Jump In! earns two stars!

My solo debut, Jump In! will be released on January 31st. The first review came in from Kirkus two weeks ago and it was a star! They called it “A moving, grooving snapshot of urban life where kids create the fun and beckon everybody in.” Wow! Just wow! Kirkus has always been very kind to … Read more

Sunday Shopping Activity Sheet

Sunday Shopping is finally out in the world! So far the reviews have been wonderfully positive. Here’s what folks are saying: “A splendid choice for collections in need of picture books that feature African American characters, but, more significantly, a lovely title that celebrates imagination and the importance of family.” – SLJ “Strickland’s bright, breezy … Read more

Sunday Shopping and Kirkus Reviews

SUNDAY SHOPPING received its first strong review today from Kirkus! “As comfortable as a Sunday afternoon with Grandma, Derby’s picture book sneaks a wee bit of financial literacy into her story of playtime and imagination…Simple phrasing, sparse and easy to read, and charmingly spare watercolor art help create a feeling that is at once realistic … Read more

PW on WHITE WATER

 The first review of WHITE WATER is in! PW says: Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein, illus. by Shadra Strickland. Candlewick, $16.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-7636-3678-4 First-time authors Bandy and Stein draw on one of Bandy’s childhood memories in this resonant story about a boy awakening to the injustices around him. In town with his grandmother, … Read more

Praise for Eliza

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