- Sep 16, 2024
Updated: Dec 11, 2024
How James Earl Jones Found His Voice
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Knopf Books for Young Readers
(pub. 7.30.2024)
48 pages
Ages 4 - 8
Author: Kari Lavelle
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Character: James Earl Jones
Overview:
" Before legendary actor James Earl Jones was recognized for his memorable, smooth voice, he was just James--a stutterer who stopped speaking for eight years as a child...and ultimately found his voice through poetry...
Whenever James tried to voice his thoughts, his words got stuck in his throat. But James figured out a solution for his shame: if he didn't speak, he wouldn't stutter.
And so he was silent...until he wrote his own poem, Ode to Grapefruit, and found a love for poetry."
Tantalizing taste:
"He traveled to the front of the classroom,
the dark side of fear rising.
Heart pounding.
Eighteen sets of eyes
and Professor Crouch watching.
Some kids smirked and some smiled.
Knees shaking.
But he felt the rhythm in his soul.
Tata tata tata tata…
James opened his mouth and began,
his voice deep and smooth,
reciting from his heart,
'Ode to Grapefruit...'"
And something more: The author, Kari Lavelle, shared in the Author's Note: "As a speech pathologist for over fifteen years, I continue to share the inspirational story of James Earl Jones with many kids who stutter. In researching and then writing his story, it is my hope his voice gives a voice to many."
Updated: Feb 8
WOO HOO! I’m beyond excited to be visiting DC to share our books! I’m so grateful to be hosted by such amazing organizations!
If you’re in the area, I’d love for you and any kiddos to join us at any (or all!) of these FREE events open to the public. Here's the scoop from the venues:
❤️ NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Friday, September 20
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM EDT
1st Floor, Explorer Theater in Sant Ocean Hall
Join us for a special Story Time with guest author, Jeanne Walker Harvey!
Jeanne Walker Harvey will be here to read her newest book, Else B. in the Sea: The Woman Who Painted the Wonders of the Deep. Come early to explore the deep sea through play. Families will also have a chance to explore some specimens from the museum's deep sea collection later in the program.
Following the reading, Jeanne Walker Harvey will be available for *book signing in the Explorer Theater.
*Please note that books will be available for purchase and are not included with attendance to the program.
❤️ AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM -
September 21, 2024 |10:30 am - 12:30 pm
National Air and Space Museum
Free, Timed-Entry Passes Required
Jeanne Walker Harvey will read her book, Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas.
After the story, we will learn about the Alma Thomas paintings that are in our collection at the National Air and Space Museum and other Smithsonian museums. We will play and make art to learn about Thomas, who had a unique way of depicting the world around her.
Following the reading, Jeanne Walker Harvey will be available for book signing at our Museum store.
❤️POLITICS and PROSE BOOKSTORE:
Sunday, September 22, 2024 - 10:30am to noon
Jeanne Walker Harvey - Else B and the Sea (ages 4 - 8) at 5015 Connecticut Ave
Join us for a Meet and Greet with the author! She will also read the book aloud with families and have several books from her extensive backlist available, and she can sign any purchased books.
And here's MY note:
Special thanks to the incredible team at Blue Slip Media for orchestrating these visits! 😍 And An Open Book Foundation or inviting me to share with students.
- Sep 6, 2024
Updated: Dec 11, 2024
The Life of Bessie Stringfield
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Creative Editions
(pub. 8.13.2024)
32 pages
Ages 8 - 12
Author: Janie Havemeyer
Illustrator: Jean Claverie
Character: Bessie Stringfield
Overview :
" A woman riding a motorcycle was shocking enough to Americans in the 1930s, but one who performed stunts and traveled cross-country by herself was practically unheard of! Ever defying expectations, Bessie Stringfield made an indelible mark as the “Motorcycle Queen,” but her story has often been overlooked. Revived here by author Janie Havemeyer and illustrator Jean Claverie, Bessie’s daring exploits showcase a woman of grit and determination who met life head on―and astride a motorbike."
Tantalizing taste:
"The next day, Bessie was a solo act.
The Motorcycle Queen raced up the slanted side of the Wall of Death. When she got to the top where it was steepest, she made a sharp left turn. She raced sideways along the top of the bowl, defying gravity. She was flying.
On her motorcycle, Bessie was free.
But Bessie wanted to do more than just stunts on her bike. She knew her life was meant for a higher purpose.
In 1941, America began fighting a war in Europe. The army needed motorcycle riders, but they weren't interested in girls. Betsy tried out anyway. She passed every test. [She became] the first female dispatch rider enlisted to deliver secret messages between U.S. army bases."
And something more: Such a beautiful book -- both the illustrations and the text and the presentation! I love the longer text for an older audience that is highlighted in separate columns of white next to the illustrations. Author Janie Havemeyer told me about her writing this book quite a few years ago. Congratulations! Janie shared in the Author's Note: "Jessie was a storyteller, and some of the things she shared, especially about her childhood, have since been proven false. It is likely that Bessie made up facts about her parents and where she grew up because the truth was hard. She was born in 1911, in North Carolina, and life there wasn't easy. Jim Crow laws told Black people what they could or couldn't do ... [And also all] her life, she fought against the stereotypes of what girls should do.… In 2002, Bessie was inducted into the American Motorcycle Hall of Fame."
Janie kindly shared with me some more fascinating tidbits to add to Bessie's story:
"Bessie loved performing in carnival stunt shows. In the 1930’s carnivals were traveling shows that toured the nation. Motorcycle riders, like Bessie, moved from carnival to carnival. Some of Bessie’s stunts were lying down on her bike and steering it with her feet. She rode sidesaddle. She stood up on the footpeg on one side of her bike. Then she would leap across the seat to stand on the footpeg on the other side. Bessie once said, 'I just crank up (my bike) and it talks to me.' Bessie and her bike shared a bond, much like a rider on a horse.
And here are some cool facts about motorcycles:
· In 1895 a French circus brought the first motorcycle to America.
· By 1920 Harley-Davidson was one the biggest makers of motorcycles. Bessie owned 27 Harley’s in her lifetime.
· In 1937 Sally Robinson was the first woman to get her motorcycle license.
· In the 1950’s American war soldiers from World War Two started motorcycle clubs. Biking in clubs was a way for returning soldiers to stay connected with each other. Biking also gave soldiers the same excited and nervous feeling they had felt fighting on the battlefield.
· Motorcycle riding is popular around the world today. The country with the most motorcycle riders is India."
