shadrieka ELIZA’S FREEDOM ROAD will debut in January~ Here is a bit of pre-release buzz to whet your appetites: “A story of hope, determination, and the triumph of the human spirit.” — Alma Powell, wife of former Secretary of State Colin Powell “Like the young slave girl who watches a cook ‘stirring tears into…stew,” Nolen stirs … Read more
Howdy everyone! I added two new prints in my Etsy Store and am reintroducing my boxed cards from “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. Please swing by and check them out. They make great holiday stocking stuffers! I am back from a fantastic three day trip to NYC. Bank Street Books was gracious enough to host … Read more
Two weeks ago I drove up to Nashville, TN to speak with Jewell Parker Rhodes at the Southern Festival of Books. Not only did I get to meet a wonderful author, but I was able to spend some quality time with my younger brother and take him to his very first book festival. On the … Read more
I love original artwork. When I fall in love, there is no greater thrill for me than to be able to own an original piece that I can cherish always and forever. Years ago when I was gainfully employed as an art teacher, I stalked admired Kadir Nelson’s work (still do) and wished that I … Read more
I am driving up to TN this weekend to speak at the Southern Festival of Books. I looooovvvvvveeeee road trips. With the changing leaves it should be a gorgeous drive up. Hope to see you there. I will be presenting on a panel “Katrina’s Children: Moving Beyond the Storm Together” with Jewell Parker Rhodes (yippie!) … Read more
My cover art for ELIZA’S FREEDOM ROAD, AN UNDERGROUND RAILROAD DIARY, by Jerdine Nolen has been unveiled. Here is the final jacket: Krista V., our designer, did a fantastic job with the diary concept. My original idea shows the heroine’s quilt turning into a landscape. Once you read the book, you’ll get it 😉 I’m … Read more
Last week Renée Watson visited Atlanta to appear and sign at the Decatur Book Festival. While she was here we teamed up to conduct a two day writing and art workshop with students at Frederick Douglass High School (my alma mater). The students wrote poems modeled after Renée’s poem, “Where I’m From”, using an “Anaphora” … Read more
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes I have wanted to read this book since the day I saw it on Amazon. In October I will be speaking with Jewel Parker Rhodes at the Southern Festival of Books in TN. I read the book in one day and am looking forward to reading it again and … Read more
Wow!!!!!!! My mind is officially blown. A huge round of applause for Renée Watson and the Random House team for pulling this all together! For all of you who missed our segment on NBC Nightly News, here it is for your viewing pleasure! I’m so thrilled and honored to be a part of this project. … Read more
Thursday August 26, 2010 NBC Nightly News Date Change Author Renée Watson & Illustrator Shadra Strickland are back from New Orleans! The segment on A PLACE WHERE HURRICANES HAPPEN has changed and will now air on SATURDAY, August 28th on NBC Nightly News Check your local listing for time and channel