NJ Activism, Causes, Events

Live Auction until 07/22/19: #AuthorsForFamilies

Hi everyone,

Have you been following the news regarding family separation and detentions at the U.S. borders? I know several of you are against it, against the inhumane treatment the families are under, and have taken various actions to show your support and to keep our government accountable, from donations, to protests, to writing to your elected representatives. I also warmly thank all of you, including many authors and publishers, who supported and donated to the immigration book drive that took place at the end of last year, for the people imprisoned at the Yuba City County Jail in California.

There is a wonderful initiative taking place right now on 32 Auctions website, with a chance for everyone involved to win query and manuscript critiques, customized book trailer music and more. This will run until July 22, 2019. Click on this link to participate in the live auction. See below for an excerpt from the website:

“Authors, illustrators, and other publishing professionals are banding together and saying NO MORE to the detainment camps at the US border, by donating the following biddable items and more:

  • Artwork / Illustrations
  • Books (ARCs and finished copies)
  • Book Swag
  • Consultation
  • Marketing
  • Page critiques
  • Query critiques
  • Synopsis critiques
  • Sensitivity reads
  • Translation services

100% of the proceeds from this charity auction will go to RAICES, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees. You can read more about them here: https://www.raicestexas.org/about/.”

Drawing from years of doing socio-cultural critiques and editorial work for various authors and academicians, I donated a sensitivity reading on a full picture book or 50 pages of a manuscript set in West Africa. If you’re interested in bidding on that item, click here.

I thank Brittney M. Morris and the #DebutAuthors19 for spearheading this initiative. Thank you all for your support!
#AuthorsForFamilies #CloseTheCamps

Angela Dalton Books, Picture Books

Children’s Book Review: Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala

Multiculturalism Rocks! Children’s Book Review: Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala
Book Title: Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala
Author/Illustrator: Meenal Patel
Publisher: Beaver’s Pond Press
Age Range: 4 to 8 years 
 
It’s one thing to be far from the country in which you were born; to leave everyone and everything you love behind. It’s another to never have been to that country; one that encompasses all the histories, cultures, and people that comprise your family and heritage. 
  
 In Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala, a young Indian-American girl learns about the vibrancy of India through her Babi Ba. 
Every day after school, Priya runs home to make the rotli for their family’s evening meal. And every day, Priya asks Babi Ba, “What is India like?”
It is then that Babi Ba reminisces about all of the sights, sounds, and smells of her homeland. From the arches and domes of the buildings…  
To the marigolds that hang on storefronts and the doorways of homes. Priya listens intently, finally asking, “Babi Ba, will you take me to India.” In which Babi Bi replies, “Maybe one day we will be able to go together.” 
 When winter arrives, Priya notices that, unable to go outside to pick the marigolds that grow in the garden, Babi Ba is feeling homesick for India. 
  
 The next day at school, Priya discovers a way to help Babi Ba feel better. As she cuts and sews a paper garland of marigolds, her curious schoolmates gather 
around her. She shares with them all the things that Babi Ba had told her about India. 
  
 Once home, the garland is hung above the doorway of Priya’s home for Babi Ba 
to enjoy. As Priya explains how her classmates helped her, Babi Ba tells her that 
“Sharing India with others is the very best way to carry it with you.”
  
 This lovely picture book by author-illustrator Meenal Patel features her signature style of mixing patterns and lush colors, giving a beautiful depth to the story. She also provides wonderful back matter featuring the meanings, definitions, and pronunciations of elements found throughout the book. All together Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala is a charming celebration of the bond between grandparent and grandchild and the thread of heritage that connects them.   
Learn More:
Meenal Patel
Meenal Patel Studio

Where to Buy:
Indiebound.org
Etsy.com
 
You can also check this out or request it at your local library! #SupportYourLibrary