Ruby B. Inspiring Little Dreamers
Meet eight-year-old Ruby Marigold Booker, the main character in the Scholastic book series “Ruby & the Booker Boys” by author Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. Ruby is creative, fun, sassy, smart, and shows her style and individuality by sporting mismatched shoes and coming up with new adventures to undertake.
The series follows Ruby’s fun experiences and lessons as she navigates her eight-year-old world. Her character is relatable for all little readers especially African American girls who can see themselves in a character that looks like them and can be inspired by a positive example of a black family reminiscent of “The Cosby Show.”
Watch the video below of Barnes talking about why he started the series:
I love the essence of the Ruby books and it would be great to see more books from the series. If you have a little reader in your life or know of someone who does, consider supporting the series by purchasing the books, especially book 3 and 4. If they’re not in your bookstore you can have them ordered or order online. The books are pretty affordable and they are worth bringing joy to children who may not have seen a role model like Ruby.
If you are or happen to know any educators (teachers, librarians, principals, etc.) you can visit the author’s website to find out how to schedule a classroom visit.
Click here to be a fan of Ruby & The Booker Boys on FaceBook.
Help Build A Home in Haiti
Almost three months after the earthquake in Haiti the men women and children are still in great danger and need of help. The many who survived the devastation are still without homes and in harsh conditions with pouring rains and the upcoming hurricane season.
A Home in Haiti is an organization that is raising funds to buy waterproof tents to distribute on the ground in Haiti. Read about some of the efforts on the founder Shaun King’s blog and visit http://ahomeinhaiti.org help provide shelter and hope for the people by donating funds or sending tents today. You can watch the video below to learn more about this great project.
Video: India Arie – Little Things
I love the message and visuals of this video (doesn’t it make you smile?). From India Arie’s album “Voyage to India.”
“Runnin’ ’round in circles, lost my focus / Lost sight of my goal
I do this for the love of music / Not for the glitter and gold“Got everything that I pray for / Even a little more
When I ask to learn humility / This is what I was told“It’s the little things / And the joy they bring, it’s the little things
It’s the little things…” – India Arie, “Little Things”
Opportunity: YouTube’s Project Report
Here’s an opportunity for journalists to submit original pieces for a chance to win some great prizes. If you miss the first round you can still submit for the second round until April 4. At the end of Round 2 the Pulitzer Center will select 1 winner who will receive a Sony VAIO Notebook with the All New Intel® Core™ Processor. Visit http://projectreport-3.appspot.com for more information:
Description from website:
In partnership with the Pulitzer Center, YouTube presents Project: Report, a journalism contest (made possible by Sony VAIO & Intel) intended for non-professional, aspiring journalists to tell stories that might not otherwise be told.This year there will be five grand prize winners, each of whom will receive at $10,000 grant to work with the Pulitzer Center on an international reporting project.
Winners in each round will receive technology prizes from Sony & Intel.
FOR MORE ABOUT THE PULITZER CENTER VISIT
http://www.pulitzercenter.org
Resources for Writers
Ever since I began seriously pursuing my childhood passion of writing and dream of publishing books, I began collecting various resources for writers. Here I’ll be sharing some links for those of you with a passion for writing that may help you on your journey. I’ll be updating it as I find more of them. Stay tuned for the list…
Update: Click here for the Writing & Storytelling Resources page that will be constantly updated.
