Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Wisdom Warriors



When it comes to children's books, you know I have a very fond connection to them. Not only as a children's author but as a mom and grandmother of seven grandchildren.  Today's author interview features children's author Mary Cole Watson and her book "Wisdom Warriors." Enjoy!



Wisdom Warriors Paperback – July 25, 2019

by Mary Cole Watson 



Wisdom Warriors. A culmination of more than twenty short stories designed to address culturally difficult discussions with young African American minds in the 21st Century, Wisdom Warriors cleverly invites parents and young minds into some of today’s most challenging conversations. Through the voice of young Skye, author Mary Cole Watson intentionally delves into challenging, often taboo subjects through the eyes of a child. While intertwining the wisdom of grandparents who have watched the world around them change, Watson addresses many of the tough questions burdening today's curious minds. She intrinsically highlights the fact that African American progress has often been achieved at the cost of stomping out the pride and beauty of a culture relegated to crime and shame. Using African American history, as well as cultural traditions and facts, Watson uses Grandpa Marv and Grandma Mary to help Skye – and many children like her - embrace her unique beauty, the value of the lives she encounters and the call to rise above hate and bigotry. Through the insight of these two Warriors of Wisdom, this essayist tackles each conversation with Skye as a training exercise. The goal of Wisdom Warriors is to develop young minds into healthy, self-loving African Americans charged with the responsibility of preserving the importance of the cultural treasures birthed in a nation seeking life, liberty, and justice for all mankind. This book will be a benefit to classrooms, youth programs and diversity & inclusion initiatives within urban, rural and suburban schools. Linda Collins, Retired High School Principal Parents, educators, student advisers, and coaches can use this tool as a resource for how to handle emotional situations with grace, understanding, and confidence. Millicent Connor, Elementary Reading Specialist Wisdom Warriors provides wisdom to all who may need it when faced with a crucial conversation. The news and media don’t always provide the best commentary for discussion in homes or at school to create healthy communities and children of color, but Wisdom Warriors does. Enjoy the book and share it with others.

Product details

·  Paperback: 180 pages

·  Publisher: Independently published (July 25, 2019)

·  Language: English

·  ISBN-10: 1082732087

·  ISBN-13: 978-1082732089

·  Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.4 x 9 inches

 


Mary Cole Watson

Author website: www.WisdomWarriors2020.com

Facebook: Wisdomwarriors2020

Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.

I identify as African. My father is from Freetown, Sierra Leone. I love teaching, being fit, children, reading, drawing, and so much more.

What inspired you to author this book?

Deep concern for the self-esteem of African American children and a direct request of one of my students to write books for children to help them feel good about themselves.

Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?

 My imagination wanted the grandparents to look appealing to today’s youth, and I wanted all the female characters to have natural hair.



Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?

My ancestors inspire me daily, and I feel a deep obligation to inspire the next generation to thrive and continue the fight for full equality. James Baldwin and Toni Morrison are two among many writers who inspire me.

What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?

Nothing compares to the anxiety of having the book properly edited. I didn’t expect the process to be excruciating to my spirit and to take as much time as it did.

Tell your readers about your book.

My book is about grandparents as warriors of knowledge for their granddaughter Skye who becomes a young warrior to inspire her classmates and friends.

Who is your target audience, and why?

My target audience is 5th grade and up. However, it is appropriate for younger children who encounter some of the challenges in the book at a younger age when a parent should read the story to them.



 What do you consider your greatest success in life?

Becoming my main purpose in life of becoming a teacher is my greatest success in life.

What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?

To my knowledge, no one has written short stories for children dealing with systemic racism with solutions that inspire and empower children to be resilient.