One to Read:

ChristinaJ

by Lindsey Giardino

When it comes to ChristinaJ, the question is simple. What can’t she do? Her multi-layered identity lends to her storytelling abilities, which recently culminated in her debut novel—a story that started as an improvised tale she told her kids at bedtime. 

“I feel that my experiences, my family, my career, my kids, everything that has occurred in my life has led me to creating Royal Planet,” she says. “I feel like different aspects of myself shine through some of the characters. I hear my experiences speak through them.” 

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Barbara DiLorenzo

Pens a Picture Book to Help Kids Cope with School Lockdowns 

by Michele Appelgate

Haunted by a school lockdown experience, Barbara DiLorenzo shows young readers that although the world can be scary, it is still a beautiful place. “One Thursday Afternoon was a book I didn’t set out to write,” DiLorenzo said. “My mind kept returning to the idea that we have books to help kids discuss common challenges like a new sibling, the first day of school, or even handling a bully. But nothing was available to validate a young person’s feelings regarding lockdown drills in school.” 

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