"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.
