Reach Children's Book Series: 2020 Books by Teens
The latest titles in the Reach Children's Book Series will be published on November 19! We're so proud of the 13 teen authors who engaged with some of the most important issues of today -- including racial justice, immigration, and finding joy amidst the pandemic -- in thoughtful stories for young readers.
Throughout July, 13 Reach Incorporated tutors participated in virtual workshops with Shout Mouse Team Story to write four new children's picture books! We're delighted to welcome back returning authors Japan, Jocktavious, and Riley and to work with writers Anthony, Damarco, Danya, Daveena, Diarou, Emilie, Geralyn, Joseph, Samaria, and Shatiya for the first time.
We can't wait to share the stories they wrote with you: we're so impressed by the vulnerability and creativity this group of authors has shown, as well as their thoughtfulness in responding to our current moment. We're happy to welcome back returning emerging illustrators Tony and Camryn and first-timers Alex and Rob as the artists who will be bringing this year's stories to life. Stay tuned on social media for sneak peeks as we share the behind-the-scenes making of the books. Coming November 2020!
And Justice for Who?
by Damarco Taylor, Emilie Kpadea, and Japan Spells
Faith Campbell, Story Coach
Rob Gibsun, Illustrator
Cody and Nene are best friends, and they have been all their lives. But when the Black Lives Matter protests erupt in response to police violence, they realize they may not be so alike after all. While Nene defends cops like her uncle — “Not all cops are like that!” — Cody gets more and more upset about injustice. This movement will put their friendship to the test, and may push them into separate corners just when they need each other most. Can they learn to hear each other out and mend their friendship?
Breonna Marches Through Time
by Daveena Kenny, Geralyn Hooks, Jocktavious Montford, Shatiya Givens
Alexa Patrick, Story Coach
Anthony White, Illustrator
Breonna is an 8-year-old time traveler living in Southeast DC. As she watches 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, she sees her once-vibrant community wilt into sadness and anger. She is filled with questions about what is going on and why — and she’s determined to do something about it. Breonna travels back in time and then sees the future in order to learn about the power of speaking out. Can a visit with a youth activist from the past inspire her to bring change to the present day?
Diarou’s Not So Different
by Anthony Cooke, Diarou Bayo, and Riley Campbell
Barrett Smith, Story Coach
Alex Perkins, Illustrator
Diarou is starting her first week in a new school, in a new country, speaking a new language... and she feels completely alone. She moved to the U.S. from Guinea over the summer and is determined to make friends, but with her limited English, she's having trouble communicating with her classmates. Just when she thinks she might be on her own, she meets another new student who’s struggling too. Can Diarou find a way to connect across language barriers to make a true friend?
Shayla’s Shutdown Solution
by Danya Carter, Joseph Chuku, and Samaria Short
Sarai Johnson, Story Coach
Camryn Simms, Illustrator
Shayla loves to draw and be creative. But during the shutdown, she's having a hard time finding a place to do what she loves. Her big, multigenerational family seems to always be in the way. Mom and dad are video-chatting. Her brothers and sisters are doing schoolwork. And her little cousins are making messes all over the place. Frustrated, Shayla goes to her Aunties for help. Will she be able to figure out how to make space for herself in a very crowded house?
Team Story & Team Art smiling during a zoom call in July 2020.