Author Chat with Janelle Harper (My Block Looks Like), Plus Giveaway! ~ US ONLY!

Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Janelle Harper!

Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!

Meet the Author: Janelle Harper

Janelle Harper is a Bronx native whoproudly carries her New York accent anywhereshe goes. She finds inspiration in city living and the diverse experiences of the African Diaspora.When she is not enjoying the hidden gems of the Bronx, she is traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a proud veteran public school teacher who comes from a long line ofeducators. She is passionate about creating stories that reflect the children in her Bronx classroom and neighborhood. When she’s not thinking about her next book, Janelle can often be found in her dance studio, blasting music, yelling “five-six-seven-eight,” and preparing elaborate student productions. Visit her online at JanelleHarperAuthor.com.

Website

About the Book: My Block Looks Like

A love letter to the hustle, the bustle, the joy, and the grit of city life by debut author and Bronx native, Janelle Harper, and two-time Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner, Frank Morrison.

“My block looks like
a collision of cultures
a melting pot of cool
a burst of life
my favorite groove

. . .No matter what happens
I’ve seen it for myself
my block looks like
the coolest place
I’ve ever been.”

A lyrical and proud picture book that recognizes the beauty of the bodegas, subways, and playgrounds that characterize everyday life in the Bronx and pays homage to the ways that its residents have shaped pop culture through music, visual art, and dance. Perfect for fans of I Am Every Good Thing and Last Stop on Market Street, My Block Looks Like offers kids a reaffirming message to celebrate and uplift their communities in an energetic text that begs to be read aloud.

~Author Chat~

YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

I was inspired to write My Block Looks Like after reading three books written in verse, The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds and The Undefeated written by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Because I felt seen and represented in these books, it gave me permission to tell my story and the story of my community in an authentic way, which for me was in verse.

YABC: Which came first, the title or the novel?

The concept for a picture book always comes first for me. Selecting titles can be challenging so I save that task for last. I usually select a phrase from the book that encapsulates the heart of the story and that becomes the title.

YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

The spread that I am most proud of in My Block Looks Like is the one of the main character auditioning at a dance studio. Frank Morrison did an amazing job capturing the soul, the joy, the perseverance and the promise of the Bronx community within this spread. I’ve also been dancing since the age of four so this illustration holds a special place in my heart.

YABC: Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?

Building community is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a writer. Publishing has many highs and lows. Building relationships with people who will encourage you, support you, hold you accountable, etc. is essential to continuing on this journey.

YABC: What do you like most about the cover of the book?

Frank Morrison did a phenomenal job illustrating the essence of New York City on the book cover. You can feel the energy radiating from the children. I smile everytime I look at it.

YABC: What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2023?

I am looking forward to the 2024 picture book release of My Daddy is a Cowboy written by Stephanie Seales, illustrated by C.G. Esperanza. It’s inspired by urban cowboys and is the first picture book to feature Panamanian American characters. I’m very excited to see my heritage reflected in a picture book.

YABC: What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?

I recently read and loved I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams written by Tanisia Moore, illustrated by Robert Paul Jr. The story is filled with Black boy joy and pride as the main character discovers his place among a long lineage of Black male heroes.

YABC: What is the main message or lesson you would like your reader to remember from this book?

My Block Looks Like is a reminder that there is beauty in every community and to find ways to celebrate and uplift the place you call home.

YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?

A cause that is close to my heart is promoting literacy in the Bronx. Currently, The Lit. Bar, is the only brick and mortar bookstore in the entire borough but there are organizations like, The Bronx Is Reading, Bronx Bound Books and Loc’d and Lit that are working diligently to bring books and literary events to the community, as well as, fundraising to build more physical bookstores in the Bronx. In 2024, I will be partnering with these organizations for storytimes and author events. You can find out more information by visiting my website, janelleharperauthor.com

YABC: What advice do you have for new writers?

Read! Read! Read! Be a student of the genre you want to write in. Each year, my goal is to read a minimum of one hundred picture books published within the last five years. It is a great way to study craft, research the market, find inspiration, and support other authors.

YABC: Is there anything that you would like to add?

Thank you for the opportunity to share My Block Looks Like with YA & Kids Book Central.

Title: My Block Looks Like

Author: Janelle Harper

Illustrator: Frank Morrison

Release Date: 01/02/2024

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers; Penguin Young Readers

ISBN-13: 9780593526309

Genre: Picture Book

Age Range: 4-8

*Giveaway Details*

Five (5) winners will receive a copy of My Block Looks Like (Janelle Harper) ~ US Only!