Hello! I'm Afoma.
  • Book Reviews
    • Picture book
    • Chapter Books
    • Middle-Grade
    • Graphic Novels
    • Young Adult
    • Adult Fiction
    • Adult Non-Fiction
  • Book Lists
    • Picture Book Lists
    • Middle Grade Book Lists
    • Book Lists by Theme
    • Book Lists by Grade
    • Audiobook Recommendations
  • Join My Newsletter!
  • Go to the Blog
  • Summer Reading
  • Work with Me
    • Review & Promotion Policy
    • School Visits

Reading Middle Grade

Books for Kids and Grown Ups

  • Book Reviews
    • Picture book
    • Chapter Books
    • Middle-Grade
    • Graphic Novels
    • Young Adult
    • Adult Fiction
    • Adult Non-Fiction
  • Book Lists
    • Picture Book Lists
    • Middle Grade Book Lists
    • Book Lists by Theme
    • Book Lists by Grade
    • Audiobook Recommendations
  • Join My Newsletter!
  • Go to the Blog
  • Summer Reading
  • Work with Me
    • Review & Promotion Policy
    • School Visits

Author Interviews · May 26, 2021

Ebony Zayzay on The Adventures of Keva: The Power of the Trees

Ebony Zayzay is the author of the new picture book, The Adventures of Keva: The Power of the Trees. I read and loved this story about caring for the environment and the myriad ways the environment looks after us. Ebony Zayzay has also recently started a publishing company called Zayzay Literary Co. We talk about writing a picture book, getting into publishing, being inspired by African culture, and writing about Black joy and Black kids loving the outdoors.

Please Note: I was monetarily compensated to host this interview. Sponsored posts keep Reading Middle Grade free for all readers. Thank you for supporting the authors and brands who keep this site running.


The Power of The Trees - Ebony Zayzay - Author Interview

Hi Ebony! It’s lovely to chat with you about your debut picture book, The Adventures of Keva: The Power of the Trees. The cover is adorable. Did you have any input at all with the design/illustration?

I’m happy you like the cover. I wanted to showcase the magic of the story. As a new author, you’re learning as you go, so I researched similar stories to examine trends in cover designs. In addition, I collaborated very closely with my illustrator, leaning in on her creativity and experience. Lastly, I recruited a few individuals from my network to provide feedback. This step was extremely important as it got me out of my initial nervousness about sharing my story.

Why did you choose to write about trees, and what about trees did you want to highlight in this story?

I’m a country girl that grew up surrounded by trees! I find peace in them, which has helped me through some tough times. Through my story, I hoped to highlight the magic of trees through literal examples (used for healing) as well as playful twists (the whispers).

I hate to say it, but there are such few books about Black kids exploring or really just having fun (aka Black joy). Was that something you were conscious of highlighting with your picture book?

I’m happy that you mention this, as it was very intentional in the writing of the story. In searching for books for my son, I found it difficult to find stories of Black children exploring the outdoors. Eventually, I realized that those that were in the market were not written by black authors. 

I grew up playing outdoors, riding four-wheelers, and getting dirty. However, there’s not a lot of representation of this in books.

I want there to be stories of the Black community that portray all the dimensions of our lives and go beyond the typical storyline. And I want more of these stories to be written by us.

There’s so much nature highlighted in this book — from ants to goats — not just trees! Are you a nature enthusiast like Keva?

I have an appreciation and respect for nature. You may not find me mountain climbing or camping, but you will find me sitting barefoot in the grass and/or walking a nature trail.

I’m Nigerian, so I noticed some Nigerian language connections in this book. For example, Keva’s favorite tree is called “Iya” which means “mother” in Yoruba. Am I right? I’d love to learn more about why you chose these connections to African culture.

Yes, you’re right! I wanted to connect across the African diaspora, introducing aspects from across our culture. This is important to me personally as my husband’s ancestry is in West Africa. I want the stories my children read to reflect both cultures, and for them to see them as interconnected.

You’ve recently founded a small publishing company called Zayzay Literary Co. Would you like to tell us how you found your way to publishing and why you decided to start a publishing company?

I’ve always had a passion for literature and education. I remember spending afternoons at my local library as a child, escaping my small town through the pages of a book. I still get a sense of joy entering a library and smile every time I see a child getting their first library card. 

