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ENTRY TYPE: new
WORK TITLE:
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://www.brittanythurman.com
CITY: Louisville
STATE:
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY: American
LAST VOLUME:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Female.
EDUCATION:Kingston University, London, B.A.; Carnegie Mellon University, M.F.A.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Oakland, PA, children’s specialist; Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, children’s specialist. Public speaker at conferences.
AWARDS:Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Text, 2023, for Fly.
WRITINGS
Also the author of stage plays.
SIDELIGHTS
Brittany J. Thurman is an award-winning children’s book author. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, she earned degrees in theater and dramatic writing from Kingston University, London and Carnegie Mellon University. Thurman was inspired to write stories after recalling all the tales told to her by her grandmother.
In an interview in First Draft to Final Book, Thurman admitted that she most struggles with “knowing when to stop. It has always been difficult for me to gauge my manuscript. How do I know when it’s truly finished? How do I know when to quit editing and truth the process? I’ve decided to lean into intuition. When it feels good to me, when it feels as if nothing else can be done on my end at that moment, then it’s ready to send to my agent or editor. As long as my soul is happy with what I’ve created, I’m all good.”
With Fly, a young girl named Africa enquires about a double Dutch competition after seeing an announcement for it. She learns from her brother what it is and gets excited to participate. She knows her grandmother used to double Dutch and tries to teach herself how to do it. Everyone she asks doesn’t know how to do it but still gives their best interpretation anyway. By the time of the competition, Africa is more than prepared to show off what she has learned.
Booklist contributor Van McGary stated: “Beautifully written and illustrated, this is one to be cherished.” McGary opined that the combination of the illustrations and “lyrical” writing “generates an empowering and uplifting experience.” A Publishers Weekly contributor observed that Thurman writes “in straightforward lines.”
In Forever and Always, young Olivia waits all day for her EMT father to return home from work. She tells him every day to be safe, knowing that he has a difficult job sometimes. On the news, she watches stories of other people’s fathers who did not return home from work after bad things happened to them. This worries Olivia. Her mother tries to distract her with daily activities, like braiding a bracelet, doing different hair styles, and eating together. Finally, her father returns home to a very happy Olivia. An author’s note offers a tribute of others who never returned home but should have, including George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, and Breonna Taylor.
Reviewing the book in School Library Journal, Kimberly Olson Fakih claimed: “So understated that it’s sure to give flight to discussions,” Forever and Always “offers a reality right out of the headlines, but by leaving it child-sized has a huge impact.” A contributor to Kirkus Reviews called it “a balm for little ones grappling with harsh realities.” The same reviewer found the picture book to be both “tender and intimate.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, January 1, 2022, Van McGary, review of Fly, p. 78.
Kirkus Reviews, November 15, 2023, review of Forever and Always.
Publishers Weekly, December 6, 2021, review of Fly, p. 136.
School Library Journal, January 1, 2024, Kimberly Olson Fakih, review of Forever and Always, p. 52.
ONLINE
Brittany J. Thurman website, https://www.brittanythurman.com (July 8, 2024).
Brown Bookshelf, https://thebrownbookshelf.com/ (February 16, 2022), Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, “Day 16: Brittany J. Thurman;” (February 8, 2024), TeMika Grooms, “Day 8: Brittany J. Thurman.”
First Draft to Final Book, https://www.firstdrafttofinalbook.com/ (July 8, 2024), Brittany J. Thurman, “Fly Written by Brittany Thurman.”
Highlights Foundation website, https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/ (July 8, 2024), author profile.
KidLit in Color, https://www.kidlitincolor.com/ (January 24, 2022), Brittany J. Thurman, “My Inspiration for Writing Fly.”
Max’s Boat, https://www.maxsboat.com/ (February 15, 2024), author interview.
New Orleans Book Festival website, https://bookfest.tulane.edu/ (July 8, 2024), author profile.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra website, https://pittsburghsymphony.org/ (July 8, 2024), author profile.
Women’s Center, University of Louisville website, https://louisville.edu/womenscenter/ (July 8, 2024), author profile.
Brittany J. Thurman writes award-winning books for kids. She is the author of Forever and Always, illustrated by Shamar Knight Justice (Greenwillow/HarperCollins), Fly, illustrated by Anna Cunha (Caitlyn Dlouhy Books/Simon and Schuster), and two middle-grade books in the Fearless series, co-written with Mandy Gonzalez (Aladdin/Simon and Schuster). Brittany’s upcoming titles include The First Library: The True Story of the First Library by and For Black America, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera (Clarion/HarperCollins), Come Catch a Dream, illustrated by Islenia Mil (Greenwillow/HarperCollins), and two middle-grade novels in the podcast adaptation of Opal Watson, Private Eye (Pinna/HarperCollins) all out in 2025. Brittany's picture book, Fly, won the 2023 Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Text. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Art in Theater from Kingston University, London, England. Brittany currently lives in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where she holds tight to her elders, roots, and her childhood home.
Hi!
I have always had an affinity for stories told by my grandmother. Those same stories hold space in my writing today. My love of writing comes from my love of reading. As a kid, I could not get enough of going to bookstores and libraries.
I am a former children’s specialist, and I am dedicated to ensuring children’s literature truthfully reflects the world in which we live. I hold an MFA from Carnegie Mellon University, where I studied Dramatic Writing. I hold a BA from Kingston University, London, England, where I studied theater.
