2025 African-American Read-In

A few months back, my cousin mentioned to me that her sorors were looking for readers for their annual reading event for Black History Month. She told me that she mentioned my name because I illustrate picture books, but wanted to know if I was interested. I immediately said yes!

Fast forward a few months (plus a snow delay), and I had the pleasure of visiting Evergreen Avenue Elementary School in Woodbury, NJ to participate in the 2025 African-American Read In. The National African-American Read-In was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) to encourage communities to read together. It has reached more than 6 million participants.

The book that I chose to read was All the Greatness in You, written by Tameka Fryer-Brown and illustrated by me. I thought it was the perfect book because it has the perfect encouraging message and it's not lengthy, so the kids wouldn't lose focus.

First off, I must say that it was incredibly early in the morning and I am not an early morning person by default. However, I always do what I have to do! Despite the early hour, I was still riding off of the adrenaline of the Eagles' Super Bowl win (Go Birds!) and the Kendrick Lamar halftime show, so with the added anticipation of the Read-In, I happened to have a triple dose of excitement. I was pumped.

Keys? Check. Backpack? Check. Extra copies of books? Check. Google Maps ready? Check. Butterflies in the pit of my stomach? Also check. Ready to go.

As my mom and I pulled in, my nerves settled a bit. It was so sweet to see the parents dropping their kids off to school, parents waving from their cars and walking their kids in, hand in hand. It made me think of my days in elementary school and it warmed my heart.

We signed in and were directed to the library, where we were immediately greeted by Ms. Sharon Suber, the director of the event. We each received a folder with the itinerary for the day. (There were light refreshments, so you know I had to go for the Little Debbie mini blueberry muffins.)

After a little bit of snacking and mingling, we went around the room and introduced ourselves. We shared our names, our careers, and the book that we chose to read. After introductions, we all posed for a picture together, each of us holding our books.

Soon after, the students showed up to escort each of us to our classrooms. First up was Mrs. Gray's 3rd grade class! As I walked in, the kids were quiet but excited. So was I. After I finished the story, the kids and Mrs. Gray had plenty of questions. The questions included: "how do you illustrate the pictures," "what is your favorite part of illustrating," and "what's your favorite part of the book?"

Second was Mrs. Swanson's 3rd grade class. After I finished reading, one kid asked, "that's it??" They were locked into the story.

After we read to our classes, all the participants were gifted with notebooks. We also got certificates! Super cool.

Side note: As I was leaving, I sent my dad, my cousin, and my best friend pictures of the event. They all said, "wow, you're up really early!" At least I'm consistent.

Thank you to the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) for creating the National African-American Read-In. What an amazing event.

Thank you to the Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta. Thank you to Ms. Suber for setting the event up. The Zeta ladies were very friendly and supportive as well. And a huge thank you to my cousin, Mia Harris, for inviting me.

Thank you to Evergreen Avenue Elementary School. Everyone was welcoming as I walked through the hallways, down to the student who escorted me to the classrooms. Thank you to Mrs. Gray, Mrs. Swanson, and their 3rd grade classes for listening!

Shout to my picture book sis, Tameka Fryer-Brown. The kids (and I) love her writing. Shout out to the good folks at Feiwel and Friends and Macmillan Kids. Go Team Greatness!

Last but not least, huge thank you to my amazing mom for going with me for moral support! I truly appreciate it.

Forever affirming our greatness,
Alleanna