By founding a company focused on releasing new stories into the market and growing literacy, I hope to be a part of building a passion for literature in others. Also, I look forward to building a legacy of great stories.

What is one thing you wish more people knew about writing a picture book?

It’s not easy. You would think this to be the case as there are fewer words in your typical picture book; however, you have to be very intentional with those few words. 

You are one busy woman! What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I enjoy getting outside, spending time with my family, and discovering a new tv show or book. 

What can readers expect from Zayzay Literary Co., and from you? Any new projects in the works?

I expect to release more stories across genres, with a focus on the multifaceted lives of the BIPOC communities. There are so many stories that have yet to be told, and I can’t wait to help them get out into the world. 

Also, as the organization grows, I’m looking forward to becoming more involved in local organizations focused on bringing stories to developing communities. As a start-up with limited bandwidth, it may take a little time, but I’m confident that we’ll get there.

Thank you so much, Ebony!

Buy The Adventures of Keva: The Power of The Trees

The Power of The Trees
The physical copies of this book will be released in June 2021. However, it is currently available as an ebook on Amazon.

Meet Ebony Zayzay

Ebony Zayzay - Author Interview

Ebony Zayzay is a wife, mother, marketer, and entrepreneur. Born and raised in rural North Carolina, Ebony Zayzay went on to earn a Bachelors in Business from Winston-Salem State University, a historically black college and proceeded to achieve an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. After working in the marketing industry for 8 years, she decided to pursue her passions for education, literature, and diversity – founding the Zayzay Literary Co. As an author, she seeks to write stories that expand mindsets on the BIPOC experience. To connect with Ebony and learn more about her books, visit her website, Instagram and LinkedIn.

More Author Interviews

  • Chrystal Giles on Take Back the Block
  • Louisa Onome on Like Home
  • Tony Gaskin on writing diverse characters

Don't Forget to Share!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • Email
  • WhatsApp
  • LinkedIn

Related

Posted In: Author Interviews · Tagged: author interviews, black authors

Join My Newsletter

Like what you just read? Sign up for my Friday kidlit newsletter!

Privacy Policy

You’ll Also Love

Lakita Wilson on Be Real, Macy Weaver!
black ya books83 Black Young Adult Novels to Add to Your TBR
Jaime Berry on Hope Springs

What do you think? Leave a comment Cancel reply

Next Post >

9 Books Like… Front Desk

About Me
Hi, I'm Afoma! Thank you for stopping by. Learn more about me here.

a group for kid lit lovers

reading middle grade facebook group

Get 2 Months Free on Scribd

Follow on Bloglovin’

Follow

We’re Social Too!

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Stock photos courtesy of our partners at DepositPhotos 📸

Find me on Instagram

whatafomareads

📚 Sharing the best middle grade (and adult) book recommendations
💌 [email protected] for book publicity (No DMs, please)

Afoma
✨how ‘bout a little virtual reality?✨

☀️ Addie has reluctantly moved across the country with her dad for his summer job in the virtual reality industry. He's working on research to use VR for therapeutic purposes, such as helping people cultivate empathy. Addie is not into VR, but that starts to change when she meets Matteo another kid on campus, and tries out VR on her own. Eventually, the two find a helpful use for VR that helps other people.

🥽 I loved the illustration style in this one and while I found the VR setting a bit disorienting, I appreciated the unique lens of the story. The graphic novel format works brilliantly for helping readers appreciate the power of VR. I think with text, it would have just been too much “world-building.” This is more engaging and exciting for kids.

🐢 Lo and Behold is a clever middle grade graphic novel about virtual reality, grief, and parental addiction. Readers who enjoy VR will love this one, but as the Author's Note mentions, it will also be a fantastic introduction for those who, like me, aren't familiar with it. A fun summer read with hints of serious themes.

#mglit #middlegrade #bookstagram
✨surprisingly heartwarming middle grade✨ 🗺 ✨surprisingly heartwarming middle grade✨

🗺️ Ginny’s summer is thrown off when her dad gets a surprise redeployment in the middle of their family’s moving to another city. Then, her geography camp gets canceled. Her sister seems to be making new friends, but no one appears to like Ginny–even when she starts her own geography camp. 