I’m not sure how many books I’ve read as a children’s specialist, but I estimate hundreds of stories to thousands of kids across the City of Bridges. Currently, I reside in my hometown of Louisville, KY. You may find me biking along the waterfront, enjoying a musical or play, hanging out with my family, grilling in the backyard or snuggled up with a good book.
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT ME:
MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON:
My grandmother is my rock. Her strength, beauty, and outlook on life keeps me going. My grandmother was born in the 1940's, grew up during the civil rights era, and has endured more than I can imagine. If I can become half the woman she is, I know I've done well.
I LOVE:
Old photos! Check out this one of my family below!
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My grandmother (center), great-aunts, and great-uncle.
My grandmother (center), great-aunts, and great-uncle.
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WHAT I LOVE BESIDES WRITING:
Travelling!
I love to safely travel and explore places I’ve never been. I caught the travel bug when I was a toddler and haven’t stopped since. Give me a mask, plane, clear sunny skies, and a new place to visit. I’m there! (SAFELY!)
Brittany J. Thurman
Brittany J. Thurman
Brittany J. Thurman writes award-winning books for kids. She is the author of Forever and Always, illustrated by Shamar Knight Justice (Greenwillow/HarperCollins), Fly, illustrated by Anna Cunha (Caitlyn Dlouhy Books/Simon and Schuster), and two middle-grade books in the Fearless series, co-written with Mandy Gonzalez (Aladdin/Simon and Schuster). Brittany’s upcoming titles include The First Library: The True Story of the First Library by and For Black America, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera (Clarion/HarperCollins), Come Catch a Dream, illustrated by Islenia Mil (Greenwillow/HarperCollins), and two middle-grade novels in the podcast adaptation of Opal Watson, Private Eye (Pinna/HarperCollins) all out in 2025. Brittany's picture book, Fly, won the 2023 Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Text. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Art in Theater from Kingston University, London, England. Brittany currently lives in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where she holds tight to her elders, roots, and her childhood home.
Brittany Thurman
Brittany J. Thurman holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. She is a graduate of Kingston University, London, England, where she studied theater. Brittany is a former children’s specialist, where she worked at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Oakland, and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Brittany’s picture book, Fly, illustrated by Anna Cunha, is published by Caitlyn Dlouhy Books/Simon and Schuster. Fly, a story about a young girl who pursues her dream of double Dutch, was featured at the 2022 National Book Festival. Brittany is also the co-author of Fearless: Boulevard of Dreams, by Mandy Gonzalez. Brittany Thurman's forthcoming titles include Forever and Always, illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice and The First Library: The Story of the First Library By and For Black America, illustrated by Cozbi Cabrera, both out in 2024.
Brittany lives in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where she holds tight to her elders, her roots, and her childhood home. When she isn't writing, you can catch her walking along Louisville’s waterfront, traveling, admiring art and spending plenty of time with her family.
Brittany J. Thurman writes award-winning books for kids. She is the author of Fly, (Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Text) and Fearless: Boulevard of Dreams. Her upcoming works include Forever and Always, illustrated by Shamar Knight Justice (2024), Fearless: The Takeover (2024), The First Library: The True Story of the First Library by and For Black America, illustrated by Cozbi Cabrera (2025) and Come Catch a Dream, illustrated by Islenia Mil (2025). She holds an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Bachelor of Art in Theater from Kingston University, London, England. Her plays have been produced in Aspen, Colorado, and in New York City. Brittany is a former children’s early literacy specialist. She lives in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where she holds tight to her elders, roots, and her childhood home.
BRITTANY J. THURMAN
STORYTELLER: BRITTANY J. THURMAN
Brittany J. Thurman is the author of picture books and middle- grade novels. Her debut picture book, FLY, publishes March 2022 (Caitlyn Dlouhy Books). She is a former children’s specialist, having read hundreds of stories to thousands of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers across Pittsburgh. Her focus remains on representation and early literacy, ensuring children’s literature truthfully reflects the world in which we live. She has spoken and presented at numerous conferences, including The Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Children’s Literature, Western PA’s SCBWI Conference, and the 13th Annual IBBY Regional Conference.
On writing for children:
“Our children are waiting for us. The memory I think about the most during my time at a library is when a nine-year-old would repeatedly ask me if my book was finished. When I let her know it wasn’t ready yet, she told me she would wait. From one Black girl to another, I think she saw a reflection in me. I write for Black kids to know they are deserving of books with them conquering their dreams. I write for the patron who let me know she would wait for my books. I write for her to know her dreams of becoming an author are indeed feasible.”
What was the most valuable or memorable experience of AMPLIFY for you?
I am constantly thinking back to the opening session. Vanessa Brantley-Newton not only spoke to us, she spoke over our shared dream to create. This is the fuel I have used since that moment. It is what I keep in my mind and continue to guide me on this expansive journey. So much was valuable to me during Amplify. The overall experience has helped push me out of my comfort zone and seek what I deserve.
Brittany J. Thurman
Follow Brittany J. Thurman:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
“I write for Black kids to know they are more than deserving of every single dream. Our children are waiting for us.”
FLY written by Brittany Thurman
I started this blog last year because I was struggling so much with rejection and disappointment. I had to remind myself that every book starts somewhere and the journey can be so different. I wanted to learn how published authors and illustrators created their book so others can be inspired to persevere.
