Authored By Us

"I grab my book bag.  Hey ... what's that sound?  There's a bee in my book bag.  This is REALLY bad!"  Sounds like a tale easy to understand.  You find a bee in your book bag, I think you know what to do.  But not so fast, wait until you read a bit more and learn that the bee has a side to tell that you really should hear.  "I was trapped in a dark place.  I met a bunch with no class."  The side of the story told by the bee, this sounds like a "she said, bee said" kind of story.  Find our what all the buzz is about in this episode with guest author, Lisa Martin Suber, as she shares her sweet story, There's A Bee in My Book Bag:  A Tale with Two Sides.

With over 35 books, we could have picked any one of these gems for this week's episode featuring best selling author Kwame Alexander, but The Crossover is where it all started for our host, Zenzi Hodge.  Tune in for a Conversation with Kwame Alexander as we explore his creative messages for young readers as they navigate life and learning through the pages of his books.

Welcome to Season 2 of Authored By Us!  We are "cooking" up some creative and entertaining fun with this week's author David Miller as he shares his new book, Chef Toussaint.  Chef Toussaint isn't just a whiz in the kitchen, he brings together his love of food, family, and history together in this page turner which truly leaves you hungry for more.

How many friends do you have? Do they all look like your or are they different from you? Do you share the same thoughts, goals, and values? Author Cedric L. Threatt shows us the importance of sitting down and talking with someone in order to know what’s really on their mind. “The Discussion: A Necessary Dialogue for Change” is the story of two young boys, Rashad and Kenny, and the classroom conversation that tests the strength of their friendship.

Before Career Day at his school, Art and his classmates believe becoming a doctor is impossible. After listening to the doctors, this all changes.  Join us as we talk with author, Dr. Christina T. Rosenthal as she shares her book, You Can Become a Doctor Too.

Many children around the world have often wondered what lies underneath their beds at night. In this story, Chuka and his Dad try to uncover what lurks in the darkness underneath his bed. Join Chuka and Dad for the ride to see what they find. Your child may feel empowered by the child in this story to feel less anxious at bedtime, especially when the lights go out or dim. Does your little one have an anxiety monster that may take on many shapes and likes to visit at bedtime? Learn to tame your imagination and decrease bedtime anxiety.

Many will never know what it’s like for black fathers to have The Talk…When a black father and his son sit down to talk, deep, and often difficult, stories flow between them. The hope and pride that a father feels when he looks at his son teeters on the edge of his fears about the world and his need to prepare his son for life’s toughest moments.From racism to police brutality, Michael A. Woodward, Jr.’s The Talk: Conversations Between A Black Father And His Son offers a glimpse into the conversations that connect the souls of black fathers and their sons, ultimately leading to stronger young men and safer, more vibrant communities.

"Shhh… I have a secret and I don’t want anyone to know about it. I’m starting school and I am so happy that my teacher only asks us to share our first name.  If she asked for my last name I think everyone might find out what my secret is."  What happens when a young boy not only doesn't want to speak his native language of Spanish, he doesn't want anyone to speak Spanish to him, even at home, and doesn't want anyone at his school to know that he is of Spanish descent?This is the story being told by Maritere Bellas in her book I Have a Secret! ¡Tengo un Secreto!: Yunito’s Adventures-Las Aventuras de Yunito.  Mari is an advocate for raising multi-cultural and multi-lingual children ready to compete in a global society.

As children we were often asked what we wanted to be when we grew up.  Sometimes, the careers we picked did not turn out to be what we ended up doing in adulthood; and other times, we made selections not fully knowing what was available to us.  This week's author, Tiffani Teachey, wants to make sure that no child has to ever wonder what they can do with their love of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  As a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Tiffani crafter her book, What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z as a guide for the youngest readers so that they can envision STEM careers here on Earth and even among the stars.

When we think of diversity, we often think of how one looks or sounds to identify the "difference."  But what about those hidden elements that impact us on the inside, thus causing someone to behave differently or even learn differently.  LiLi is a smart and caring little girl but due to her sensory issues and speech delay, she is not always able to communicate or interact with others as she would like or in the same way as her friends.  This week's episode features author Gin Noon Spaulding giving voice to children like LiLi and providing support to parents.

