It’ll All Add Up by Dougziana Thomas-Chan & illustrated by Lhaiza Morena
Book 10
Dee is a math whiz. She’s been selected to go to STEM camp, but she does not have the money needed to attend. In a family meeting with Mom and Grandmom, they come up with a creative solution. The family will host a STEM party, where they will sell STEM-themed baked goods and crafts to raise the funds Dee needs for the camp. Dee leads this effort, using her STEM skills to plan and run a successful party.
Dougziana Dy’Nese Thomas-Chan was raised in Irvington, New Jersey, and comes from an African American and Guyanese background. From an early age, she has loved learning and teaching others. As a student, she always gravitated towards all things math. She is now an elementary school teacher who hopes to inspire other children, especially those who look like her, to learn to love math, too. Even more so, she wants them to know that they can accomplish things they never even envisioned with faith and effort. Dougziana is a 2023 graduate of Howard University’s School of Education. It’ll All Add Up is her first published children’s book.
by Dougziana Dy’Nese
Thomas-Chan illustrated by Lhaiza Morena
OSD_Bk10_ChBk_ItllAllAddUp_DChan_CVR.indd 1-2
4/12/24 1:05 PM
Book 11
My Roots by Quentin Price & illustrated by Rachel Moss
by Quentin Price illustrated by Rachel Moss
Quentin Price is a 2024 graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he majored in elementary education and minored in history. Hailing from New York, Quentin is a product of the beautiful diversity found in the melting pot that is Queens. Quentin sings in choirs and directs praise teams at his home church. He became a member of the performing group “Sing Harlem!” where he performed alongside Zendaya, Billy Porter, Aminé, and others. At Howard University, Quentin served as the executive secretary of “Changó,” the Afro-Latine student association and was a member and events coordinator of the Howard University Step Team. He also served as the LGBTQ+ representative on the School of Education council. Quentin is a pre-service educator, completing his student teaching at Hyde-Addison Elementary School. Quentin plans on continuing his career in education and hopes to become a social studies teacher while working to achieve his master’s degree in speech pathology.
It’s hair day, and Tyler does not want Mom to cut his hair again. Tyler decides it’s time for a change, and with his mom’s okay, they head to a local barbershop for a fresh haircut. As Tyler steps into the barbershop, he embarks on an eye-opening experience. Not only does he conquer his fear of getting a haircut, but he also discovers a connection to his Jamaican heritage.
OSD_Bk11_ChBk_MyRoots _QPrice_CVR.indd 1-2
4/26/24 12:23 PM
Book 12
Shell Soup by Priscilla Torres & illustrated by Francisco Santoyo
Priscilla Torres was born in Harlingen, Texas, into a humble family and a long line of storytellers. She spent her childhood listening to Mexican folklore and begging for original bedtime stories so she could stay up late. She is currently an English teacher, a mother to two karate kids, and an autism advocate. Torres is a former student of Texas A&M University. She encourages her students to give back to their community through higher education. She lives in south Texas where she appreciates the outdoors with her family. Shell Soup? is her first book.
Russ shares the funniest moment of his summer with his classmates: a prank on his brother Rudy during a visit to Granny’s house. The siblings collect beach shells to prank Rudy, pretending they’re for Granny’s shell soup. Little does Rudy know, Granny’s soup actually uses pasta shells, not seashells.
F r c i l
OSD_Bk12_Comic_ShellSoup_PTorres_CVR.indd 1-2
5/20/24 9:53 AM
Sneaker Ball Review Book by Yvette Manns & illustrated by Ana Latese
Review Book 4
DJ is excited to wear his new sneakers for the end-of-year party called “Sneaker Ball.” But his friends make him realize that other kids may not have new kicks. The thought of students missing the ball makes DJ sad. DJ organizes a shoe drive with his friends, where his classmates customize their own kicks before the big event. Using paint, glitter, and markers, they customize each donated shoe, turning them into one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Yvette Manns , an author from the Scholastic Our Stories partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University. Born in Queens, New York, Yvette enjoyed reading books with her friends at an early age. Today, Yvette spends her time teaching children to learn to read and to love to read. She is passionate about creating stories that feature diverse, fun characters and celebrate African American culture. When she’s not writing, Yvette enjoys roller skating, traveling, and growing plants in her garden. Yvette lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and son.
by YVETTE MANNS
illustrated by ANA LATESE
OSD_Bk4_ChBk_SneakerBall_YManns_COV.indd 2-3
3/14/24 12:59 PM
My Name, My Crown by Chavi’ Lassiter & illustrated by Tanisha Cherislin
Book 13
e d b
Shante is excited to celebrate her birthday at school, where everyone gets a crown with their name on it. However, her unique name presents a challenge. There is no ready-made “Shante” crown for purchase anywhere. But Shante’s quick-thinking and resourceful parents step in to save the day. Using household items and her creative flair, Shante helps Mom and Dad create a custom crown just for her. With this special crown, Shante is proud of her name, embracing its uniqueness.
Chavi’ Lassiter was born and raised in Clifton, New Jersey, to parents who encouraged her to be her true self. Today, Chavi’ is a writer with Scholastic’s Our Stories Decodables project, where she is able to use her creativity to discuss subjects that are informative and encouraging in a positive and fun way. She is devoted to telling stories that resonate with children who go through common challenges that are rarely discussed. My Name, My Crown is her first children’s book. She currently continues her studies as an Elementary Education major at Howard University.
View Sample
OSD_Bk13_ChBk_MyNameMyCrown_CLassiter_CVR.indd 1-2
4/26/24 12:18 PM
Book 14
My Coach and Me by Winslow Jones, Jr. & illustrated by Ana Latese
Win, the star of his middle-school basketball team, is tired of being pigeonholed as an athlete. With the encouragement of his friends and coach, Win begins to realize that he can shape his own destiny. With their support, he learns about different career paths and discovers his passion for science, setting his sights on becoming a science teacher.
Winslow Jones, Jr. was raised in Lake Wales, Florida, by his parents with his two brothers. Ever since he was little, he was always fascinated with science and how things work. Today, Winslow is a ninth grade biology teacher. He hopes to inspire students to learn about why science is so important for the world. He currently lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife and dog. In his free time, he enjoys comics, anime, video games, and basketball. Winslow graduated from Howard University on May 11, 2023, with a Master’s Degree in Special Education.
OSD_Bk14_ChBk_MyCoachAndMe_WJones_CVR.indd 1-2
6/3/24 12:54 PM
Our Stories Decodables | 5
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs