I saw this video on FB and was really moved by it. Every person in it is extraordinarily beautiful, to remind us that even exceptional beauty and youth does not protect you from the pain and unfairness of color bias. In the video, USC's Dr. Lanita Jacobs points out that colonization and slavery play a role in beauty standards today, which is, of course, of no surprise to … [Read more...] about The Ancient Roots of Colorism
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I Want to Do This! You In?
Ever notice how wanting something very badly turns you into a child? No? Just me? Well, after watching this video of Ben Kane, Russell Whitfield, and Anthony Riches walk from Capua to Rome, kitted out as Roman soldiers, I find myself obsessed with trying to figure out how I could join them in future marches. My pinging thoughts: I could do it! I wouldn't have to wear the … [Read more...] about I Want to Do This! You In?
HADES a YALSA Quick Pick!
So thrilled and excited to learn that Hades Speaks: A Guide to the Underworld by the Greek God of the Dead made the the Young Adult Library Association's (YALSA) 2016 Quick Pick List for Reluctant Young Adult Readers in the nonfiction category. The list honors books the committee thinks teens "will pick up on their own and read for pleasure; it is geared to the teenager who, … [Read more...] about HADES a YALSA Quick Pick!
What to Do When A Reader Catches an Error
Quick answer: Own up to it. Here's an email conversation I had with a reader who wanted an explanation for something she noticed: Hi Vicky, I started reading this novel and I am really starting to enjoy it. I noticed that since this is a piece during the Roman period all the references to the gods are Roman, however on page 13 chapter three Lucia mentions Poseidon the earth … [Read more...] about What to Do When A Reader Catches an Error
It’s Here! A YEAR OF RAVENS: A NOVEL OF BOUDICA’S REBELLION
Boudica, the ancient British queen who led a rebellion that almost stopped Rome in its tracks, lives in the pages of A Year of Ravens as seen through the eyes of her daughters, her warriors, her enemies and her priests. I am so excited and honored to be a part of this fascinating project, along with authors Ruth Downie, Stephanie Dray, Eliza Knight, Kate Quinn, SJA Turney, and … [Read more...] about It’s Here! A YEAR OF RAVENS: A NOVEL OF BOUDICA’S REBELLION