Javvon was living the life of a normal middle-schooler.  He had an annoying little sister, a loyal best friend, his first crush, and of course, daily encounters with the school bully.  Normal, right?  That's until Javvon acquired super powers and went on a mission to protect his neighborhood, save the occasional stray cat, and take down his arch nemesis.  This seems like a normal day for THE SUPADUPA KID as longs as he gets home in time to complete his homework.

It's hard enough being the new kid and when you don't speak the same language as everyone else you standout even more - and not in a good way.  In her new book,  I Am Not Being Lazy, I Just Don't Understand, Gina Paul shares a story based on her experiences as she and her family immigrated to Brooklyn, New York from the Caribbean island of Haiti.  This heartwarming story about young Georgette's struggle to be seen even though her words could not be understood is a tale of triumph for all.About our AuthorGina Paul is an inner-city early childhood special education teacher and will soon be a licensed bilingual teacher. She came to the United States at the age of ten and spoke no English. She learned the language through watching educational children’s programs on television. Gina is a strong believer in bridging the gap between cultures and communities, which she believes can be accomplished by educating young people about history, creating opportunities to share stories, recognizing individual differences, and having a healthy appreciation for diversity.  I Am Not Being Lazy, I Just Don't Understand is available on Amazon.comConnect with Gina on social media on Facebook and Instagram.About our HostZenzi Hodge is the author of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas.  The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.

While books may contain stories, not all stories are found in books.  The tradition of storytelling is deeply rooted in the history and culture of people throughout the diaspora and around the globe.  And there is a difference between reading a story and telling a story, a distinction we will hear and experience from this week's guest, master storyteller, Glenn Kwabena Davis.  Gather 'round, It's Story Time on Authored By Us. About our GuestGlenn Kwabena Davis is a native St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and is an education, musician and advocate for cultural education with a special focus on preserving Virgin Islands culture and passing it on to the next generation. About our HostZenzi Hodge is the author of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas.  The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.

Zara's weekly hair washing ritual with her mother is anything but mundane.  While she may not look forward to the discomfort which accompanies the washing and combing of her hair, she enjoys the time she spends with her mother learning about her heritage and her HAIRITAGE.  Hairstyles some simple, yet telling a story of pride and a rich African legacy which reveal to Zara that with her "crown" on her head she can take on the world.About our AuthorZenda Walker is an author, licensed cosmetologist, and beauty marketing executive.Originally from the Bronx, New York, she enjoys traveling, spontaneous dance parties, exploring and developing beauty trends, and chocolate desserts. Zenda is a co-founder of Bounce Mobile Fitness Club, LLC. – a fitness business specializing in rebounding workouts. Zenda resides in Los Angeles, California with her daughter Zara Olivia.Know Your Hairitage: Zara's Wash Day is available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.About our HostZenzi Hodge is the author of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas.  The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.

Storytelling is a tradition in African and Caribbean culture and How Red Ants Got Their Color is a story within a story.  Author I. Carol Husbands shares a telling tale not just about a father and daughter enjoying a picnic interrupted by the ants but the story is beautifully set with the picturesque island of St. Thomas as a major character.  Listen and and perhaps you will learn just how red ants really got their color. About our AuthorImani Marley-Husbands is a child of the Caribbean that uses the pen name I. Carole Husbands. She is the author of the Folk Tales of the Caribbean series of books. She is the proud mother of two adult children David Nesta and Chantal Andre, who were raised in St. Thomas and Atlanta. Additionally, Imani is the Co-President of the University of the Virgin Islands Georgia Alumni Chapter.Her first grandbaby Dahlia, was born on Oct 5th, 2020; so she adds “Nanita” to her many titles such as: mother, wife, ballerina, a member of the choir, a Traditional Caribbean Clown, a baker of yummy cakes, and a photographer that is known to take the candid picture of you when you are biting into a burger. You will find her at most community events snapping away [which is why her nickname “Snaps” was given to her during the Atlanta Hip Hop Festival in 2010].She does her best writing on a Caribbean beach, or at home on her sunny eastern Atlanta deck overlooking her garden. I. Carole loves to take her readers to" the days gone by" of the Caribbean; transporting readers to a place where the palm trees sway and the livestock roams free, the people are stronger than the tropical breezes, the land is surrounded by turquoise water, and sitting on Grandma's lap as she reads to you is alive and well!" Currently she has three titles listed on Amazon for purchase: The Rooster and his Crown (St. John, USVI); Granny Says (Barbados) and How the Red Ants got their Color (St. Thomas, USVI). She is currently working on her next installment which takes place in Jamaica.She welcomes your feedback: i.carolehusbands@gmail.comHow Red Ants Got Their Color is available on Amazon.com.About our HostZenzi Hodge is the author of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas.  The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.

