Addressing social concerns while preserving cultural identity in children’s literature
September 20 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Crystal Boateng was born and raised in Ghana before moving to Springfield, Massachusetts, with her family at a young age. She is a proud alumna of Mount Holyoke College and holds both a law degree and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. A mother of three, Crystal draws inspiration for her writing from her children and their shared cultural heritage. Her debut picture book, Afia the Ashanti Princess: A Visit to the Motherland, was honored on the BBC Culture list of 100 Greatest Children’s Books in 2023. Crystal’s other titles include Afia the Brave Swimmer: Seaside Adventures in Ghana; Saturday Morning Cuddles with Mommy; Cooking Jollof with Nana in Ghana; and a Travel Journal for Kids. Through her books, Crystal celebrates family, culture, and the beauty of everyday adventures. Crystal’s books can be found HERE.
Lesléa Newman has created 87 books for readers of all ages. Recent titles include, “Joyful Song: A Naming Story,” and “Always Matt: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard.” Forthcoming titles include “Something Sweet: A Sitting Shiva Story,” “Rainbow Cookies,” “Song of the Dead Sea Scrolls,” and “Welcome: A Wish for Refugees.” Lesléa’s literary awards include two National Jewish Book Awards, two American Library Association Stonewall Honors, a poetry fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Massachusetts Book Award, and the Association of Jewish Libraries Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work Award. She is a past poet laureate of Northampton, MA. All books can be found at lesleakids.com
Dr. Jim Price was born and raised in Springfield Massachusetts, He graduated with his Doctorate of Education from American International College. Dr Price draws his inspiration for writing from his work as a public school counselor and has based his book series on children building social skills. His debut children’s book The adventures of Harold from the hood A Trip to the Park was awarded the Kingdom Indie Author Award for top children’s book. Dr Price’s other titles include Friends like different things, Fun Time Lunch Time and When I feel so Annoyed. Through his books he inspires change through accepting others’ differences and diversity and inclusion of all children. Link for books: www.jimpricebooks.education
