You know reading’s fun – in fact, as an adult, you’d probably love to curl up with a good book ASAP, right?
It seems like a harsh twist of fate, but it’s not uncommon for adults who love to read to have youngsters in their lives who are the complete opposite! So how can you keep your kids reading 365 days a year? One clever way is to get them hooked on a series. Books that have a common character (or characters) that reoccurs in multiple books is a great way to let the curiosity for “what comes next?” do the work for you.
When kids find a book they like, they are more likely to want to read all the books in that series because it’s entertaining and also familiar.
We can continue to encourage kids to be open-minded to more variety of books, but we also know when to take the win if our young readers are choosing to snuggle up with a book without any nudging from us. Engaged and motivated readers are always a good thing!
Here are some suggestions for Diverse Kidlit for Kids Who Love a Good Series:
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess By Deedee Cummings
The Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess is a brand-new diverse picture book series that shares heartwarming stories about family, role models, dreams, and discovering a determination for growth. This five-part series shines the spotlight on a little brown girl who loves musical theater and never lets anything get in the way of her dreams. Everyone else has an idea of who she should be, but in the end, she discovers that she is the one who gets to decide.
The Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess series is inspired by real-life budding Broadway Star, Kayla Pecchioni: a young Black woman who has always lived her life by believing in herself while letting nothing get in the way of her dreams.
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess–Book One
In the very first book in this 5-part series, the reader is introduced to a feisty little brown girl who shares a very special bond with her mom; a hard-working woman who struggles with the guilt of not being as available for her young daughter as she would like. But as the story progresses, Kayla and her mom realize the impact of valuing the time they have together as well as the importance of seeing each other acknowledge (and pursue) their individual dreams. {ages 5 and up}. This book is available in paperback and Kindle ebook.
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess–Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams
Available on Amazon and Kindle.
Released June 1, 2021, Book Two in the Kayla series introduces readers to her new best friend, Tommie. Is Tommie a boy? A girl? Does it matter? In this book, Kayla sees unfamiliar family dynamics through Tommie’s eyes and learns not to judge others along the way at the same time.
COMING SOON! Book 3, 4, and 5! Watch social media for more updates or subscribe to this blog and never miss a book launch!
Shelly Bean The Sports Queen By Shelly Boyum Breen
Shelly Bean is a sporty, dirty-knee little girl with a “can-do” spirit. It might take falling down, getting hurt, and getting back up but Shelly Bean is determined to learn new sports and be great. After watching an event on TV or seeing other kids in the neighborhood, she gets it in her mind that it is her time to play and to reward herself each time she’s successful, she creates a new sports charm to put on her crown like a jewel of accomplishment. There are five books in the Shelly Bean series that model and discuss relevant and timely topics with young readers. Learn more here.
Sophie Washington Series by Tonya Ellis
Tonya Duncan Ellis is the award-winning author of Sophie Washington children’s chapter book series; multicultural kid’s books that entertain, educate, and inspire. This series presents modern-day middle school issues like dealing with bullies, managing social media and video games, fitting in, and handling peer pressure and that first crush, with a Texas twist. Sophie, her family, and her diverse group of friends live in the suburbs of Houston, and experience hurricanes, alligators in their neighborhoods, rodeo muttin’ bustin,’ and wild boar, opening up an exciting new world to readers. Each book teaches valuable lessons about friendship, responsibility, and being truthful that children of all ages and backgrounds can relate to. Also available in ebook form, this series is best for ages 8-12. Learn more here.
Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest by Plum Street Press
Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest is a series of chapter books that kids and parents love. Kids love the awesome brain power and ninja dance moves of a superhero as real as they are. Parents appreciate the author’s humor, but they love watching their kids– even reluctant readers– keep turning pages. Jaden Toussaint is the new definition of cool. Learn more here.
The Mysterious Makers of Shaker Street by Stacia Deusch
For as long as he can remember, Michael Wilson has enjoyed tinkering with things, and now, along with his buddies Liv Hernandez, and Leo Hammer, he’s formed the Mysterious Makers of Shaker Street. The Makers spend their free time making gadgets out of old equipment and everyday stuff. In between their inventing, the three friends notice their Shaker Street neighborhood is filled with suspicious characters. Can they stop their sinister neighbors with a new tool, a stop-action movie, or some other ingenious use of engineering and technology? Written to inspire readers to invent on their own, author Stacia Deutsch combines mystery, humor, and friendship to build a top-grade series.
It’s a visual world, and kids may think of reading as boring or uninteresting. But showing a child how wonderful reading is can be a lifelong gift!
The Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess series is inspired by real-life budding Broadway Star, Kayla Pecchioni: a young Black woman who has always lived her life by believing in herself while letting nothing get in the way of her dreams. You can read the interview with this beautiful, triple-threat entertainer here.
“The world is filled with gifts sent directly to you. Staying open to finding them is the key.” ~Deedee Cummings
About The Author
As a therapist, attorney, CEO of Make A Way Media, and author of fifteen children’s books, Deedee Cummings has a passion for ensuring equality, inclusion, and social justice for the next generation. Since her first book published in 2014, Cummings has been on a mission to help young dreamers and doers “see themselves” in the pages of the books they read.
Cummings has spent more than two decades working within the family therapy and support field, and much of her writing shares her experiences of working with kids in therapeutic foster care.
By the end of 2021, this #OWNVOICES author will have fifteen diverse children’s books to her credit, including the Rapid Release of her Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess five-book series. All fifteen of Cummings’ diverse picture, poetry, and workbooks for kids reflect her professional knowledge and love of life.
Cummings is also the founder and creator of the Louisville Book Festival, a literacy-based celebration in Louisville, KY, celebrated on October 23rd and 24th, 2021.
The Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess Series
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess Series Book One is HERE!
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess: is a heartwarming story about family, role models, dreams, and discovering a determination for growth. This five-part diverse picture book series shines the spotlight on a little brown girl who loves musical theatre and never lets anything get in the way of her dreams. It seems that everyone else has an idea for who she should be, but in the end, she discovers that she is the one who gets to decide.
Grab your copy of Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess (Book One) in the Make A Way Media Bookstore or on Amazon in paperback form or for Kindle.
GO HERE to order your copy of Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess: Dishes, Dancing, and Dreams (Book Two in the Kayla: Modern-Day Princess series).
Available on Amazon and Kindle.
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess: Tough as Tulle is available! Order your copy HERE.
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess: These Shoes Are Made For Dancing will be available on August 1, 2021!
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess: A Little Magic will be available in October of 2021!
