TONYA DUNCAN ELLIS, CHILDREN’S AUTHOR
Writer of Diverse Children’s Books, Speaker, Diversity Advocate
Welcome to the Tonya Duncan Ellis official website! I am a writer of diverse children’s picture and chapter books. I’m so happy you’ve visited my page, and I hope you’ll stick around to learn about my work.
In May 2024, I released my first picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park (HarperCollins, Balzer+Bray). Told in the park’s voice, the story tells the history of Houston’s Emancipation Park, site of the first Juneteenth celebration.
My upcoming picture book, COOKOUT CHEMISTRY, releases in 2027 (Charlesbridge). Part of the STEAMWORKS series, COOKOUT CHEMISTRY teaches children about science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM) through engaging stories.
My SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series, geared toward kids ages 8 to 10, stars African American preteen Sophie Washington and her diverse group of friends. Throughout the thirteen entertaining books, characters learn about friendship, encounter bullies, manage social media and video games, navigate puppy love, and deal with other tween issues.
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Newest Release
*Publishers Weekly Starred Review
*School Library Journal Starred Review
A moving picture book about the history of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas—and the origins of Juneteenth.
When people visit me, they are free—to run, play, gather, and rejoice.
They built me to remember.
On June 19, 1865, the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas learned they were free, ending slavery in the United States. This day was soon to be memorialized with the dedication of a park in Houston. The park was called Emancipation Park, and the day it honored would come to be known as Juneteenth.
In the voice and memory of the park itself—its fields and pools, its protests and cookouts, and, most of all, its people—the 150-year story of Emancipation Park is brought to life. Through lyrical text and vibrant artwork, Tonya Duncan Ellis, writer of diverse children’s books, and illustrator, Jenin Mohammed have crafted an ode to the struggle, triumph, courage, and joy of Black America—and the promise of a people to remember.
Praise for Tonya Duncan Ellis Books
Recent Posts
- School Visit Do’s and Don’ts
- New Year, New Book Deal!
- Author Tonya Duncan Ellis at Children’s Museum Houston Black History Month Celebration
- They Built For Freedom Wins Bookstagang Awards 2024
- Author Tonya Duncan The Texas Standard NPR Network Interview
- My Time as a Texas Book Festival Featured Author
- Texas Family Literacy Festival Fun
