It’s Women’s History Month! As a resource run and supported predominantly by women and mothers, we certainly want to shine a spotlight on how to support incredible women in our community. One way to do so is by supporting local women authors.
Here are a few reasons why supporting local women authors is so important!
Amplifying Diverse Voices:
Women bring unique perspectives and experiences to their writing. By supporting our local women authors, we amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard in mainstream literature.
Fostering Community:
When we support local women, we strengthen our community. Many authors participate in book readings, signings, and other events in the area!
Inspiring Young Women:
When young girls see local women authors succeeding, it sends a powerful message that they can too. By supporting women authors, we inspire the next generation of women.
Here are a some local women children’s and YA authors that you can support this month with your kiddos!
Ginger Garrett is the author of many educational books for children as well as the middle-grade novel The Last Monster. Ginger lives in Atlanta with her family and runs a young adult writing program through the public library.
Shelly Anand is the author of acclaimed picture books Laxmi’s Mooch and I Love My Body Because. Shelly is also an immigrant and labor rights attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rachael Allen is a scientist by day and kid lit author by night. She is the winner of the 2019 Georgia Young Adult Author of the Year Award, and her books include Harley Quinn: Reckoning (forthcoming, RHCB ‘22), 17 First Kisses, The Revenge Playbook, The Summer of Impossibilities, and A Taxonomy of Love. She lives in Atlanta.
Carmen Agra Deedy is an award-winning author of fifteen books for young readers, including The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!, Martina the Beautiful Cockroach, Rita and Ralph’s Rotten Day, and 14 Cows for America. Deedy’s narratives are culled from her childhood as a Cuban refugee in Decatur, Georgia.
Jordan Ifueko is a NYT Bestselling Author, Nebula Award, Ignyte Award, Audie Award, and Hugo Lodestar finalist, and she’s been featured in People Magazine, NPR Best Books, NPR Pop Culture Hour, & ALA Top Ten. She writes about magic Black girls who aren’t magic all the time, because honestly, they deserve a vacation. Ifueko lives in Atlanta with her husband & their tripawd dog.
Kelly Jordan is a writer based in Decatur. She is a children’s book author of THE LITTLE BLUE COTTAGE and CHASE THE MOON, TINY TURTLE (both published by Page Street Kids).
Shelli Johannes is the author of 25+ children’s books (published and forthcoming).She lives in Atlanta with her husband and two teens.
Angela Pham Krans is a children’s book author who enjoys writing humorous and heartfelt stories that highlight relationships between family, friends, and the community. She lives in Atlanta with my husband and a rambunctious Malinois.
Shanda Mccloskey is an award-winning STEM picture book author and artist. Shanda now lives in Ball Ground, Georgia with her husband, daughters, and dog.
Shanna Miles lives in Georgia with her daughter and husband. She works as a school librarian and writes Young Adult novels.
Denne Millner is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and director of the Denene Millner Books imprint. Denene lives in Atlanta with her two daughters and their adorable Goldendoodle, Teddy.
Christyne Morrell writes middle-grade novels across a number of genres. When Christyne isn’t writing for kids, she works as an attorney. She lives with her husband, daughter, and beagle in Decatur, Georgia.
Deborah Wiles is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including the beloved Love, Ruby Lavender and two National Book Award finalists–Each Little Bird That Sings and Revolution. Her newest novel is for young adults, Kent State. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Angie Thomas is the award winning author of The Hate You Give, On the Come Up, and Concrete Rose. She was born and raised in Mississippi, but now calls Atlanta her home.
Karen Strong, born and raised in Georgia, is an award winning author of middle grade novels.
Want to see a list of their books? Visit https://www.littleshopofstories.com/little-shop-loves-local-authors!
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s remember to support other women in their dreams and ambitions!