FEBRUARY 2019 NEWSLETTER
AUTHOR OF THE MONTH
Crystal Swain-Bates is on a mission to make sure that black girl and black boy magic is well represented and not just in books! Her love for reading and writing has led her write several books, start a publishing company (Goldest Karat Publishing), and create an online store (Brown Girls Club) for bedding, personalized books and party supplies with characters of color. I would say that Crystal is a great representation of black girl magic, herself!
Connect with Crystal on Instagram
Shop for bedding and party supplies here
Need help writing a book or help selling your book? She can help with that too!
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ILLUSTRATOR OF THE MONTH
I discovered Jessica Jones by way of an Instagram scroll and I've been mesmerized ever since. Her illustrations are sharp and most often majestic, in my opinion. She is also the co-creator of "If The Crown Fits" which is an adult coloring book that focuses on women and self-love. Get to know Jessica and her art on Instagram!
Connect with Jessica on Instagram
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BOOK OF THE MONTH
The book I am most looking forward to this month would have to be "Watch Us Rise" by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan.
02/12/2019
Synopsis: Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission--they're sick of the way women are treated even at their progressive NYC high school, so they decide to start a Women's Rights Club. They post their work online--poems, essays, videos of Chelsea performing her poetry, and Jasmine's response to the racial microaggressions she experiences--and soon they go viral. But with such positive support, the club is also targeted by trolls. When things escalate in real life, the principal shuts the club down. Not willing to be silenced, Jasmine and Chelsea will risk everything for their voices--and those of other young women--to be heard.
These two dynamic, creative young women stand up and speak out in a novel that features their compelling art and poetry along with powerful personal journeys that will inspire readers and budding poets, feminists, and activists.
Click here to read reviews or to purchase this book.
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IN THE NEWS
If you're in the Tulsa area be sure to pick up a copy of the latest issue of Tulsa People and catch a small feature of Mocha Books!
If you haven't already, check out the latest list of book releases here! What book are you most excited about this month?
Our latest update to the site is our directory. This directory is inclusive to authors, illustrators and publishers of color! If you would like to be added to either of these list please check it out here.
Last but certainly not least, don't forget that this is the month that reviews will resume! Are you excited as we are? Great collection of books that we think you may find interesting!
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I hope you have enjoyed the read and find our latest updates beneficial!
Have a great month!