Our house was filled with bookshelves and as an only child, who often rambled through the shelves for something to read, I found three favorite poets at a very early age. My mother was an elementary school teacher who kept every college book she ever purchased. I have not stopped writing since that time. That manuscript was WILLIE JEROME which became my first publication with Simon and Schuster in 1995. She was an inspiring teacher who allowed me to write a picture book for my graduate project. Ramona Mahood at the University of Memphis. While working for the Memphis Public Library I took another children’s literature class from Mrs. I tried writing a picture book during that time but was completely unsuccessful. During my studies at UT, I took a couple of classes in children’s literature. In 1991 I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a degree in Library Science.

Today the 26th day of our annual 28 Days Later campaign, we’re honoring Alice Faye Duncan for her writing successes and her contributions to the world of children’s publishing.

But whatever you do, DON’T GIVE UP!” Alice doesn’t and is currently working on a picture book about blues great, B.B. Toni Cade’s Bambara’s Gorilla My Love made me fall in love with words.” Alice believes everyone has a story to tell and if you’re an aspiring writer who wants to write that story, “Feel free to scream and cry about the writing process. “ To Be Young Gifted and Black by Lorraine Hansberry helped me fall in love with myself. In high school, Alice read two books that changed her life. The award winning Memphis, TN native has written five books: Willie Jerome Miss Viola and Uncle Ed Lee The National Civil Rights Museum Celebrates Everyday People Christmas Soup and HONEY BABY SUGAR CHILD. And she certainly knows how to capture the attention of her readers. Surrounded by stacks and shelves of books, writing for children seemed like the next logical step in her career. Traveling Shoes: The Story of Willye White, US Olympian and Long Jump Championīut let’s travel back and see what things were like for Alice in 2012 on today’s Throwback Edition of 28 Days Later.Īlice Faye Duncan is a National Board Certified Library Media Specialist with 19 years of school librarian experience.Coretta’s Journey: The Life and Times of Coretta Scott King.Plus these three, all coming out this year: Evicted! The Struggle for the Right to Vote.Since then, the award-winning author has gone on to publish:

When Alice Faye Duncan was selected as one of our 28 Days Later honorees, her most recent book was Honey Baby Sugar Child.

The Sugar Babies by O.M. Faye