What’s Your Story?: Michael G. Williams: The Brown Crayon

“What’s Your Story?” is a guest post feature on BCBA’s blog. Indie/Self-Published authors are invited to write about their books, writing journey, creative process, inspiration, rewards and challenges of publishing, etc. They can go in whatever direction they choose. We are excited and grateful for their willingness to share, and we hope you enjoy Michael G. Williams’ story. Go here for more WYS? posts.

I was alone! All by myself, in the house, during the whole 2020 quarantine. Just me and God! In the midst of the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor protests, hate and racism gaining momentum, and our children of every color witnessing it all, God told me to grab my laptop, and I began to type. I never wrote a rough draft, a sloppy copy, or a manuscript. It just happened. This is the first book I have ever written!

In The Brown Crayon, the class is given a homework assignment to write a poem about the crayon they pick out of a bag. As the children see their crayons, one child is upset to see a brown crayon in their hand. What can they write about the color brown? Are there good colors and bad colors? Why do we think that some colors are more desirable? This book will change the way we see colors. I used crayons as an analogy to demonstrate our perception of the value and desirability of a color. I also used plain language, rhyming, and simple concepts to bring this powerful message to the reader. This book will help show all children how to LOVE themselves, the color of their skin, and the beauty that they possess. Young children will have no problem understanding the lesson. Hopefully, the parents who read the story to their children will help them see the beauty in all colors. It also comes in an audiobook, available on all music forums, narrated by yours truly.

My book was released on August 24, 2021, and is available online at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble, and many merchandising websites across the world. Just recently, my book became available in-store at Barnes & Noble! My book is available in our local and county library systems. I have been blessed to sell and read my book to various schools, school districts, libraries, churches, and community events. You can connect with me at my website.

A little bit about me, I was born and raised in Garfield Heights, Ohio. I have over 23 years of experience as an educator and professional development leader in social and emotional learning skills. Currently, I am the Dean of Engagement & Student Support for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and I love my job! I am a happy resident of Maple Heights, Ohio. I love riding rollercoasters, traveling, fishing, and spending time with my three sons.

The Brown Crayon

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