The best way to spend a Sunday afternoon........

Last Sunday was so much fun! I was able to do a reading program for the "Lil Roots" group. The group is made up of children of all different races and backgrounds. They all brought their favorite fuzzy friends (teddy bears) Rileigh let me borrow her's because I left Tammi-bear at home. The children asked many questions about the book and also told me a great deal about themselves. They love to ride bikes, eat ice cream and some of them have pets too. Many of them have actually written their own stories (which makes them writers!)

I also went to 12 Oaks Mall this past Saturday which was a lot of fun. I met a great staff of people at the Borders Express store and many people in Novi that were happy about the book.

This weekend I am off to PA. I will be at the Oxford Valley Mall at the Borders Express.

I will write more later....keep reading!

Interested in hearing more stories from you.........

Janelle is the main character in "Who I am not what I am". She had quite a story as many of you readers know. When she went to school she heard many different opinions about her from her classmates. Has anyone had any interesting encounters with classmates, co-workers, etc. based on appearance? How important is appearance? I'd love to hear comments or thoughts surrounding this subject. Thanks for viewing my blog and helping it to be successful! I can't wait to see you all at the next event.

:)

If you had a day of diversity what would you do?

Readers,

What would you do if you had a whole day dedicated to embracing diversity? Would you talk to different people than you normally do? Would you sit at a new lunch table or make friends with someone that you've never spoken to? Would you try to learn more about another culture or watch movies that embrace your own heritage and invite someone over to share them from a different background? I want to know tell me how you would spend this day to make the world a better place......If you comment you can receive a "Who I am not what I am bookmark"

:)

Gearing up for the next signing

Readers,

I wanted to send you a special invite to come to my book signing at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi MI 48375 on Saturday July 26th from 12-3. This is a great way to purchase your book, get it signed personally for yourself or that special someone and share your story with me that could be featured on my blog! The book signings that I have been able to appear at have been great because I meet wonderful people and get to answer their questions.

:)

Celebrate Who you are!

I try and sign all of my books "celebrate who you are". One of my colleagues suggested that I write that in her children's books and since that day I realized that this was a profound statement. "Who I am not what I am" is about celebrating who you are! You can be white, black, both and none of the above ....it does not matter who you are-you should celebrate who you are! Many times I meet people who say I love this book but I have a boy or my child is not bi-racial so they decide not to purchase it. I wrote this book for every child and truly hope that they can find something in it that can help them to understand that they are awesome and to be celebrated. So today as you read my blog please take some time to play a game, smile at a stranger or forgive someone for a wrong and remember that you are worthy of a celebration no matter what!

Hamtramck Public Library Program

The Hamtramck Public Library had a program involving "Who I am not what I am". This was a fun event with a great theme. The children made their own books before I spoke. We talked about their books and they realized that since they wrote books that day they were also authors. The children asked me many questions such as....how long did it take? Why did you write a book? Do you make a lot of money? They were able to hear about Janelle and her adventure and then we talked more about the book and the characters in it. I will definately go back next year...the staff and children were very friendly and we all had a great time as we learned more about diversity together:) They have a contest going on right now...three students will win my book. I wonder who will it be?

Dream & Esteem Shops

Remember that when you book an event with Tara Michener, author of "Who I am not what I am" you can opt for a dream & esteem shop. This program helps children to realize their potential to make their dreams come true...if you are a teacher, mentor or librarian this is a great program! Children are able to discover their full potential is inside and they can do anything they put their minds too:) Writing a book, being an artisit, etc. is not out of grasp when a child believes in themselves and their abilities.

Book events

July 26th
Twelve Oaks Mall Borders 12-3
August 2nd
Borders Oxford Valley Mall PA. 12-3
August 7th
Clawson Library (Blair Memorial)
Book signing and meet the author 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
August 9th
Walden Books Fair lane Mall 2-4
August 16th
B. Dalton Jersey City Newport Centre 2-4
Sept. 2nd
Novi Library Book signing and meet the author 6:30 p.m.-7:00
Sept. 13th
Independence Twp. (Clarkston) Library 2-3

Sept. 20th
Nicola’s Books Ann Arbor Book signing 12-3
Nov. 9th
Writers on the River 12-4 Author Fair (Downriver)
Nov. 15th
Madison Heights Library 2-3 (Author Fair)
Dec. 4th.
Madonna University Library Book signing & Meet the Author 1:30
For Info email whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com

Great signing in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI was very welcoming to "Who I am not what I am". I met such wondeful people who shared amazing stories of their own in regards to diversity and self-esteem. One young man told me that he was teased growing up because people did not know what race he was. He said that at that time it did not hurt as much as it does now when he reflects because he realizes how wrong it was. Readers, please be careful not to tease others. Sometimes people never forget the words that hurt them even when they are much older.

Guest speaking/workshops/readings

I am always happy to help children understand that true beauty comes from the inside. Please feel free to email me if you'd like me to come to your school, library or special group to guest speak, read or do a program involving my book. If you have read Who I am not what I am please share with me what you thought of it? How did it make you feel when Janelle was asked questions about her race? Have you ever had anyone question you about your identity? What did you do? Please share your tips with the readers of this blog why a person's heart matters matters more than the outside.........

Who I am not What I am!

Hi Readers!
We are official...you asked for it you got it:)
Please feel free to post your opinions, thoughts, and suggestions for WhoIamnotwhat Iam! If you have not read this book please feel free to purchase it from Amazon.com, Borders or Barnes & Noble. My book embraces self-esteem and diversity in children. Janelle is a young girl who is bi-racial and is very happy with her life until kids at school question her race and make her feel insecure about who she is. When Janelle talks to her parents about her dilemma she learns an important lesson....................