*Highlighting up and coming illustrators and authors from independent publishing houses and self-publishers*

Please reach out to MaiStoryBook through Instagram, FB, or by commenting on my blog, and *share or tag* books, authors, or illustrators who would fit into this category of independent/self-publishing! You can see my Book Review Policy Here. I’m excited for the wonders we will find!

Now without further ado~

Featuring this week’s empowering black bodies read:

This Crown by Ashley Sewell

Illustrated by Max Rambaldi

Self-published through AuthorHouse

Diversifying our bookshelves is a crucial step towards raising a new generation of anti-racist, inclusive, and compassionate littles. I will continue to reiterate that children need to see themselves in media and literature. Children need to see and believe that these stories can be theirs, and that they are recognized and valued by the world around them. “This Crown” is a book that welcomes black and brown girls into the realms of royalty. Written as a lyrical poem with a lilting rhyme scheme, the text empowers girls with the knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a queen. The repeated stanza: “You are a queen! Do you know what the means?” is followed by positive affirmations of intelligence, boldness, and beauty. Readers are encouraged to not only dream, persevere, and demand the respect they deserve, but to also accept feelings of frustrations and sadness~ it’s okay to cry, but remember to believe in yourself, hold your head up high and never let anyone bring it down. The final line of the book: “I know that I’m worthy of wearing this crown,” resonates as a self-affirming and empowering statement for all black and brown girls. Repeat it and believe it: “I am a queen. I am worthy of wearing this crown.”

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What initially caught my eye with this read were the brilliant illustrations. The elegant queen on the cover emanated grace and serenity, her golden dress and the brushes of amber flower petals creating a warm glow of reverence and wonder. Flip through the pages, and each line of this poem is brought to life by lush, whimsical, and magical illustrations of confident and poised black queens. The colorful, atmospheric backgrounds create a tone of royal magnificence, further underscoring the book’s message of embracing one’s worth and radiating confidence. The artistic style may look familiar, as illustrator Max Rambaldi has been featured here on MaiStoryBook before ( see Annabelle and Aidan: What Happens When We Die?). Her work in “This Crown” continues to induce wonder and provoke the imagination.

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I highly recommend to add “This Crown” to your own bookshelves~ support authors of color, authors Own Voices, and share this empowering read of self-esteem with the little queens in your life.

A bit more about the Author: Ashley Sewell

Ashley Sewell, born in Seattle, WA and raised in Oakland, CA, is an educator and author. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Behavioral Science from San Jose State University, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master
of Education in Urban Education from Holy Names University. She has taught 6th-9th grade English Language Arts and Social Studies, and has also found joy in coaching teachers and teacher residents. Ashley has also worked with TK-2nd grade students and teachers as an Early Literacy Coach. She has always been dedicated to uplifting and empowering youth, and This Crown is a product of that goal. In her freetime, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, creating and enjoying art, cooking, and traveling. To learn more, like her Facebook Page @ashleysewell, follow her on Instagram: @this_crown   and @ashleypaula._ , and check out her website: thiscrown.com

Check here to find this book for your own home/classroom library!

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*~Support these independent/self-published authors and illustrators and check out what they’ve been writing and creating.  Please share any books, authors, or illustrators that fit into this category by tagging me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary,  posting on MaiStoryBook’s FaceBook page, or commenting on the blog below! I’m always looking for new treasures to read, support, and share with all of you!~*

*Plus, checkout out MaiStoryBook’s Playlist of diverse interactive  read alouds here.*

*~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*