Vocal Expressions

Hello, book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Grace “Pacy” Lin, an acclaimed author and illustrator. She published her first book, The Ugly Vegetables , in 1999, and since then, she has written and illustrated more than 25 books. Her work explores themes of cultural and racial identity, as well as friendship, family, and peace. In 2016, Lin delivered a TEDx talk titled “The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child’s Bookshelf,” advocating for greater diversity in children’s literature. She also hosts two podcasts— Book Friends Forever (2019) and Kids Ask Authors (2020)—and serves on the advisory committee of We Need Diverse Books , a nonprofit dedicated to promoting inclusivity in children’s stories. Her literary achievements include a Newbery Honor for Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (2010), a Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same! (2011), and a National Book Award finalist recognition for When the Sea Tu...

Hello, book lovers! In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m excited to introduce you to Joy Harjo—an acclaimed author, poet, performer, activist, and educator. In 1975, she published her first poetry collection, The Last Song , featuring nine of her poems.  From 2019 – 2022, she served as the 23rd United States Poet Laureate, becoming the first Native American to hold this prestigious title. She is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation (Este Mvskokvlke) and belongs to Oce Vpofv (Hickory Ground).  Harjo’s work spans poetry, books, plays, and music, earning her numerous awards, accolades, and honors. As Poet Laureate, her signature project, Living Nations, Living Words: A Map of First Peoples Poetry focused on “mapping the U.S. with Native Nations poets and poems.” Her work often draws on Native American oral history, exploring themes of defining self, the arts, and social justice.  Her poetry is included on a plaque on LUCY, a NASA spacecraft launched in Fall 2021, and the firs...

This was my first time reading a romance short story by the husband-and-wife duo A. M. Kusi, and I found their writing style captivating. The story follows Tessa Matthews, a newly divorced woman, and her undeniable attraction to her Irish tattoo business partner, Roy.    Tessa accompanies Roy as his plus-one to his cousin’s wedding, set against the scenic backdrop of Shattered Cove’s seacoast and the lush Emerson farmland. Their friend and receptionist, Bella, also attends as the unofficial third wheel, still grieving the loss of her husband. Encouraged by the idea of moving forward, Bella strikes a deal with Tessa: she’ll muster up the courage to talk to a handsome stranger if Tessa promises to finally let Roy give her the tattoo she’s always wanted. They both agree.  At the wedding, Bella meets her mystery man at the bar—describing him as “hotter than Hades”—while Tessa shares a dance with Roy. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and after a deep, passionate k...