I’m grateful for all the amazing authors and illustrators that have shared their story!
That said, I recognize that I haven’t been updating as routinely. I won’t make any lofty promises this year, but I am going to post more…especially because there are so many amazing stories behind the stories.
On that note: I’m thrilled that the first book to kick off the recently minted Lunar New Year is FLY, with gorgeous illustrations by Anna Cunha.
This is the debut book by author Brittany J. Thurman and I’m so excited that she’s willing to share her process.
Brittany is a former children’s specialist focused on ensuring that children’s literature reflects our real world – which is what we definitely need! She has always had an affinity for stories thanks to her grandmother and growing up could not get enough of bookstores and libraries.
(I mean, saaaame!)
If she wasn’t a writer she would be an architect and she can often be found biking, hanging out with family, enjoying a musical or play, or snuggled up with a good book.
Okay, enough blathering from me…onto the interview!
Brittany, thank you so much for taking the time to share your journey writing and publishing FLY. What is the story behind your story? What sparked your story concept?
So, here it is. We all know Langston Hughes, right? (If this answer is ‘no’, that’s a problem!) “What happens to a dream deferred?”
I constantly think about my dreams, my family's dreams, the dreams of young Black kids, teens, adults around this country, this world. One day, I was on my lunch break and I started to write a poem about (you guessed it) my own dream. In particular, how as a Black girl (now woman) growing up in a country that increasingly devalues my life, how can I step into each new day with the confidence in knowing what I want to achieve is mine? Has always been mine. Will be mine, if I continue to follow the path my ancestors have painstakingly sacrificed for me. My poem was a combination of worries, doubts, ambitions and intricate details of myself. An ode, if you will.
As I shopped this poem around, the response was, “this is great, but…” Heavy sigh! So, over a period of one year I worked on the poem, shifting it from verse to narrative. Incorporating my protagonist, Africa, and building on the community aspect within the story.
I believe that the things we achieve will not and could not be possible without community, so I wanted to show what it looks like when one's community supports them, regardless of having all the solutions and answers.
How long did it take from idea to book?
It feels as if it has only taken three years from idea to book. But as I look at past emails and a long paper trail, it was a total of six years from when the idea popped into my head to publication! 72 long months but each one has been worth the wait!
It is absolutely worth the wait! What was your revision journey?
March 2016: Wrote poem on my lunch break entitled, You Girl
November 2016: Attended SCBWI conference & presented You Girl to editors
November 2016: REJECTION(S)!
January 2017: Revisited You Girl and shifted the story into a narrative.
2017-2018: Continued to revise, edit, cry, dry my tears and revise again.
September 2018: Sent Fly to my incredible agent & Fly goes on sub!
October 2018: Suffered through multiple rejections… sigh!
November 2018: Fly is acquired by Caitlyn Dlouhy! Hooray!
January 2019: Signed contract for Fly! Mega hooray!
Okay, now the big question I want to ask…what was the hardest part of revising?
Knowing when to stop. It has always been difficult for me to gauge my manuscript. How do I know when it’s truly finished? How do I know when to quit editing and truth the process? I’ve decided to lean into intuition. When it feels good to me, when it feels as if nothing else can be done on my end at that moment, then it’s ready to send to my agent or editor. As long as my soul is happy with what I’ve created, I’m all good.
Oh, man. I need to put that on my wall: “As long as my soul is happy with what I created, I’m good.”
I had to repeat it because it makes so much sense. Did you have an ‘ah-ha!’ moment with your manuscript during the revision process? If so, what triggered it?
The first time I showed Fly (previously entitled, You Girl) to an editor, they were confused about the opening line.
“Africa was a girl whose face held remnants of her name.”
For months I debated over this line. It was clear in my head that this opening sentence meant the protagonist held elements of her ancestry through her reflection. But how would this be illustrated for children to understand?
My ‘ah-ha’! Moment came when I looked at my own birthmark, which always looked like a continent to me. I decided to make this sentence more clear. I changed the line to reflect that Africa had a birthmark in the shape of her name. This birthmark, evident from the cover, ‘has always shown her what she’s made of’. This element of the story is a thread throughout the book.
I love it! It’s wonderful when you have that breakthrough and it just all fits together. What advice do you have for other writers? Are there any resources you would recommend to help with the revision process?
What is your next project? As you are querying, on submission, or as you navigate the release of your first book, always be in the process of creating the ‘next thing’. Whether you are writing down a physical draft, or milling the contents of a story over in your head, fuel the ‘downtime’ with the momentum of creation. .
And now, Brittany has kindly shared a snippet of one of the first drafts of her book…
And the final words that will be arriving on the shelves!
Brittany, I can’t wait for FLY to launch and…FLY off the shelves.
(I know, I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself).
If you haven’t connected with Brittany be sure to find her on Twitter (@janeebrittany) on Instagram (@britjanee) and follow her updates on her website: www.brittanythurman.com.
Purchase FLY on Bookshop.org and Brittany’s favorite local indie, Carmichael’s Bookstore.
Congratulations on your debut, Brittany! I look forward to all of your other future forthcoming stories.
