever Carmel. This is my first time reviewing a book and interviewing an author outside of the United States, I am honored. When I first saw the cover of Clever Carmel, I was captivated by the little girl on the cover standing in the front of her parents. It shows Carmel embracing her identity and her love for football (soccer). One thing that Miss T’s Book Room tries to accomplish is to help children read books that show characters loving and accepting themselves. In the story and in real-life, Carmel's father is English and her mother is Nigerian. She has the clever idea of bringing both cultures together for a school assignment. As a teacher, I am impressed how Carmel uses this assignment to teach her classmates about her appreciation for her culture. Another plus is that her parents and family help her embrace the idea of making her own style for the World Cup school project!

    Whether it be your children or your students, anyone can help a child embrace their identity, it is important for growth. One thing we need to realize is that we all come from different backgrounds, but that is what makes us unique. Diversity is a beautiful thing!

    Lastly, I want to Thank Henrietta Nwagwu-Rochford for answering questions for Miss T’s Book Room. Please check out her answers below and check out the promotional video below for Clever Carmel!   




    Tell us a little about yourself perhaps something not many people know?
    My dream job would be to have my own chat show for TV and be the next Oprah Winfrey, interviewing interesting, inspirational, empowering and motivational people from around the world.


    What made you want to write books for children? 
    I initially wrote my book as a children’s cartoon series as I felt there was a lack of representation for biracial children and children of colour on TV. I then decided to turn it into a book as a thought the same problem exists within children’s literature.

    What was your favorite book or books as a child? 
    As a child, we read lots of the Biff and Chip Series in school which I enjoyed in primary school. My favorite book as a teenager was ‘Things Fall Apart’ by Chinua Achebe because it reminds me of growing up in a Nigerian household in the UK and outside influences threatening traditional Nigerian values. I found the book very relatable.

    How did you get your ideas for this book? How did you prepare? 
    The idea for ‘Clever Carmel’ came about when I and my husband were talking about who we would be supporting for the World Cup. I instantly said I was supporting Nigeria and my husband was supporting England, which left Carmel a bit confused, and she asked ‘so who should I support, mummy and daddy’ to which we replied that she could support both countries. I wanted the book to teach children to embrace all cultures from their heritage, which in our household is Nigerian culture and English culture including the food and music etc.

    What do you plan on doing next in terms of children's literature? 
    The book will be part of a series which will feature all of my four children and be based on topics which relate to our family life just ‘Clever Carmel’ was created. I hope my books will help children feel represented in children’s literature and feel more included as well as helping them embrace their cultural identity as well as other peoples.

    What advice do you have for young people who want to be writers? 
    Write as much as possible to develop your style. Remember no one can tell your story like you and go for it. Be determined and never give up.

    Where can people buy your book? 
    My book is available on most online stores including Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

    What was one of the most surprising thing you learned in creating this book? 
    How much hard work goes into creating a book and getting it to market and particularly marketing a book.

    What were some of the challenges that you faced writing this book?
    My biggest challenges writing the book were balancing all my responsibilities as a mum of four children, working as a nurse and presenting a radio show. It has been worth it and hopefully, I am inspiring my children to be hardworking and successful in achieving their dreams.






    Friday, January 26, 2018

    Girls on the Go! Review of Mystery of the Golden Temple (Pack-n-Go Girls)


    Mystery of the Golden Temple is a part of the Pack-n-Go Girls Adventure Series, it embraces the idea of the “global girl” and the power of celebrating differences.  While reading and researching the Pack-n-Go Girls series, I am reminded of Nancy Drew, the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary, and The Babysitters Club books wrapped into one.  There is a sense of empowerment when girls are getting the job done! I am one of those girls that felt empowered when I read books similar to this one and the ones listed.


    Mystery of the Golden Temple starts with Jess Johnson and her family at the airport. Unsure of the new venture, Jess is about to experience an exciting feat in a place called Thailand. Jess makes an everlasting friendship and learns so many new things. While reading this book, I discovered that Thailand is shaped like an elephant’s head and the elephant plays an important role in their history. I also learned about food from Thailand and popular dishes (check out the recipe in the book matter). I enjoyed reading the preview of Jess and Nong May’s next adventure after finishing Mystery of the Golden Temple. I am really anticipating the next journey from these two fun and smart girls! Thank you, Janelle Diller, Lisa Travis, and illustrator Adam Turner for helping young readers understand that culture and learning about different places is important and cool!



    These websites are great resources for the classroom and book clubs. It is awesome to learn about Geography, historical facts, and beautiful landmarks in a fun and exciting way. These books help girls to dream about the endless possibilities of traveling and friendship. Are you Ready for an Adventure?

    Girls Run the World!