Posts by Kathy Crutcher
Deyssy

My name is Deyssy (she/her). When I wrote my books I was a student at the University of the District of Columbia. I am majoring in Social Work and expect to graduate in May 2023. When I am not writing or in classes, I am interning at So Others Might Eat (SOME), working at a local restaurant, or painting! Once I graduate from UDC, I would like to attend law school and enter a full-time job where I can keep helping vulnerable communities.  I want to let my readers know that no matter how hard or difficult times can be, there is always a light of hope encouraging you to not give up. As human beings, we are fighters.

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Josiah

My name is Josiah and I wrote “Zim and the Quest for the Cloak.” I live in Washington, DC and go to DC Prep. I like to have discussions with friends and also play video games. I’m interested in anime and documentaries. When I grow up I would like to be a United States Marine. People should read my story because it’s fantasy and it is very suspenseful.

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Kevin

My name is Kevin and I wrote “The Tale of Two Kobes.” In my free time, I like to watch basketball, read, and nap. I enjoyed participating in this project because I was able to experience what it was like to be an author. I want my audience to know that if they experience a loss, their idols can still be remembered in their accomplishments. When I am older I want to go to college and become a math teacher.

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Khalil

My name is Khalil and I wrote “Survivor.” I like to read and also play video games. I live in Washington, DC and go to Washington Leadership Academy Public Charter School. I’m interested in learning to cook for myself and reading harder books. When I grow up, I would like to be a voice actor. People should read my story because it has an important message. "Stop bullying, and remember that everyone’s life matters."

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Chase

My name is Chase and I wrote “Hoops and Hopes.” I live in Washington, DC and go to DC Prep. In my free time, I like to play basketball. I also really enjoy riding my bike, playing video games, and writing, although I am still getting used to doing it on a computer. (I have very nice handwriting.) When I grow up, I would like to be a civil engineer. People should read my story because I believe that during these times people should read more about young Black men. Also I believe that my story contains messages that are amusing, powerful, and useful.

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Samaria

I’m Samaria. I was 15 years old when I wrote my book. I like to draw and paint anything, especially people and landscapes. This is my first book with Reach and Shout Mouse. I wanted to write this book because I like to express myself with art, and now I get to do it with words! I hope that when kids read our book they learn that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.

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ReachKathy Crutchershayla
Joseph C

My name is Joseph (he/him). I was a junior in high school when I wrote my first book with Shout Mouse Press and I was a senior when I wrote my story, “Democracy How?,” in What It Cost Us. At this moment in my life, I am trying to find a balance. I have not yet, but I will let you know when I do! In the future, I plan to go to grad school and study medicine in hopes of becoming a radiology oncologist. I want readers of this book to know that you are never alone. I want parents to know that it’s okay to listen to kids. And I want kids to know that their feelings matter, and it’s okay to speak up.

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Danya

I’m Danya. I was a 16-year-old 11th grader at Anacostia High School when I wrote my book. When there’s not a pandemic, I like to go to the mall with friends or go to parks with my family. I hope this book helps young readers learn about problem solving and good communication.

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ReachKathy Crutchershayla
Damarco

My name is Damarco and I was a 17-year-old senior at Luke C. Moore High School in Washington, DC when he wrote his book. I enjoy basketball and making clothing. I’ll be dropping a new clothing line soon, and I hope you’ll check it out! This is my first book. I hope that this story will provide all our readers some understanding of the impact of police violence.

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Emilie

I am Emilie, and I was 15 years old. when I wrote my book. I am a sophomore at Coolidge High School in Washington, DC. I like playing sports, writing, baking, and cooking. This is my first book. I wrote this book because in this world there is a lot of injustice against African Americans, and letting kids learn about this through story is a good way to spread the word and get them talking.

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Geralyn

My name is Geralyn, GiGi for short. I was a 16-year-old junior at Anacostia High School when I wrote my book. Outside of school, I enjoy hanging out with friends and shopping. I hope to build on my love of people through a career in psychology or sociology. I want young readers of our book to know that just because they’re little doesn’t mean they can’t make a difference in the world.

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Shatyia

My name is Shatyia, and I was a sophomore at H.D. Woodson High School when I wrote my book. My favorite activities are drawing, reading, and cooking. This is my first book. I hope that my young readers recognize that someone like you can have a huge impact on others, whether big or small. I hope this story inspires you to be a better person, and to always stand up for what you believe in.

