Books with author Dana Watkins

From the row houses of Baltimore to the stoops of Brooklyn, the New York Times bestselling author of The Cook Up lays bare the voices of the most vulnerable and allows their stories to uncover the systematic injustice threaded within our society. Honest and eye-opening, the pages of We Speak for Ourselves “are abundant with wisdom and wit; integrity and love, not to mention enough laughs for a stand-up comedy routine” (Mitchell S. Jackson, author of Survival Math). Watkins introduces you to Down Bottom, the storied community of East Baltimore that holds a mirror to America’s poor black neighborhoods—“hoods” that could just as easily be in Chicago, Detroit, Oakland, or Atlanta. As Watkins sees it, the perspective of people who live in economically disadvantaged black communities is largely absent from the commentary of many top intellectuals who speak and write about race. Unapologetic and sharp-witted, D. Watkins is here to tell the truth as he has seen it. We Speak for Ourselves offers an in-depth analysis of inner-city hurdles and honors the stories therein. We sit in underfunded schools, walk the blocks burdened with police corruption, stand within an audience of Make America Great Again hats, journey from trap house to university lecture, and rally in neglected streets. And we listen. “Watkins has come to remind us, everyone deserves the opportunity to speak for themselves” (Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestselling author) and serves hope to fellow Americans who are too often ignored and calling on others to examine what it means to be a model activist in today’s world. We Speak for Ourselves is a must-read for all who are committed to social change.

Zoli’s Legacy by Dawn L. Watkins is historical fiction for Christian teens based on the true story of Zoltán Gaal who escaped from Hungary in the years between the two world wars. In this Christian fiction novel Zoli’s story begins with his childhood veiled in despair. Zoli becomes a diligent student in hopes that academic knowledge can dispel this darkness, but not until he is given a copy of the New Testament does a true miracle begin. Even as Zoli’s beloved country is torn apart, he sees the lives of those he loves put back together one by one. Zoli’s Legacy was originally in two volumes.

Delve into the dreamworld of Neverland. Discover the origins of how the island came to be. Find the root of the obsession of a grown man bent on destroying a magical little boy. In this Pre-quel to Peter Pan, literally a dream of the writer from a night in 2007, Hook is admired by a witch whom will do anything to gain his attention. Hook is obsessed with getting revenge on a boy who mocks him, and it is discovered that girls are not, nor have they ever been, useless.

Once in Blueberry Dell is a picture book written by Dawn L. Watkins and illustrated by Tim Davis. The High Prince is coming, and everyone in Blueberry Dell is excited. The moles are busy preparing the very best for their Prince, so they have no time for a tired miller who asks for shelter. Happy Mole is the only one who takes time to help. And the very next day, his kindness is rewarded. Once in Blueberry Dell illustrates the importance of kindness to everyone, not just those who are powerful.

Bell the Crime Fighter Dog is the third book in the Rescue Animal Series of Books. As with Watkins' previous two rescue books of realistic fiction, the base of the story closely aligns itself with the real adventures of its lead character - in this case - a young Labrador pup who grew up as a stray and ends up being a very important part of the community in which she lives. A heart warming story about survival and second chances. This book shines light upon the situation of pet overpopulation, responsible pet ownership, and the great job animal control and shelters do in caring for so many of these animals. Also, the book opens hearts and minds to the fact that these animals have so much to give as companions, service and therapy dogs/cats, best friends, and sometimes real heroes. Being both educational and entertaining this book is a wonderful book to place on any child's bookshelf. The song "Everyday Heroes" is a great companion that pulls the meaning of the book into hearts with its tender lyrics.

The bobcat smiled. "Agreed," he said. The rabbit looked at the cat long and hard. The bobcat dropped his head a little. He did not like to be sized up by what he would usually eat up. "Very well," said the rabbit. "I choose to believe you." Can a rabbit outwit a bobcat? Does a turtle who is a hundred years old have a secret worth hearing? And who will dare to match riddles with the king of lions? The five fables in Pocket Change tell of alligators and monkeys and cheetahs--and many other animals--that do and say remarkable things.