Pick & Read Program
A virtual resource for elementary and middle schools, in which Hugo the Hornet and a Hornets MC host a series of Zoom webinars featuring authors from diverse backgrounds whose books feature subject matter around social justice or racial equality and/or highlight characters of color. Each webinar will last approximately 30-45 minutes in length.
Sonia Manzano Creator and Executive Producer of the PBS Series, “Alma’s Way”
Date: October 17 2023, 1pm. (In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.)
Sonia Manzano is the creator and executive producer of Alma’s Way. Born in the South Bronx, Manzano is a first-generation American of Puerto Rican descent who has impacted the lives of millions since the early 1970s as the actress who defined the role of “Maria” on the acclaimed television series, Sesame Street. Twice nominated for an Emmy Award as best performer in a children’s series, she has won 15 Emmys for her television writing. She is also the author of the picture books No Dogs Allowed, A box Full of Kittens, and Miracle on 133rd Street, published by Simon & Schuster. Sonia’s first young adult novel, The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano, and a memoir, Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx, were released by Scholastic. In May 2016, she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Science in recognition as a pioneer in the representation of Latinos on television and for the portraying “Maria” for 44 years on Sesame Street. Sonia lives in New York City with her husband Richard.
Earl Fambro & Artemis Fambro “Enough is Enough, The Adventures of Daddy & Mooga Bear”
Date: November 20 2023, 1 p.m.
Earl Fambro was born in the Bronx, NYC in the early 1980s. He was raised by a strong, young single mom in various poverty-stricken housing projects. As a child, he struggled with self-esteem issues and perceived inadequacies, including a severe speech disorder and being bullied in school. Nevertheless, Earl worked to improve his mindset and, by doing so, his life. His positivity set an example for others. Earl is now an entrepreneur and servant leader who hopes to impact the world with his literary contributions. He lives in North Carolina with his family, and has been married to his beautiful wife for nine years. He is honored to have helped raise his stepson into an upstanding young man. His three-year-old daughter, Artemis (or “Mooga Bear”), was the motivation for Enough Is Enough. She is a Godsend, a blessing, and an inspiration.
Cinders McLeod “Earn It, A Moneybunny Book”
Date: December 15 2023, 1 p.m.
Cinders McLeod is the creator of street prophet book and strip Broomie Law. Her editorial, features, regular and one-off illustrations have appeared in many international publications. Her work has been recognized by the Society for News Design, the National Newspaper awards, the National Magazine Awards and The Guinness Book of Records. She left The Globe and Mail newspaper in 2013, where she worked as an art director and illustrator, to focus on her own projects which include writing a historical novel, creating The Moneybunny Book series (Penguin Random House, NY) and Moneybunnies Inc. (games and toys that teach children about money). In addition to illustrating and writing, Cinders is a recorded singer, songwriter, double-bassist and mother of two. She lives in Toronto, Canada.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Elim Lee “Needle and the Too Big World”
Date: January 19 2024, 1 p.m. (In honor of Chinese New Year.)
"Elim Lee is an artist and storyteller excited about everything left to discover in the world. Needle and the Too Big World is her first book, the result of her senior thesis at Wesleyan University. It was created out of a desire to represent the feelings that she felt alone with as a child. Elim is passionate about creating representation for kids who have big feelings, complex thoughts, and lots of questions. She currently lives in North Carolina, teaching and pursuing a career in Montessori education. She hopes to expand NEEDLE'S WORLD into a wealth of educational media and resources for social-emotional learning."
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Tyranika Abrams “Where You Belong”
Date: February 20 2024, 1 p.m. (In honor of Black History Month.)
Tyranika Abrams is a creative powerhouse in the world of children’s literature, crafting stories designed to inspire young readers and their families. Her debut picture book, “Where You Belong” is a delightful adventure story showing young readers how their differences make a difference for others. Tyranika founded Little Legacies Books for Young Readers, a publishing house offering relatable picture books featuring stories that deliver meaningful messages, allowing children to feel seen, represented and valued in the picture books they own. Tyranika’s love for reading and creativity has earned her recognition as an award-winning picture book author, making her stories a cherished addition to any family’s library.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Trinity Jagdeo “Savvy Sammi, The Superhero”
Date: March 20 2024, 1 p.m.
Trinity Jagdeo of New Jersey prides herself in wearing multiple hats: founder, author, illustrator, advocate, and motivational speaker. She loves creating the nonprofit’s children’s books that feature local children with disabilities. When the pen and paper are down, she coordinates new initiatives for the nonprofit organization, From We Cant to We Can. Jagdeo and her work have been featured on Forbes, Woman's World Magazine, The Today Show, and many more. The 22 year old founder likes to say creativity, and passion mixed together are a force to be reckoned with! This force has conjured awards like F4Y Humanitarian Award, New Jersey Heartland Hero, and 30 under 30 Trendsetter. “ I love connecting with people worldwide, telling our story & advocating for different social issues.” Find out more on wecant2wecan.org.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Amber Dennison “Jack and His Mind”
Date: April 19 2024, 1 p.m.
Author and illustrator Amber Dennison is always looking for stories to share with her two boys to encourage helpful conversations. She started “The Jack Series” to facilitate conversations about important topics such as mindfulness, screen time boundaries and healthy friendships. She hopes that others will find Jack’s stories as a helpful conversation starter between children and caregivers.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Sheetal Sheth “Bravo Anjali”
Date: May 20 2024, 1 p.m. (In honor of AAPI Month.)
Sheetal Sheth is an award-winning actress, author, producer, and activist. She is the author of the popular and award winning Anjali children's book series (Penguin Random House), the first picture book series centering an Indian American hero. Her book, Making Happy is an ode to mental health and she is a contributor in Rebel Girls’ newest title Dear Rebel, a book featuring groundbreaking women who share their best advice. Sheetal focuses on highlighting traditionally marginalized communities in all of her work and is a fierce advocate for thoughtful representation. Sheth began her career at a time when few South Asians were making their living as actors. Despite being told she'd have to change her name to work, her successful career has trail-blazed paths for other women of color across media. She has starred in over 20 feature films and many TV shows and has earned a loyal, international following. She has delivered talks and keynotes at festivals and charity galas and has had op-eds published on CNN, The Daily Beast, Parents.com, and Thrive Global. She is one of the founders of the non profit, For the Love of Reading and is an ambassador for the global literacy non profit, Room to Read. She served in AmeriCorps and is currently on the board of SAYA and the advisory board of Equality Now.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.