Brittany J. Thurman - My Inspiration for Writing Fly
1/24/2022
My Inspiration for Writing Fly by Brittany Thurman
My Inspiration for Writing Fly
By: Brittany J. Thurman
My great-grandparents lived in a two-room white house on a hill. I still hear tires against the gravel of their driveway. I still feel the tremor of the mesh screen door slamming, then bouncing, then slamming shut as I stepped inside. This was a home full to the ceiling with memoires. Thick with phantom laughs and steamy cheese pudding on top an oven half open to cool off.
My great-grandmother, Grandmommy, sat in the back room, which was really the front room. This- adjacent to the front porch, which I always assumed was the back. A porch swing with rusty metal chains clanked against the rail. This was the sound of homestead.
“Come ere, give me some sugar,” Grandmommy said. As I scooted up to her orange recliner, Grandmommy’s lips sailed into a smile. The closer I got, the more I smelled snuff. The metal tin she kept beside her recliner for (if ya know, ya know) had my stomach churned. Grandmommy always pulled me into a hug and kissed my cheek, then my forehead. It was as if she wanted to imbed her love, adoration and might (all of it) into me. And I always, always, always stiffened, then pulled away because…snuff.
Photo of Gran
One of my favorite spreads in Fly is that of Africa looking up to her grandmother, Nana, who is surrounded by a flight of birds. Look closely, one of them has flown away, off on its own. We don’t know if Africa’s Nana is still with her, or if Nana has been gone as long as my own great-grandmother. Now a memory full to the ceiling.
What we do know on this spread of purple is that Africa and Nana, no matter how far apart, have a bond. It is one comprised of love. It is a bond composed of giving up a little of ourselves for those rising up in the next generation.
While writing Fly, there were so many aspects of my own life that inspired me. I thought through and cried over my struggle with identity and anxiety. Fought to show a Black girl cool, confident, collected - on her quest to fulfill her goal. I delved into the communities that surrounded me growing up as a Black girl from Louisville’s West End. For me, community has and was always about showing up for your neighbor. Giving, even when you don’t have much to lend.
But, what I thought about as much as these other themes are my ancestors and my elders. Those whose love seeps deep. Whose eyes told stories without saying words. And those words, “Come ere, give me some sugar,” and “I have a gift for you.’ echo through my head to this day.
My Inspiration for Writing Fly by Brittany Thurman
Even though I always, always, always pulled away from Grandmommy’s kisses, I understood at seven how lucky I was to know my great-grandmother. Now older, I understand. My Grandmommy recognized how special it was that she had a relationship with her great-granddaughter.
I envision that at some point, Africa and her Nana also had a moment like that. And in that moment, Nana knew how quick time slides, how vital it was to impart what we know onto the generation next. What we love onto those who are rising up, so those gifts are not lost forever. Equally as important, I wanted to emphasize that sometimes, from one generation to the next, to the next, to the next…things do get lost. Recipes, Songs. Photos, Memories. Double Dutch and the feeling of flying, gone. At some point, we have to reclaim what has seeped through the cracks from one generation to the next.
My Inspiration for writing Fly by Brittany Thurman
This is what Africa recognizes in Fly. This is what she does. She reclaims. She rediscovers. She reimagines, through the help and memory and strength of her Nana (ala my great-grandmother). She can, she is, fly.
Brittany Thurman headshot
I have always had an affinity for stories told by my grandmother. Those same stories hold space in my writing today. My love of writing comes from my love of reading. As a kid, I could not get enough of going to bookstores and libraries.
I am a former children’s specialist, and I am dedicated to ensuring children’s literature truthfully reflects the world in which we live. I hold an MFA from Carnegie Mellon University, where I studied Dramatic Writing. I hold a BA from Kingston University, London, England, where I studied theater.
I’m not sure how many books I’ve read as a children’s specialist, but I estimate hundreds of stories to thousands of kids across the City of Bridges. Currently, I reside in my hometown of Louisville, KY. You may find me biking along the waterfront, enjoying a musical or play, hanging out with my family, grilling in the backyard or snuggled up with a good book.
Follow Brittany on Instagram
Twitter - @janeebrittany
Day 16: Brittany J. Thurman
by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich | Posted on February 16, 2022
Brittany J. Thurman has storytelling in her soul. “I have always had an affinity for stories told by my grandmother,” she says. “Those same stories hold space in my writing today. My love of writing comes from my love of reading. As a kid, I could not get enough of going to bookstores and libraries.” Her joyful debut picture book, FLY, illustrated by Anna Cunha, is out now from Atheneum, and her middle grade novel, in collaboration with Mandy Gonzalez, FEARLESS: Boulevard of Dreams, will be released in April. Brittany is as warm and wonderful as her stories, and I’m absolutely beside myself because I get to welcome her to the Brown Bookshelf.
The Journey:
I don’t remember writing my first story, but it must have happened someday in first grade. I still have the little slip of paper I scribbled, A Girl Goes for a Walk, slanted down the page. Like a lot of people, writing was a form of release. It helped me through loss and rejection. Eventually I turned to poetry. Even though there were a lot of things I wanted to do (at one point, I wanted to become an architect) writing stayed firm in my life.
For two years I studied dramatic writing at Carnegie Mellon University (you do not need a degree to write, by the way), but as my graduation approached and left, I felt lost and a little unprepared. I knew I did not want to write for the stage entirely, but my background was packed with theater from undergrad. How would I make a living submitting plays when those same theaters barely hired anyone who looked like me? And the plays I did submit were constantly rejected or, subjected to ‘runner up’.
