Nelson Beats the Odds
Written by Ronnie Sidney, II, MSW
Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner
Designed by Kurt Keller
Nelson used to think school was all about playing around and talking with his friends. When Nelson learns that he has been placed in Special Education, he fears being teased. Consequently, he keeps his learning disability and ADHD diagnosis a secret. With the encouragement of his parents and assistance from Mrs. T., his Special Education teacher, Nelson pushes the boundaries and discovers his potential.
"Nelson Beats The Odds" is an inspiring story that celebrates friendship, resilience and empowerment. The striking illustrations give life to "Nelson Beats The Odds", while the author's story is perfect for students diagnosed with learning disabilities or mental health disorders.
Book Details
Ages: 4- 8 years
ISBN: 9780996532433
Paperback
Creative Medicine
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Tameka's New Dress
Written by Ronnie Sidney, II, MSW
Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner
Designed by Kurt Keller
When you're the new girl in school it can be a little scary. It's even tougher when your parents aren't there to help. Some of the kids might be friendly but what about that mean girl who's always picking on you? The author brings up the subjects of childhood trauma, parental substance abuse, kinship care and bullying with a gentle touch suitable for even the youngest children. Tameka's New Dress shines a light on these tough things and lays them out on the table to talk about. He also presents us with a strong girl in Tameka, who not only finds adults who can and do support her, but also finds a way to confront her bullies without becoming a bully herself. Real tips for real life situations are presented here - just what real little children need - a great addition to the library shelves.
Book Details
Ages: 4- 8 years
ISBN: 9789780996536
Paperback
Creative Medicine
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Rest in Peace RaShawn
Written by Ronnie Sidney, II, MSW
Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner
Designed by Kurt Keller
"Rest in Peace RaShawn" is more than the story of an accidental shooting. It's the vivid story of a young man's life snuffed out too soon by police bullets - a narrative that, sadly, has become all too familiar in America.
The author, Ronnie Sidney, II, MSW, captures the emotional upheaval suffered by families and communities nationwide following the sudden, violent demise of black men. He presents the violence and suffering in a sensitive, easy-to-understand and age-appropriate format for kids. This book is a good way to broach the painful but necessary conversations families across the nation are having with their children, and provides thoughtful discussion points on how to heal the legacy of distrust between African- American communities and the police who are supposed to protect them.
"'Rest in Peace RaShawn' completes a trinity of quality young adult literature by Sidney, including the first books in his series, 'Nelson Beats the Odds' and 'Tameka's New Dress.' All three inspire confidence in children, especially children of color, and encourage a fondness for reading and a heightened level of social awareness; Sidney's stories equip kids with a broader understanding of America's current culture and climate."
-Samantha Willis, Author of "The Little Adventures of Bella & DJ: Travels in Virginia"
Arts & Entertainment Editor, Richmond Magazine
Book Details
Ages: 4- 8 years
ISBN: 9780998601113
Paperback
Creative Medicine
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Rest in Peace RaShawn Reloaded
Written by Ronnie Sidney, II, MSW
Illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner
Designed by Kurt Keller
The fatal police shootings of black men in the recent past bring to focus yet again the chain of stigma, shame and silence that engulfs many lives, and entire communities and neighborhoods. A new illustrated comic book that is now helping heal the wounds and show the way forward is "Rest in Peace RaShawn Reloaded" authored by Ronnie Sidney, II, LCSW.
"Rest in Peace RaShawn Reloaded" tells the graphic story of a black teenager shot and killed by a police officer who mistakes his airsoft toy gun for real. This narrative is all too common in America, and the novel brings home the fact that a young, innocent life was snuffed out too soon. Ronnie presents the violence and suffering in a sensitive, easy-to-understand and age-appropriate format for kids. This book is a good way to broach the painful but necessary conversations families across the nation are having with their children, and provides thoughtful discussion points on how to heal the legacy of distrust between African- American communities and the police who are supposed to protect them.
To deal with police brutality towards black teens and adults requires building higher level of social awareness, as well as telling youngsters how to understand and behave safely and reasonably in such situations. "Rest in Peace RaShawn Reloaded", revised version of its previous version released in April, adds new material in the form of five pages a cover. The comic book has been illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner, designed by Kurt Keller, edited by Tiffany Carey Day, Francesca Lyn and Samantha Willis, and has contributions from Laurence Jones and Steve Silverman.
Book Details
Ages: 4- 8 years
ISBN: 9789780990022
Paperback
Creative Medicine
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