Chapter 16
A Community of Tennessee Writers, Readers & Passersby

Julie Danielson

A Vessel for the Story

Alice Faye Duncan’s books chronicle Black perseverance, past and present

FROM THE CHAPTER 16 ARCHIVE: Two nonfiction books for children by Memphis writer Alice Faye Duncan illuminate “what it means to be free.” 

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Affrilachia from A to Z

Frank X Walker’s new picture book pays tribute to Black life in Appalachia

Frank X Walker’s A Is for Affrilachia, illustrated by upfromsumdirt, is a picture book for all ages.

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Speaking Ida’s Truth for a New Generation

Michelle Duster writes a children’s book about her great-grandmother, Ida B. Wells

FROM THE CHAPTER 16 ARCHIVE: Ida B. Wells, Voice of Truth, written by Wells’ great-granddaughter Michelle Duster, captures the life and work of the groundbreaking journalist and civil rights advocate.

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Finding Her Place in the Sun

Jamie Sumner brings readers a 12-year-old girl who finds her courage

Jamie Sumner’s middle-grade novel The Summer of June tells the story of one 12-year-old’s struggle to manage her anxiety. Sumner will sign the book at Parnassus Books in Nashville on June 4.  

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Alien Summer in a Day

Carsen Smith co-authors a new sci-fi thriller for middle-grade readers

Comedy writer Carsen Smith and actor and producer James S. Murray join forces to launch Area 51 Interns, a new middle-grade series. The first book, Alien Summer #1, is on shelves now.

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Foot Soldier for Justice

Kathlyn J. Kirkwood discusses her memoir for young readers on the making of MLK Day

Kathlyn J. Kirkwood discusses her memoir in verse, Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round, as well as the literacy program she runs in Middle Tennessee with her husband, Alan.

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