At that point, I knew I needed to rethink my career path. Revisioning my goals brought me to working with children. I worked in a handful of non-profits, Reading is Fundamental, The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Library. What I did within those nonprofits became the foundation for my reason behind writing for children. I read story after story to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. We created art on the Storymobile and travelled across neighborhoods in Pittsburgh too often neglected. Neighborhoods like the one I was brought up in. Neighborhoods seen on the outside as ‘bad’, but inside, we all know the truth, the good.
I saw myself through the children who sang songs with me, who tugged on my shirt sleeve because they wanted someone to listen and play. Reading picture book after picture book gave me a knack for writing picture books, but at the time I was writing fluff. Just as I rethought and revamped writing for the stage to writing for children, I also had to rethink what I wrote.
The fluff was fun and cute, but what did the children I saw on a regular basis really want to read? How could I transform my words to reflect their lives in an honest and truthful way? Fluff free.
The Back Story
I could say that BAM!, a book deal came like that. But it did not. Like many authors, I went through query after query. Rejection after rejection. Like many authors, I kept those rejections in a visible spot. Not as a reminder of failure, but as a reminder to keep going. There would be someone out there who would eventually get it. Like some authors, I went through an agent whose morals and values did not align with mine. And again, like many authors, I found an agent whose morals and values did.
At the time, I was still working at the Carnegie Library as a Children’s Specialist. I led Monday morning storytimes, Wednesday evening storytimes and special weekend programs. I wrote on my lunch break, sent drafts to my agent, Marietta Zacker, before starting work. Checked my email when the kids were too busy running around the room. We initially went out with two manuscripts on submission. Fly and another picture book manuscript that I assumed would automatically be picked up. I don’t remember the exact number of editors we sent Fly to. Let’s say twelve.
After eleven rejections, I honestly didn’t have much hope left for a yes. But one Friday when I had a break from storytime, I was at the laundromat. I happened to look down at my phone. My agent was calling. When I answered she asked if I could talk because she had news. NEWS! I stepped outside and she told me that Fly had been acquired. I immediately started squealing and jumping up and down. Who cared about all the folks in the laundromat looking at me, my manuscript as going to become a picture book. My dream was about to become real. I say ‘about to’ but good things take time. From acquisition to pub date, it was close to three years.
The Buzz
Booklist said, “Thurman’s lyrical text, paired with Cunha’s stunning illustrations, generates an empowering and uplifting experience…beautifully written and illustrated, this is one to be cherished.”
The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books said, “The rhythmic staccato of the text stays in a steady pattern through Africa’s training until it bursts forth with energy when she makes her triumphant double Dutch debut…This makes a useful examination of how a skill is often the sum of different parts, and it’s also a joyful celebration of collaboration among friends; just be sure to have enough room for everyone to show off their moves after storytime.”
Time is still early, and the year has only started. I am overjoyed that many see FLY as the empowering experience I intended it to be.
Under The Radar
Abigail the Storyteller posts select readings from books. Her storytelling is wonderful, theatrical and the reason why she posts is even more special. Abigail is a rising star for her literacy advocacy, reading for those who can’t or who struggle to do so. At a young age, Abigail shows us to put our all into what we love to do. I admire that Abigail started reading books aloud to those within her family and amongst her friends who could not. I think that it is fantastic she is a bridge within the literacy community, and I know she will continue to soar.
Where Do We Go From Here?
If you, like me, write and create for our youth, I think it’s important for us to share our platforms with them, too. How different my self-worth as a child would have been if someone I looked up to said, “Hey, I value your ideas. I’m listening. I want to share my opportunities with you.” I hope that in many ways I can give kids an opportunity to do just that, share and be part of my experience. Because this would not be possible without them.
Up next! FEARLESS: BOULEVARD OF DREAMS, written by Mandy Gonzalez, co-written by me. This second book in Mandy’s Fearless series comes out April 5th, 2022. Look for FOREVER AND ALWAYS illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice, from Greenwillow/HarperCollins coming Winter, 2024. I am also elated to one day show you THE FIRST LIBRARY, a very special story from Clarion/HarperCollins, coming 2022.
Thank you, Brittany! You can find out more about Brittany on her website, and her books are available at your local library and wherever books are sold.
Day 8: Brittany J. Thurman
by TeMika Grooms | Posted on February 8, 2024
Brittany J. Thurman is a talented writer using her education, experience, and sheer creative talent to craft endearing stories for children of all ages. She is certainly one to watch as she creates an abundant catalog of work. We congratulate Brittany on all her past and future successes. Learn more with us as Brittany shares her journey in this post for The Brown Bookshelf.
BRITTANY J. THURMAN writes award-winning books for kids. She is the author of Forever and Always, illustrated by Shamar Knight Justice (Greenwillow/HarperCollins), Fly, illustrated by Anna Cunha (Caitlyn Dlouhy Books/Simon and Schuster), and two middle-grade novels in the Fearless series, co-written with Mandy Gonzalez (Aladdin/Simon and Schuster). Brittany’s upcoming titles include The First Library: The True Story of the First Library by and For Black America, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera (Clarion/HarperCollins), Come Catch a Dream, illustrated by Islenia Mil (Greenwillow/HarperCollins), and two middle-grade novels in the podcast adaptation of Opal Watson, Private Eye (Pinna/HarperCollins) all out in 2025. Brittany’s picture book, Fly, won the 2023 Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Text. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Kingston University, London, England. Brittany currently lives in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, where she holds tight to her elders, roots, and her childhood home.
