I felt like I shot a game winning buzzer beater at the Texas Book Festival this past weekend, after New York Times Best Seller Kwame Alexander gave a shout-out to the Sophie Washington series during his talk. Kwame stopped by my booth before his speech, and initially, I did not recognize him. I know this man from somewhere, I thought while I went through my Sophie Washington elevator pitch for him and other customers. He bought three of my books and said he’d let some of his reps at Houghton Mifflin take a look at them, and I almost passed out!!
After I asked his name, I realized he was THE KWAME ALEXANDER, the innovative, Newbery award winning author. Just two weeks ago, my youngest son finished reading his book, The Crossover, for English extra credit and has moved his grade to an A.Â
Kwame rushed off to do his speech, and I later heard from attendees that he said his new Sophie Washington books are on his to-be-read pile. Many who bought my books said they were intrigued because of his support. I so appreciate him taking time to check out my series!
The festival was great in other ways too, because as usual at these events, I had fun sharing my books with young readers and interacting with them. It was just wonderful to be surrounded by so many people who love books as much as I do.Â
This is my second time participating in The Texas Book Festival, and I hope to be able to return next fall. The weather was gorgeous, and it was a good time all around.Â
I have a few other events coming up in the next weeks and look forward to a prosperous holiday season!
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star†rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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