Being bullied is the pits! This is something that Max and Levi have experienced individually but when their paths collide and they have to encounter the school bully, they become fast friends and learn that not only are they stronger together, they learn that their friendship is their superpower. The Adventures of Max and Levi: The Alpha League Book Series is a wonderfully written origin story that shows children how to find strength within and affirms that you, too, can be a super hero.About our AuthorsPortia Smith is Licensed Professional, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She has over ten years of both clinical and professional experience in the mental health field. She specializes in suicide and crisis intervention, and prevention services. She is the loving mother of two children. She is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Michael Johnson is an author, recording artist, musician, Entrepreneur, Postal service worker, and loving father. Michael is driven by his goal of creating generational wealth. He believes in hard work as well as self service to ensure he reaches his goals. Michael is a recording artist under the stage name "Iyah Wise". He has a lengthy catalog of music that can be found on all major streaming platforms. 2020 Michael created Iyah Music LLC which he serves as main artist, as well as CEO.The Adventures of Max and Levi: The Alpha League Book Series is available on Amazon.com Episode SponsorCulture Greetings is an Atlanta based tech startup that allows consumers to pick a culturally relevant physical greeting card and write a personal note using handwriting fonts. Visit Culture Greetings and enjoy 25% of birthday cards when you purchase as an Authored By Us listener.About our HostZenzi Hodge is the author of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas. The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.

We tend to depart the presence of loved ones by sending wishes to "Have a Good Day," without thinking what that really means and also assuming that their day begins once they have left our presence. Join author Julie Carter as she shares her book, A Good Day as it chronicles the daily routine of "CJ" as he and his family give us insight that a good day truly starts at home, from the moment you wake and in the company of those you love.About our AuthorJulie Carter was born and raised on 32 sq miles in the middle of the Caribbean Sea on a beautiful island in the US Virgin Islands (“Rock City” St. Thomas) to a single and working class mother who did everything she could to make sure her children did not fall victim to their circumstances. Leaving the islands at age 17, she’s experienced life in extraordinary ways. Julie rights to inspire her kids with their own lives in print and color. She and her family now reside in Virginia. A Good Day is Julie's first book and is available on in paperback and for Kindle on Amazon.com.Episode SponsorCulture Greetings is an Atlanta based tech startup that allows consumers to pick a culturally relevant physical greeting card and write a personal note using handwriting fonts. Visit Culture Greetings and enjoy 25% of birthday cards when you purchase as an Authored By Us listener.About our HostZenzi Hodge is the author of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas. The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.

What started as a class assignment became an expression of creativity and pride, and has now been produced as Tacardra Rountree's latest book, "Hello Queen." Powerfully written with words of empowerment and beautifully illustrated with the custom work of acclaimed artist, Audrey “Sala Adenike” Jeter- Allen, "Hello Queen" is a blessing to young queens everywhere.About the AuthorTacardra Rountree is a native of Augusta, Georgia. She is an author, inspirational speaker, and educator. Rountree has her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Fort Valley State University and her Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota. She is the author of Writings From Down Through the Years and Hello Queen. Writings From Down Through the Years is a compilation of inspirational poetry and readings. Rountree seeks to motivate, inspire, and honor heritage through various expressions of poetry. Hello Queen is her second book and first children's picture book. It is illustrated by Audrey “Sala Adenike” Jeter- Allen. Hello Queen is a poetic portrayal of what a Queen represents - beauty, intelligence, determination, and more. It is an affirmation and reminder that there is a Queen in each of us regardless of your age or profession. Through beautiful paintings and graphic illustrations, readers are able to learn about African culture. Young girls and women will be able to boldly say, I am a Queen! Rountree seeks to encourage and inspire others with her heartfelt words. She is always excited to share her books with schools and libraries. Her poetry has appeared in the newsletters of educational organizations and has been read at various programs and conferences. Rountree was a Featured Author and Presenter at the Palmetto State Literacy Association’s 45th Annual Conference. Follow Tacardra on Facebook and Twitter.Episode SponsorFollow Audrey “Sala Adenike” Jeter- Allen on Twitter and Instagram at @SalaAdenike.About our HostZenzi Hodge is the author of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas. The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.