Journey to publication
I began writing stories around the first grade. I was inspired by bi-weekly trips traveling down a long country road to visit my great-grandparents, watching my grandmother return home from charming vacations, and listening to stories told by my elders minutes after they thought I had gone to bed. My journey to publication began as a kid with an imagination I could not control. My love and appreciation for writing stayed with me and peaked again as an undergrad studying abroad in London, England. After writing a play, a professor urged me to pursue writing professionally. I did, but I had no idea that it would take years before I would see my words in print. While working with children as a Children’s Specialist in a library, I began to send my work to agents and editors. The wait was long, but I felt so lucky to witness the joy, curiosity, confidence, and sometimes worries, of the kids around me. They became the reason why I write.
While reading to children constantly helped me understand dialogue, structure, and characters, so did the ability to connect with kids of all ages. While working at the library, my first picture book, Fly, was acquired. On a day off, I found myself at the laundromat, doing my usual ‘day off’ routine. It was then that I received ‘the call’ from my agent. Needless to say, all the kids knew the news the following day. My publication journey has been long, twisted, and full of the unexpected. To this day, rejections pop up in my inbox, and I am constantly practicing the art of patience. I try my best to honor the child that I once was by recognizing that back in the first grade, I saw a path. I hope my journey inspires others to stay on theirs.
Backstory of one featured title:
As a child, I worried about everything. Allergies caused my eyes to swell shut and I became afraid to go outside. A reluctance to speak meant that I panicked at the thought of a teacher calling my name. But what I worried about the most were others, especially my family. My worries and anxieties still exist as an adult, and while writing Forever and Always, I needed to highlight that kids experience these emotions as well. I began to write the first draft of Forever and Always around 2018. I wanted to find a way to share, in the form of a story, that young children wait, wonder, and yes- worry, often about the people around them. As the lives of Black men, women, and children were lost across this county, often at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve, I began to question the meaning of safety and the fact that no soul has the right to take a breath from another. With the news at our fingertips, I also knew that if I saw and heard of these injustices, kids did, too. I began to shape Olivia, her voice, and the world around her. This led to me asking more questions. Who do kids turn to when their worries feel too big? In what ways do they cope? How can the materials found in one’s home help turn worry into hope? I aimed to show that while children worry, adults do, too. In the same way that a child waits all day to express how much they love their parents, I know that parents wait to say the same.
Forever and Always is a hug in book form of a daughter’s love for her father and the desire to keep him protected, always. I hope the story allows children to know that our emotions are normal, but there are ways to cope. In the story, Olivia creates art when the world feels too big to handle, and she makes a special gift for her father, letting him know that she is thinking about him. As the years go on, worries don’t go away. I hope adults find a hug in this story, too.
Positive impact or benefit of being an Amplify Cohort member
It is hard to believe that almost three years have passed since Amplify began. From the community that has formed, I am in awe. We first met over informational publishing Zoom sessions in the evenings, and this led to much-needed in-person trips to Highlights. Through friendship and community, Amplify has allowed for me to see that I am not alone on this journey. The knowledge shared among us has been priceless.
Amplify is a community for me. It is one fueled by friendships, knowledge, and the recognition that we are on this publishing journey together. It is easy to feel isolated in the world of writing and publishing, and I am forever grateful to know that I am not alone. I belong.
Learn more about Brittany J. Thurman online:
www.brittanythurman.com
X (Twitter): @janeebrittany
Instagram: @britjanee
Facebook: facebook.com/britjanee
TikTok: @brittanyjthurman
Ratha Tep
Feb 15
6 min read
Interview with Brittany J. Thurman, FOREVER AND ALWAYS
Every night when Daddy gets home from work, Olivia gives him a big hug and knows that the evening will be full of love—and fun. But every morning when Daddy goes to work, Olivia worries, worries, worries. Be safe, she and Momma tell him. But what if he isn’t? Sometimes other people aren’t, like the people Olivia sees on the news.
Max's Boat Pick
FOREVER AND ALWAYS
By Brittany J. Thurman and Shamar Knight-Justice
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (January 16, 2024)
Buy now
Thanks for coming onboard again, Brittany! Can you share how Forever and Always come about?
BJT: "I don’t remember writing the first draft of Forever and Always, but I do remember the situations happening when this story and Olivia’s voice popped into my head. In 2018, Antwon Rose, Jr was a young Black Pittsburgh teen who lost his life at the hands of law enforcement. I remember the marches, protests, and hurt that stayed on the faces of his loved ones. Around this time, more injustices occurred across the country, and I felt so unsettled. Many questions erupted in my mind. What is safety? How does this continue to happen? What does it mean to be secure and who gets that right? We should all be able to return home to those we love.
I began to write draft after draft, until the book sold. During the time of revision between 2020-2021, more people were taken from this Earth who should still be here. Their stories became a part of this story.
While the initial idea of Forever and Always revolved around these issues, I also thought of how unpredictable our world is. Safety can mean so many things to so many people, no matter where we are. Olivia’s voice came first. Her words and story fueled my mind as if she were standing right beside me. I vividly saw and heard her love for her father, like the love so many kids around this world have for theirs. I think that Forever and Always is a story that has always been with me. As a child who dealt with anxiety and worry, perhaps Olivia has been in my mind for decades, just waiting to be set free."
