Genesis Begins Again
MASL Book Trailer Winner
Genesis Begins Again - Izzy D. from Marshfield Junior High
About the Author
What's there to know about Alicia D?
Well, she likes chunky guacamole, shiny things, and good stories.
Of course, there are a few other tidbits you may want to know...
Alicia D resides in Charlotte, NC. She is the proud mother of a brilliant college student. Her love for education stems from conducting school residencies as a Master Teaching Artist of arts-integration. Alicia D infuses her love for drama, movement, and storytelling to inspire students to write.
Did we say drama? Why yes, Alicia graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. She's performed in commercials, off-off Broadway, and even Charlotte's very own children's theater.
And like other great storytellers, she made the leap into writing--and well, her story continues. Alicia D loves laughing, traveling, and Wonder Woman.
Alicia D is the author of Genesis Begins Again, which received the Newbery and Kirkus Prize honors, was a William C Morris prize finalist, and won the Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Award for New Talent. Alicia D also debuted a picture book biography, Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston. She shares a passion for storytelling which stems from conducting school residencies as a Master Teaching Artist of arts-integration. Alicia D infuses her love for drama, movement, and storytelling to inspire students to write. She resides in Charlotte, NC.
About the Book
2021 Audie Award Finalist For Best Middle Grade Audio Book
2020 ALA Newbery Honor Book
2020 ALA Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Award for New Talent
2020 ALA/William C. Morris Prize Finalist
2019 Kirkus Prize Finalist
Thirteen year-old Genesis Anderson hates her dark skin shade and kinky, coily hair. She prays every night for one thing—to be beautiful. If she's beautiful like her lighter Mama, then Grandma will love her more, the ruthless taunts at school will end, and most importantly, Dad will stop drinking.
Singing becomes her only solace, so when a school talent show is announced, she wonders if this might be her one true chance to win Dad’s approval and make her family whole again. But will she be able to get up on stage, as black as she is, and sing? Drawing strength from Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Etta James—their music and who they were—Genesis harnesses their power into finding her own voice.
Resources / Teaching Ideas
Recognizing and Addressing Colorism in School from Teaching Tolerance
Gratitude Journal from Positive Psychology
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