Inspired by her experiences with students as a middle school reading teacher, K-12 writing coach, and elementary and high school media specialist, she decided to explore storytelling and creative writing. She was drawn to students who were reluctant to engage in literacy activities because they struggled in those areas.
The encouragement from five friends, support from family, and divine inspiration led her to write and publish The Kiojah and Lee Book Series. The first two books in the series are Don’t Bring Me Bad News (Book 1) and Can You Handle the Truth? (Book 2).
She hopes her books will give children positive experiences with literature, a good laugh, and something to talk about.
Twins Kiojah and Lee Hughes live in a make-believe town in Florida. They take turns telling the stories in every chapter, each from their own point of view. In this way, they give the reader a peek into their family life and an all-access pass to the fifth grade at River Forest Elementary School.
Lindsey Bailey is an artist and illustrator currently based in Olive Branch, MS. She graduated from Mississippi State University in 2009 with a BFA in Graphic Design. She has worked on editorial illustration, character design, book covers, children's books, and portraits for clients including Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, Bleacher Report, The Georgia Review and ESPN.
Greetings. I am Lee Malcom Hughes. My family, my friends, learning, graphic design, shopping - I’m here for these things. Oh yeah, I also show up big time in the kitchen, on the basketball court, on the dance floor and in the choir on Sunday mornings. I know my stuff. Plus, I help other people shine. My friends love me, and I don’t care what any haters think.
Hey y’all. I’m Kiojah Hughes. I hope you’re having a good day and all. Most of my days are good. God is great, my school is cool, my friends are the best, and my family is amazing. You can find me reading, writing in my journal, or sleeping. I also like the jogging club, playing 3-on-3 basketball, cheerleading and chilling with my people. I just want everyone to be happy, you know?
Hello. My parents named me Fallon Gunner. Call me Star. It’s just that I’m bright. Literally. I’m the baby in our family, and I’m the only one crowned with fire red curls. Now when it comes to school, call me Shooting Star. I make the best grades, and I am great at sports. That’s why I have followers. Yes, I’m on social media, but I literally have followers. What’s not to love about me?
Salaam ‘aleikum. What’s up? I’m Areebah Ibrahim. When I’m not in class, I’m with the Girls Who Code and Robotics Clubs, researching the latest devices and apps, traveling for modeling, or jamming at a concert. My parents divorced two years after we moved to the United States. My mother keeps my brother and me true to our Arabic language and Islamic faith. That’s about it. Ma’a salaameh.
How’s it going? I’m Lucas “Luke” Li. I do it all. I skateboard, play video games, cook, draw, and I’m the youngest volunteer at the teaching hospital in Sofia’s dad’s lab. I have good ideas for pranks, jokes, classwork, recipes, art and everything. I’m the only boy in my family so I get a lot of attention. Without me my parents and three sisters would be beyond bored. I know they love my foolishness.
¡Oye! Me llamo Sofia. Soy de la isla de Puerto Rico. I am learning English and I like living in the United States. Me gusta la música, el fútbol y los deportes, los juegos, cocinar y estudiar historia. My dad studies science in a laboratory at the university here where he met Lee and Kiojah’s mom. My dad works hard to make us a nice home with art, music, photos, and food that reminds us of the life we left. My friends here at my new school are crazy, but I am very happy when I am around them.
What are you looking at? I know you like what you see. Yeah, I’m Jordan Smith. I hate reading. I am good at math and science. Don’t judge me. I used to like school, but I was bullied in 2nd and 3rd grade. Now I’m savage. I love myself. I say what’s on my mind, and I'll speak with these hands. I like to confront lies, but I like to spread lies too. I can make people laugh or I can make them cry. I’m down for my friends so anybody who comes for them has to go through me.
Hey everybody. My name is James “Jimmie” Wright. I’m a country boy. Yep, I help my older brothers sometimes with my dad's construction company. I’m even learning how to do those digital blueprints to create our fancy chicken coop. We show livestock. I work hard, and I’m good with my money. I work even harder in school, but nobody can tell. Or at least that’s how I feel. Anyway, I got a great teacher, cool tutor and real good friends so it ain't so bad.
Telephone: 352.519.4887
E-mail: info@keciajohnson.com
2112 SW 34th Street
PMB 380
Gainesville, FL 32608