There's a page in your book where the Momma sees a picture of a man on her phone "who looks like Daddy, sounds like Daddy, could be Daddy," but did not make it home. What did YOU mean by that, and what do you think young readers will take away from it? "With news and information at our fingertips, in seconds we become aware of what is occurring around us, whether it is in our cities, or countries away. I wrote those words after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement. I knew that if my safety and security felt shaken after this tragedy, then children must have had similar feelings, too. As George Floyd called for his mother, the sound of that yearning could have so easily been another father, uncle, brother, mother, sister, aunt… the list goes on.
As a child, I worried about so much, especially for those around me. If too much time passed between a loved one leaving the house and the time they were supposed to come home, I panicked. We have a right to safety and security, whether we are inside our homes or not. I want kids to know they are not alone in their feelings and while worry often comes along with waiting, so does hope."
For those who love Forever and Always, what would you also suggest? There are many books that I would pair with Forever and Always, but two that stick out are Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera and Daddy Speaks Love by Leah Henderson and E.B. Lewis. Both books contain wonderful protagonists and the parents they love. The young child in Me and Mama notices all the things her mother does and how the two are similar.
In Daddy Speaks Love, the story revolves around the daughter/father bond and all the ways he brings joy."
On the topic of daugther/father bonds, I love the way you portrayed Olivia's bond with her father—especially with the dancing scene. And of course I was curious—what sort of "old school" music were you envisioning Olivia and Daddy dancing to? "My grandmother has a record player full of albums. These artists and songs played over holiday dinners, or on the radio along road trips. I envision Olivia and Daddy dancing to the musical artists who have held influence over rhythm, blues, and jazz and whose music ignites our souls, drawing us closer to each other. Those artists and their songs are Tina Turner ('The Best'), Stevie Wonder ('Isn’t She Lovely'), and Bill Withers ('Lovely Day')."
“Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day”
—Bill Withers, "Lovely Day"
What's next for you? "I am excited for the fourth book in the Fearless series by Mandy Gonzalez to come out on April 2nd, 2024. It was a joy to co-write Fearless: Boulevard of Dreams, which was published in 2022. The fourth book, Fearless: The Takeover follows a young Broadway star who realizes that there is so much more to life besides social media after her online platforms are hacked.
Then, in 2025, I will have several titles to hit shelves. Come Catch a Dream, illustrated by Islenia Mil, follows a young boy named Remi whose only dream is to spin on ice. I loved to ice skate when I was a child, but I could never get those twirls right. Come Catch a Dream was inspired by this former passion and a quote from one of my favorite poets, Georgia Douglas Johnson: 'The right to make my dreams come true, I ask, nay, I demand of life.'
In the winter of 2025, my first non-fiction picture book will debut. The First Library: The True Story of the First Library by and For Black America is illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera and tells of the Western Branch Library, located in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Created out of the need to have a library of their own in the early 1900s, this branch became the first in the country run by Black America and created for the Black community. The librarians of this location, without formal training in library science, inspired the establishment of branches for Black communities across the country."
You have so many books in the pipeline! I'm truly in awe. What new and forthcoming books are you most excited about?
Elijah’s Easter Suit by Brentom Jackson and Emmanuel Boateng
"As a kid, I vividly remember how special Easter was to my family. It was a treat to pick out an Easter dress, shoes, and to get my hair styled. I am excited about Elijah’s Easter Suit, which is described as, ‘In a story full of style, sass, and significance, a young boy goes on a quest for the perfect Easter church outfit, inspired by elders from his community…’"
Sydney’s Big Speech by Malcolm Newsome and Jade Orlando
"In Sydney’s Big Speech, young Sydney is reluctant to speak up in class. Deemed as shy, Sydney is inspired by Black women leaders, knowing that she too can give a great speech. As a person who was labeled shy when I was a kid, and as an adult who enjoys thinking a lot more than talking, I am excited to meet Sydney and for kids to be inspired by her newfound confidence."
What's on your list of 100 best picture books of all time? "I think this book is on everyone’s list and it is always at the top of mine. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. I used to read this story to preschoolers each winter. I made felt pieces to accompany the characters and setting. Once we finished reading, we would retell the story through the felt pieces. Peter is a timeless character that so many can relate to today. Just as it was vastly important for Black kids to see themselves in books as children full of joy when The Snowy Day came out in 1962, it is equally important for that same joyful representation today. Go Peter!"
Thurman, Brittany J. FOREVER AND ALWAYS Greenwillow Books (Children's None) $19.99 1, 16 ISBN: 9780063140783
All day long, a young Black girl hopes her father will return from work.
When Daddy, an EMT worker, gets home in the evening, he embraces Olivia, and his hugs feel like "one thousand I love yous." Their mornings are filled with affectionate warnings for Daddy to be safe and careful. Like many Black family members across the United States, Olivia and her mother are filled with fear every time Daddy leaves. As they watch news stories of other fathers who didn't make it home, time stretches on, creating an atmosphere of anxiety. Mother and daughter fill their days with distractions to make time go faster. After they eat breakfast, Momma styles Olivia's hair. They draw pictures together, and Olivia braids a bracelet. Finally, Daddy returns home once more. From cover to cover, this book feels like a love song, with sheet music woven throughout the background. The digitally created art has a collagelike feel; deft use of shadow and texture makes the images appear almost three-dimensional in places. Tender and intimate, this is a book that will soothe children enduring the same worries as Olivia. In the author's note, Thurman pays tribute to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin, and others who didn't make it home; she offers a list of five suggestions for those worried about the safety of their own loved ones.