❤️ I loved this book way more than I thought I would (from the synopsis). Ginny has such a great voice and she isn’t always the most likable character but she’s always real. I loved watching her grow throughout the story.

📍This sweet, unique young middle grade book made my heart grow and ache for Ginny and her family as they navigated a season of change. Features illustrations and a new geography fact in each chapter.

#amreading #mglit #middlegrade
My current adult reads! HAPPY TRAVELER is a non- My current adult reads! 

HAPPY TRAVELER is a non-fiction title about making travel work for you and creating enjoyable, memorable experiences. So far, I’m enjoying the author’s musings on travel.

HELLO BEAUTIFUL is a bookstagram darling (need I say more?) and I already know I’ll be reading it for a while. It’s one of those books that really forces you to slow down. The writing is so tender; it feels like the author loves her characters ❤️

#bookstagram #amreading #readersofinstagram
✨growing up is full of bumps on the way✨ 🤓 ✨growing up is full of bumps on the way✨

🤓 Sixth grade is off to a rocky start for Rex. His district moved most of his elementary school to another middle school, his best friend ditches him for the popular crew, and his blurry vision means he has to get clunky new glasses–the only kind his family can afford. 

❤️ This sweet graphic novel for fans of Telgemeier is an ode to middle school, family, and finding your people.

#graphicnovel #middleschoolbooks #kidlit
Do you like to hop on the “buzz train”? I find Do you like to hop on the “buzz train”? I find that buzzy books are often worth the hype. Even the few people who dislike them tend to have STRONG feelings about them 👀 which to me is a sign that the story got to you somehow. Of course, not every book is for every reader — hype or not. I share my tip for finding a hyped book that matches your reading tastes.

Which hyped books did you love? And which ones missed the mark for you?

#reader #bookstagram #unpopularopinions
✨a different kind of sunshine✨ I loved this g ✨a different kind of sunshine✨

I loved this graphic memoir about the author’s time as a counselor at a camp for kids with cancer. It was my first time reading anything by this author and I totally get the appeal.

This one didn’t end up being as sad as I thought it would be but it was very moving, especially because Krosoczka shares newspaper clippings and pictures of one the families with whom he forged a particularly close relationship even until his college years.

If you’re looking for an engaging graphic memoir for older kids ages 11+ this is a great choice.

#graphicnovel #kidlit #yareader
✨a devastating debut✨ This book! Brilliantly ✨a devastating debut✨

This book! Brilliantly written, impressive characterization, and a plot so unexpected. It left me physically shaken (it's not feel-good), but it feels so necessary, so timely. A solid debut about the search for the great American Dream, familial sacrifices, and confronting our ugly inner selves -- all in less than 300 pages. 

You'll like this if you like:

Multiple perspectives (3 perspectives, 3rd person POV)
Character-driven stories
Time-jumping plots
Devastating endings

If you prefer straightforward, plot-rich, fast-paced stories, you might struggle a bit with this one at the start. But it's worth it!

#bookstagram #amreading #fiction
☀️ Meet the Bookstagrammer ☀️ Hi, new fol ☀️ Meet the Bookstagrammer ☀️

Hi, new followers! It’s such a pleasure to have a few new faces around. I love finding new readers to follow on the gram. 

My name is Afoma and I run a book blog called Reading Middle Grade. I also run a Facebook Group and newsletter related to my blog. In my day job, I’m a freelance writer and editor, with a degree in medicine.

I’ve lived in three continents (born in Nigeria, med school in Ukraine and the Caribbean). I live in Nigeria now with my husband and many, many books 🤭 I love to cook and travel and run. This year, one of my goals is to become a better runner. I’m currently able to run 2K without stopping. 

Even though we don’t have traditional four seasons in Nigeria, the summer months are my favorite. From childhood, they were the one time when my overachieving, perfectionistic self could RELAX. And do nothing! And even now, I try to take time off in the summer to do nothing.

Some of favorite books this year have been LASAGNA MEANS I LOVE YOU, THE LOST YEAR (I lived in Ukraine for 3 years, so this resonated with me!), and MAAME. 

Thank you so much for following my reading journey! Tell me something about yourself — hobbies, favorite books, anything! ❤️
Load More Follow on Instagram
  • Blog
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Reading Middle Grade · Theme by 17th Avenue

 

Loading Comments...