My eldest daughter and I just participated in the Readers Are Leaders (RAL) Gala at the Hard Rock Daytona this past month. It is put on by Lakeisha Byrd, the founder of RAL and media specialist at Turie T. Small Elementary, and a host of area students that all share a love of reading. It was wonderful to celebrate a night of literacy and has me thinking about the people and places that emphasize the joy of reading throughout Volusia County!
Three of my favorite local children’s book authors were at the gala: Dr. Yoder Milton, Ms. Rekia Beverly, and my daughter, Lucy Gonyer. Dr. Milton wrote her book, “Naija Girl,” based on her own experience of visiting family in Nigeria as a child. She has shared her book and Nigerian culture with students across the school district and the sales from her books go to fund mentoring initiatives for even more students, such as “Girls With Class” that I wrote about in the October ’23 issue of East Coast Current.
Ms. Beverly is more famously known as “Mrs. Ashbury” in this area based off of her book series about the character. Her books prepare students and teachers for the first day of school, create empathy for students struggling with illness, and teach about important figures in Black history. On school visits, the character Mrs. Ashbury herself comes out to read her books and encourage students with affirmations.
I’ve previously mentioned in this column that Lucy wrote a book that she was selling at the Children’s Business Fair. She got to share a bit about being an author at the RAL Gala and even had an opportunity to read her book at an event at Novel Tea Book Shop (150 Tomoka Ave, Ormond Beach) this past December. Stephanie at Novel Tea welcomed my daughter like a superstar, just like she does with all of her author visits. She even still has copies of Lucy’s book for sale at her shop!
Another local bookseller that hosts author readings and events is Fern & Fable Books (51 W. Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach). In March, the shop hosted local author and former Daytona State College professor, Michelle Lee, to share about her middle-grade novel, “Between The Lighthouse And You,” and her current writing process. I love how this event not only encouraged students to read, but to write their own books!
Having access to great books from various viewpoints is so important for students and adults alike. I’m so glad we have some wonderful locals willing to celebrate readers and authors; writers willing to share their stories; and business folks ready to connect us with our next great read!