A balm for little ones grappling with harsh realities. (Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2023 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
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"Thurman, Brittany J.: FOREVER AND ALWAYS." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Nov. 2023, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A772515465/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=7bb44609. Accessed 11 Apr. 2024.
THURMAN, Brittany J. Forever and Always. illus. by Shamar Knight-Justice. 40p. Greenwillow. Jan. 2024. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780063140783.
K-Gr 3--At first Thurman's book is ordinary. Even in the blocky, loving scenes created by Knight-Justice, readers see a "normal" family. The father leaves in the morning, and returns at night or works late, very late. Then there is a glimpse of his patch--he is an Emergency Medical Technician. And this is a Black family. The mother's anxiety, and that of the small Olivia, worrying along with her, conveys to readers the gut-punch of their lives. An author's note spells it out. George Floyd was a father. Trayvon Martin was a son. The family here prays and waits while trying to think well of the world, that all will be okay, when actually they have evidence that sometimes fathers leave and never return. The text has the somber, dulled pulse of a heartbeat, trained to stay steady. But readers are witnessing a war. This is a soldier who may not make it back from the front, just because of the color of his skin. It's hard to express how effective Thurman's restraint is. Feelings, worried looks, and palpable tension in the beautiful painterly illustrations are the only clues of the pain this family feels during every moment of separation until Daddy returns home, safe. This is a picture book that gives oxygen to all the unstated fears, perhaps burning them off. For children who have never experienced this fear, these small domestic scenes deliver a mighty big lesson in empathy. VERDICT So understated that it's sure to give flight to discussions, this book offers a reality right out of the headlines, but by leaving it child-sized has a huge impact. A necessary title.--Kimberly Olson Fakih
Caption: Forever and Always (Thurman) [c]2024 by Shamar Knight-Justice
KEY: * Excellent in relation to other titles on the same subject or in the same genre | Tr Hardcover trade binding | Board Board book | pap. Paperback | BL Bilingual | SP Spanish
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
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Fakih, Kimberly Olson. "THURMAN, Brittany J.: Forever and Always." School Library Journal, vol. 70, no. 1, Jan. 2024, p. 52. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A778646548/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=795640d4. Accessed 11 Apr. 2024.
Brittany J. Thurman, illus. by Anna Cunha. Atheneum/Dlouhy, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-5344-5487-3
When a Black child, named Africa for the continent-shaped birthmark on her arm, sees an announcement for a double Dutch competition, she asks her brother what a competition is. "It's when you show the world what you're made of," he replies. Though she's never played double Dutch before, she decides to compete, "certain she can double Dutch like her grandma used to." She first attempts to teach herself through books and practice, then asks her brother and her classmates (most of whom have brown skin) to teach her. Not knowing double Dutch, each instead offers her their own special talent--dancing, stepping, "Miss Mary Mack," double-cartwheels, backflips, and somersaults--and with every lesson, Africa's confidence grows. On the day of the competition, Africa still doesn't know the game, but she has the component skills she needs to "jump, fly, double Dutch to the sky" like her Nana, as well as "a birthmark in the shape of her name that's always shown her what she's made of." In straightforward lines, debut author Thurman tells a community-centered story of one child's determination to achieve a goal. Naif-style illustrations by Cunha (A Story About Afiya) feature doll-like rosy cheeks, stippled textures, and a saturated color palette. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Marietta B. Zacker, Gallt & Zacker Literary. (Jan.)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2021 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
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"Fly." Publishers Weekly, vol. 268, no. 50, 6 Dec. 2021, pp. 136+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A686969387/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=77709258. Accessed 11 Apr. 2024.
Fly. By Brittany J. Thurman. Illus. by Anna Cunha. Jan. 2022. 40p. Atheneum, $17.99 (9781534454873). PreS-Gr. 3.
In a sweet story about believing in yourself and following your dreams, Africa, a young girl with a birthmark in the shape of her name, wants to compete in an upcoming double Dutch competition. Though she has never done it before, she is confident that she'll be able to "jump, fly, double Dutch to the sky." Africa's grandmother was a double Dutch legend, and Africa is ready to learn. She enlists her schoolmates for help, but while they haven't double Dutched either, Africa learns to dance, step, clap and sing, and cartwheel. With these new skills, self-confidence, and fearlessness, Africa is ready to show the world what she's made of. Thurman's lyrical text, paired with Cunha's stunning illustrations, generates an empowering and uplifting experience. The spare, matte illustrations presented in airy panoramic spreads of earth tones and pastels create a spectacular visual. The rich and beautiful chalklike textures showcase children of various skin tones, all with happy faces and prominent rosy cheeks, emphasizing joy. Beautifully written and illustrated, this is one to be cherished. --Van McGary
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
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McGary, Van. "Fly." Booklist, vol. 118, no. 9-10, 1 Jan. 2022, p. 78. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A692710854/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=c4fa014a. Accessed 11 Apr. 2024.