They have an amazing website for young children and I very much encourage you to please visit at: www.sydneysbookclub.org. You can see my interview plus a great deal more!!!
Here is part of my interview:
What significance has reading played in your life from childhood to now?
Reading has played a significant role in my life from a young girl to now a young woman. I am an author, but I am also a professional athlete that travel the world. Being able to read has helped me get my degree, helps me to be able to read signs, helps me to be able to read my contracts that I have to sign. Reading helps me to be able to read and understand my play books, but more importantly, reading helps me to gain Knowledge.
What was the name of your favorite book growing up?
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess
Tell us about your current project. What was the inspiration?
Well there are two parts to my latest work Temeka's Choice, which is a book about myself as a young child having to make better choices. I think that this book can help relate to the kids of today in many ways. Now there are so many different options from kids to chose from, that the priorities of things began to get mixed up. Play Station, XBox, Wii, WiiU, Nintendo DS etc does not come before school work, chores, or studying. I wanted the children to see and try an understand that i had to go through the same things that they are going through and due to not always making the right choice there was a price that had to be paid for it. I have also made the book a little bit more kid friendlier but adding more pictures and less words for kids in like Pre-school and Kindergarden, Called Meek Follow the rules.I love giving back, so this is another way for me to help the kids of tomorrow, out today.
How do you think we can work together as parents and community leaders to make reading a priority in the lives of young children?
I think we all need to continue to embed the importance of education and more important Reading. Kids need to know and learn everyday that Reading is some that can help carry them a long one. It can Help towards them becoming any and everything that they want to be in Life.
If you could give one piece of advice to a child interested in following in your footsteps what would it be?
My advice to any child looking to follow in my footsteps would be to always believe in yourself, Never let anyone tell you that you can not do something, and always surround yourself with positive people. People that want the best for you as much as you do.
