DuEwaWorld News! by DuEwa Frazier

 Deanne in the Middle (July 2014) by DuEwa Frazier After working with teens and pre-teens for many years, I wanted to craft an engaging story that would peak the interest of young readers!  My new novel and offering for young readers is DEANNE IN THE MIDDLE !  Check out my new book - DEANNE IN THE MIDDLE - a great summer read for teens!

2014 Harlem Book Fair Saturday, July 12, 2014    2:10pm - 3:15pm   Countee Cullen Library - Conference Room B 104 W 136th New York, NY 10030 The Next Chapter: Black Geeks, Heroes, Heroines & Bullies in Middle Grade & Young Adult Books Panel Discussion Featuring: Zetta Elliot ( The Deep, Bird ) Jerry Craft ( The Offenders, Mama’s Boyz ) and DuEwa Frazier ( Deanne in the Middle, Ten Marbles and a Bag to Put Them ) Moderated By: Nina Angela Mercer ( Gutta Beautiful, Gypsy & The Bully Door ) Today's young adult and middle grade market is saturated with stories of vampires, girl cliques, coming of age stories, and teenage redemption. But how do these stories include diverse characters written by authors of color who present themes for "alternate" groups of young readers, ie. Geeks, punks, nerds, sci-fi fans and the like? These diverse, award-winning authors write on a variety of themes which speak to the inte...

There are few writers who have contributed countless stories and books for the benefit of children's literacy.  Walter Dean Myers , one of my favorite children's writers passed on July 1, 2014.  I was overcome with sadness upon hearing of his passing.  I immediately felt the sense of loss for his family, and also for the many children, librarians, teachers and literacy advocates who have read, taught and participated in book clubs and conferences surrounding Walter Dean Myers notable and award winning books.  Walter Dean Myers wrote with "us" in mind.  There is currently a great discussion and debate, asking why aren't there more diverse children's books? Writers have argued that the great publishing companies in America do not widely publish children's writers of color or books that are about diverse children and ethnic groups.  Others believe there aren't enough writers who write to present diverse characters and themes for stude...

Through the years I  have had great discussions about books with middle grade and high school students.  I've read novels such as Catcher in the Rye and Their Eyes Were Watching God with my students.  I've read memoirs such as Black, White and Jewis h and Down These Mean Streets with my students.  I've read essays by Zora Neale Hurston and James Baldwin with my students.  I've also read short stories from 145th Street Stories by Walter Dean Myers and "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid with them.  This was literature that was within our curriculum.  When it came to books that students were to self select, or read at home for more practice and endurance I received many comments that spoke to student frustration and apprehension. Students told me, "You [the school] don't have enough books for kids like us..." or "I don't read a lot because I can't find books that really interest me, about subjects I like..." or ...

 Teen Writing Contest Winners with Guest Authors I had the honor of being a guest author this past Monday for the 2014 Teen Writing Contest Reception at the Brooklyn Public Library.  The program honored the winning teen writers who submitted to the Brooklyn Public Library’s annual contest.  The young writers submitted both prose writing and poetry.  The reception was lovely.  The students and their families arrived and mingled with the notable guest authors: DuEwa Frazier , Matt de La Pena, Jason Reynolds and Una LaMarche.  It was great to talk with the teen writers and fellow young adult and children’s authors. The photo above shows all of the contest winners and guest authors.  Each talented student writer read their work at the podium.  After the reading, I participated in a panel discussion about writing and publishing with the other authors.  The teens and the program coordinator asked us some pretty good questions ...

On Sunday, April 6th I hosted Word Canvas presents Art. Love. Music. at Brooklyn's Rustik Tavern.  The event featured DuEwa Frazier (poet/performer), Rakiem Walker Project, Cheryl Boyce Taylor, Qurrat Kadwani, Radha MUSprime and Tai Allen. I was so excited about this event!  I have been performing, writing poetry and hosting my own signature events since 2002.  I founded Word Canvas in 2005, as a brand of performance events featuring musicians, poets and actors.  I take great pride and pleasure in curating events, bringing artists together and watching them come off without a hitch!   It was great to have a spring show with talented artists. DuEwa & Rakiem Walker @ Art. Love. Music. Cheryl Boyce Taylor is a notable poet and author who I've come to know and cherish, through her event series the Glitter Poemegranate Series.  I love when she performs with her Trini accent.  Her poems are smooth and bring back memories you wish you had...

Brooklyn Book Party! Last month, children's author Danette Vigilante held a book release party for her second young adult novel, Saving Baby Doe .  Friends, family and community members were in attendance for Danette's reading and book signing at BookCourt, a friendly community bookstore located in Brooklyn.  Danette's first book, The Trouble with Half a Moon received wide acclaim.  Check out photos from Danette's book party!  Supporters at the signing! Danette signing books!    Me with Danette and a young reader! This book party would not have been complete without  these cutie pie Saving Baby Doe cupcakes!     Saving Baby Doe (Putnam Juvenile, March 2014) Children's Author, Danette Vigilante About Saving Baby Doe Lionel and Anisa are the best of friends and have seen each other through some pretty tough times--Anisa's dad died and Lionel's dad  left, which is like a death for Lionel. T...