Children are always picking things up and parents have to make sure they are picking up the right things.  This is the focus of "Someone is Watching You," by author Omar Chin.  From the moment of birth, a child relies on its parent for nurturing and that nurturing is for both the body and the soul.  With each interaction, a parent teaches a child how he or she should walk through life because that child may one day become a parent and will be responsible as someone will soon be watching him or her.As a parent and author of children's books, Omar has crafted a not just a story but a teaching tool for parents, mentors, and young readers as they learn how to receive the baton and be prepared to pass it along in the future.About our AuthorOmar Chin was born in The Bronx, NY to Jamaican parents and was raised in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He has always enjoyed writing, teaching, and helping children grow by realizing their full potential. When he was in middle school, he began to write short stories which helped to stretch his imagination. From that point on he explored different writing styles like poetry, storytelling, and short narratives. When he was in college, he started to mentor kids and learned that they had much more to offer if they were given the opportunity. He realized that there was an opportunity to combine all of his passions by writing children's books with the hopes that they will inspire conversations between children and adults.  Someone is Watching You is available on Amazon in paperback and e-book.Episode SponsorMr. Pete's Playhouse is a children's program that takes children of all ages on a fun learning adventure, which includes various segments of songs, dance, readings and so much more!  Catch episodes of Mr. Pete’s Playhouse on YouTube.About our HostZenzi Hodge is the author of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas.  The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.

Colors are everywhere and author Joanne Moorehead is making sure that young children not only learn their colors but learn a love for words and reading in the process. Joann's colorful board book takes its inspiration from ROY G BIV, which we learned is not a person but the acronym for the actual colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. Join us as we explore this delightful tale that will leave you asking, "What Color is Your Rainbow?"About our AuthorBorn and raised in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Joanne Moorehead is a product of educator grandmothers who strongly believed in the idea that learning should be fun. A self-professed "word nerd," creating books for children where they learn and laugh is her goal. Her book, What Color is Your Rainbow is available online at www.jenjopiblishing.com.Episode SponsorMr. Pete's Playhouse is a children's program that takes children of all ages on a fun learning adventure, which includes various segments of songs, dance, readings and so much more! Catch episodes of Mr. Pete’s Playhouse on YouTube.About our HostZenzi Hodge is the author of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas. The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.

"Do you know what makes a man? I am not so sure I understand." This is the question asked by a young boy earnestly searching for the ingredients for his "manhood recipe." But what we learns is more value than just a few characteristics as the people in his life give him vision and inspiration as he goes forth on his quest. Join us as we venture through this tale with guest author, Del'Shawn Taylor, as he shares this story of kindness, strength, and love, as told in his first book, Do you Know What Makes a Man?.About our AuthorDel'Shawn Taylor is an award-winning baritone, composer, pianist, educator, author, and arts equity advocate. When he isn't composing or performing, he is either binge-watching a new series on Netflix with his wife, Chanel and their puppy Malachi, spending time with his beloved family or he is traveling around the country or Europe. He is an avid arts activist within his community serving on different boards and committees. Currently, he is completing his MBA and applying to EdD programs that focus on educational equity within urban communities. He recently released his first children's book Do you Know What Makes a Man? ," in his series Believe It! Achieve it! that seeks to empower Black youth. His favorite quote is, "Have courage and be kind."Do you Know What Makes a Man? is available on Amazon.com. Connect with Del'Shawn on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.Episode SponsorCulture Greetings is an Atlanta based tech startup that allows consumers to pick a culturally relevant physical greeting card and write a personal note using handwriting fonts. Visit Culture Greetings and enjoy 25% of birthday cards when you purchase as an Authored By Us listener.About our HostZenzi Hodge is the author of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas. The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.

