Erin Dealey

Can you believe it’s almost February?

Black History Month is just around the corner and we’re welcoming my friend, Dr. Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle, to the blog to celebrate her traditionally published *debut* picture book

As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons

illus. David Wilkerson

which releases from Magination Press ― American Psychological Association on Feb. 3rd.

AND there’s an #AsYouAreGiveaway — (Keep reading…)

About the book:

In this timely, lyrical story celebrating identity, resilience, and belonging, a mother shares her heartfelt wisdom that she hopes her child carries with him always:

to embrace the world when it is kind,

to know that he is worthy when the world is not,

and to remember that her love will never waiver.

Although Kimberly has released indie‐published titles and co-authored three published textbooks, As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons is her first traditionally published picture book.

That deserves a celebration, right?

Meet Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle:

Dr. Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle is a writer, emeritus professor of child and adolescent development, and lifetime lover of books. Born in a small rural town in Illinois and raised mostly by a single mother in poverty, she credits her teachers, professors and mentors and her education –from elementary school to Stanford University where she received a PhD in Child and Adolescent Development — for “literally changing [her] life.”

You may have seen her recently on Good Day Sacramento (check out the segment here).

Kimberly lives in the Sacramento area with her husband and son, where she writes, sings, heads the PAL group for SCBWI CA North Central, and shares her love of words.

Let’s ask some questions!

Inspiration

Q. 1 What was the inspiration for your book? A conversation with your son? A poem or song you wrote that you realized might be a picture book?

KAGB: I was inspired to write As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons for my own son, and the issues and situations he would face.

I wanted him to know that I will always love and support him. I pray he will be able to rise above the people who try to hurt him, and be prepared for when it may happen.

KAGB: I believe this is what all parents want for their children. This book is for them and all children everywhere. I hope the specifics of my situation speak to universal truths of parenting and life.

Surprises

Q. 2 What surprises did illustrator David Wilkerson bring to the book?

KAGB: David Wilkerson’s illustrations show such wide diversity. He made our book even more inclusive by illustrating children from all walks of life, with varied capabilities and conditions. I appreciate the way he captured the Joy and Love of the book with the brightness of the illustrations.

Favorites

Q. 3 What is your favorite spread?

KAGB: My favorite spread is the young man playing the piano, and not just because my passions are music and singing. The subtle, inclusive depiction of the boy is wonderful.

Q. 4 What is your favorite line in the text?

KAGB: My favorite line of text went through several revisions. My brilliant editor, Kristin Zelasko, asked me to change the ending text so that, as the mother sends her son out into the world, it creates a circular moment back to the main theme.

The last line became: “Greet the world as you are, with your warmth, depth, and limitless hope.”

Writing (and rewriting!) the Back Matter

Q. 5 What guidelines did your publisher, Magination Press/American Psychological Association, have for your back matter?

KAGB: Given my academic training in Psychology and Developmental Science (formerly Child and Adolescent Development), Magination Press wanted me to be scientifically accurate but maintain a conversational, educational, and engaging approach.

My editor, Kristin, and I probably spent more time revising the back matter than the story. I appreciate Kristin wanting to get it correct scientifically and to help children and adults with what could be difficult conversations.

Takeaways

Q. 6 What do you hope readers will take away from As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons?

KAGB: In teaching and writing and parenting, it’s always been my hope that all children believe in themselves, know themselves, and have confidence in themselves.

I hope As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons helps readers young and old find strength in these reminders even when the world is unkind.

Did we mention an #AsYouAreGiveaway –?

Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle is offering a TWO Book Giveaway –> one copy each of

Biddle’s As You Are – Illus. by David Wilkerson (Magination Press)

James Ransome’s A Place for Us – (Nancy Paulsen Books)

To enter the #AsYouAreGiveaway:

1. Follow Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle on X, Bluesky and/or FB (handles below)
2. Follow Erin Dealey on X @ErinDealey , BlueSky erindealey.bluesky.social and/or FB Erin Dealey
3. Do a Quote repost of this Book Birthday with the hashtag #AsYouAreGIVEWAY

Deadline: February 3rd, midnight PST

One lucky recipient will be chosen at random and notified on Feb. 4th! What are you waiting for?

Many thanks to Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle for joining us today.

Happy (almost) Book Birthday to As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons.

To learn more about her work, visit her website www.pinkpearlwriting.com

And follow her on FB: Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle

Her FB Author page: facebook.com/pinkpearlwriting

X: @KimberlyBiddle4

Bluesky: kbiddle.bsky.social

Happy Reading — with BookLove to all!

Up next on the blog:

Speaking of music, in February we will celebrate the #BookBirthday of Patricia Newman’s PB Bio

Beatrice and the Nightingale

a fascinating true account of the inspiration and back story of the first live radio broadcast with a nightingale accompanying young cellist, Beatrice Harrison.

illus. Isabelle Follath, (Peachtree / Quinlan)

See you then!