It’s Summer: What Are Your Children Reading

Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o delivered another exciting performance recently at Book Expo America where the applause accompanied her literary debut as the author of a children’s book, Sulwe, which means star in Luo, the actress’s native Kenyan language.

On her Instagram account, Nyong’o wrote, “The best children’s books plant a seed for children to grow and draw from throughout their lives. If Sulwe does that for even one young reader, I would be delighted.”

Literacy consultant Patrick Oliver snapped a picture of Nyong’o as she signed autographs at BEA. Oliver understands the importance of attending BEA which is the largest gathering of publishing professionals in the country.

“Imagine having access to these professionals for three days at town hall sessions, panels, readings, exhibits, signings, luncheons, receptions and other similar activities with a literary focus,” he says. “You get firsthand knowledge of the latest trends, strategies, and standards from industry leaders.”

One of the favorite BEA events for Oliver was ‘The Black Party.”

“The event is held on opening night of BEA as a way of reconnecting, networking, and sharing information,” he says. “It’s a brilliant concept created by three visionaries in the industry, Linda Duggins, senior director of publicity at Hachette Books, Troy Johnson, founder, president and webmaster of the African American Literature Book Club and Ron Kavanaugh, publisher of Mosaic Magazine.”

For Oliver’s client, Derrick Barnes , whose new book, King of Kindergarten, attending BEA proved fruitful. Barnes signed advanced copies of his forthcoming book. His first book, Crown: Ode to the First Cut, received several major literary awards in 2018.

It is a path first-time author, Brenda Harrison, hopes to follow. Harrison is a teacher with a passion for students who have disabilities. And, her new book, Oliver’s Adventures, highlights the need for literature that embraces all children.

Harrison says, “I have taught special education for almost 30 years. Even as a child, I would see children who were different, and my heart would break. I think that, too, inspired me to go into special education.”

Harrison’s three-year-old great-nephew is the star of her book, Oliver’s Adventures, and he has Down’s Syndrome.

“When Oliver was born, my sister called and said, ‘We have a special needs baby,’” she recalls. “I was

not sad about it; I just felt we were blessed.”

Harrison is promoting her book via social media, and at some point, perhaps she will add BEA to her list. In the meantime, consultants like Patrick Oliver are disappointed with the lack of support Black readers and authors are experiencing.

“We need more individuals, educational institutions, community leaders and organizations patronizing and supporting Black literature,” Oliver states emphatically. “We need more professional development especially targeting school administrators and community leaders.”

Earlier this year he and Barnes were guests at a Family Literacy Night hosted by Winthrop Rockefeller Elementary but attendance fail short of expectations. Not to be dissuaded, Oliver is hosting an event called “Little Rock Boys R Lit” later this summer.

“Parents are their children’s first teacher and children mimic adult behavior It doesn’t take much at all for parents to visit the public library with their children and check out culturally relevant books,” Oliver says.

A tall, thin man always seen with a backpack of books, Oliver keeps pushing Black literature and welcomes others who are doing the same…even Hollywood stars.