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Daveena

My name Is Daveena. I was 15 years old when I wrote my book. I like to dance and cheer. I wrote this book because I want children to be able to talk about what’s going on in their daily lives, and to discuss why Black people are in the position we are in. I hope readers understand that you can change things in this world. You can always help out the people you love.

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Anthony C

My name is Anthony, and I was a junior at H.D. Woodson High School in Washington, DC when I wrote my book. I am a bit of a quiet person and I love to be outdoors. This is my first book. I hope that all our readers will enjoy this story that we wrote. We wrote it for you.

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ReachKathy CrutcherDiarou
Diarou

My name is Diarou and I was a fifteen-year-old sophomore at Calvin Coolidge High School when I wrote my book. I really like fashion and I love to do hair. My most important purpose is to make money and make my mom proud. This is my first book. I wrote this story to help kids who have a hard time adapting to a new environment, like I did when I came to this country. I want them to know that just because you are living in a new environment, with people of different backgrounds, it does not make you an outsider. You will always find someone you can relate to.

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ReachKathy CrutcherDiarou
Juliana

Juliana is from Mexico and has four children: Julian, Mia, Emelia, and Lyanna. She recently graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine where she studied Biomedical Informatics. She enjoys drawing and reading with her kids. Juliana is excited to share a slice of life of Latino culture and hopes this book will help kids connect with their cultural heritage.

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Edith

Edith is from Honduras and has a son named Keyden who is in kindergarten. She currently works as a medical assistant and studies medical sonography at Northern Virginia Community College. Edith loves reading and running. She enjoys reading with her son and hopes other parents will enjoy reading this book together with their children, too.

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Araceli

Araceli is from Honduras and is a mother to four children: Alena, Bryan, Carlos, and Ismael. She is a student at University of the District of Columbia where she studies Human Development. Araceli wrote this book to teach her children about their heritage, and to show them that they can do anything. She never thought she would be an author and is excited to share this book with her children — and with you!

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Chae

Chae is a second-generation Korean-American and a parent attending nursing school. Being a young single mom and going back to school after having her son was challenging. She wants to encourage all the young mothers out there to believe in yourself and to celebrate where you are right now.

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Sinnah

Sinnah is the youngest of three siblings and immigrated to the U.S. from Sierra Leone in 2001. She is currently pursuing her bachelors in Family and Consumer Science. As a young mother to two amazing children, Romeo and Laila, it was important to her to write a story that honored the diversity of mothers. She is so happy she had the opportunity to write this book to encourage mothers who are underrepresented in children’s books. She wants you to know that anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself.

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Daysha

Daysha was born and raised in P.G. County, Maryland, and is the mother of two boys, Dakari and Dakai. She is currently a student at Bowie State University where she majors in theater and dance. For fun, she likes to travel and to model. Daysha wrote this book to help children get through the rough days in daycare apart from their mothers. She hopes this book helps mothers and their babies cope together!

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Isayana

Isayanna, better known as Izi, is a proud Hispanic woman with two boys, Elijah and Lexson. She currently attends the University of the District of Columbia where she majors in social work. She enjoys nature walks and planning fun activities for her kids. Izi wrote this book to let children know that no matter where your mommy is—whether it be at school or at work—she does it for you to have a better future with many opportunities. This is her first book and she hopes you enjoy reading it as much as she enjoyed writing it for you!

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Emely

Emely is a first-generation Salvadoran-American and a recent graduate of the University of Maryland. She is a mom to a beautiful young lady, Ms. Mia. She enjoys artistry through painting and makeup. Where Could Mama Be? is her first book ever. Emely wrote this book for the mommies and kiddos who struggle a bit during drop-off. To the kiddos: The time apart is temporary. While you wait for us, have fun and make friends! To the mommies: However you may feel, it is okay; you are not alone. No one is perfect but you are more than enough for your child!

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Tayla

Tayla is a recent graduate of Trinity Washington University and the mother of two beautiful daughters, Madison and Chloe. She was raised alongside her two brothers, Tyler and Treavon, by her grandparents, Jeanette and Bennie. They impressed upon her the importance of community love, and she wanted to share that in her first children’s book.

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Sholachauntel

Sholachauntel is a recent graduate of Trinity Washington University and the mother of a 4-year-old boy named Sebastian. She is a Washington, DC native and is currently pursuing a masters in Black Studies at Morgan State University. This is her first book. Shola wrote this book to depict the early years of being a teen mother, raising her son with the help of her community.

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