Christopher is living it up as a 'tween but he is about to learn that there is a lot more to life.  As he witnesses the impact that social injustice has on his community, his friends, and his family, Christopher is compelled to make a change, and he is bring others along with him.  In this compelling story you learn that you're never too young to take a stand and make a contribution to society,  Join us as we talk with author and educator, Tasha Ellis, EdD as she shares the importance of civic engagement and the value of family in a child's life in her book, #ENOUGH.About our AuthorDr. Tasha Ellis is the acclaimed author of #ENOUGH.  She’s been an enthusiastic educator for nearly two decades.  Her passion for children, reading, and learning led her to author books.  She desires for her stories to highlight the beauty and frailty of humanity and to discourage bullying and other hurtful behaviors. It is her hope to inspire youth to engage in meaningful and progressive dialogue that will encourage them to become change agents. Dr. Tasha Ellis has been awarded Teacher of the Year in both the Atlanta Public and DeKalb County School systems.  She has also worked with an adult literacy program at Atlanta Technical College.  She is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, Florida) and Fielding Graduate University (Santa Barbara, California).  She earned her BS from Florida A&M University majoring in elementary education and minoring in public relations.  She earned her doctorate in educational leadership for change from Fielding Graduate University. #ENOUGH is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.About our HostZenzi Hodge is the author of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas.  The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.Episode SponsorLooking for a fun and creative way to gather with family and friends?   Personalized Paintings creates custom painting experiences for artists of all ages and skill levels.  Select from their catalog of art or create something custom with their artist.  Personalize Paintings, creating memories with art.  Order today at PersonalizedPaintings.net.

"I grab my book bag. Hey ... what's that sound? There's a bee in my book bag. This is REALLY bad!" Sounds like a tale easy to understand. You find a bee in your book bag, I think you know what to do. But not so fast, wait until you read a bit more and learn that the bee has a side to tell that you really should hear. "I was trapped in a dark place. I met a bunch with no class." The side of the story told by the bee, this sounds like a "she said, bee said" kind of story. Find our what all the buzz is about in this episode with guest author, Lisa Martin Suber, as she shares her sweet story, There's A Bee in My Book Bag: A Tale with Two Sides.In this premiere episode, we cover several key topics including:Summary of the storyThe story behind the storyWhere to get a copyAnd much moreThis episode of Authored By Us is dedicated to the memory of Klarque Garrison.About our AuthorLisa Martin Suber has been an elementary school educator for more than twenty years and a bug lover all her life. She began writing short stories, songs, plays, and poems at an early age. Teaching her students to craft their own stories is one of her greatest passions. She is also an avid reader, traveler, foodie, and hiker. She wrote this book, There’s a Bee in My Book Bag, to encourage young people to appreciate nature and the beauty of all things great and small. There's a Bee in my Book Bag! A Tale with Two Sides is available on Amazon and Lulu.About our HostZenzi Hodge is the author of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas. The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.Episode SponsorLooking for a fun and creative way to gather with family and friends? Personalized Paintings creates custom painting experiences for artists of all ages and skill levels. Select from their catalog of art or create something custom with their artist. Personalize Paintings, creating memories with art. Order today at PersonalizedPaintings.net.

Authored By Us is a weekly podcast where we meet the authors behind the children's books telling the stories about characters of color and of different cultural experiences.  Each week, join our host, author, Zenzi Hodge, as we turn the pages of these bookshelf gems and hear from their authors who understand that stories of diverse experience truly come to life when Authored By Us.About our HostZenzi Hodge is the of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas.  The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.

We all have a story that is memorable to us.  Whether it is a Dr. Seuss classic or a little known family favorite.  In this bonus episode, our host, Zenzi Hodge, author of The Never Snowy Christmas shares the story which had the most impact on her as a young reader and eventually an author.  We can't wait to find out about her notable bookshelf gem?About our HostZenzi Hodge is the of the 2014 children's book, The Never Snowy Christmas.  The story tells the tale of a young boy wanting it to snow in his island home of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and the antics he employs to make it snow in paradise.