The Extraordinary Educational Journey of Frederick Douglass

Saturday, October 3rd 12:15 p.m. via YouTube

About the Event

Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass taught himself to read and write, and grew up to become one of the most famous men of the 19th century as an influential abolitionist. In Shana Keller’s latest book, Bread for Words: A Frederick Douglass Story, she tells his incredible story, teaching kids what it takes to learn a new and unfamiliar language. Follow along with his tale, and then try your own hand at learning letters in a new language just like Douglass. Keller is the author of three children’s books. Her book, Ticktock Banneker’s Clock, won the Best STEM Book award from the Children’s Book Council.

Shana Keller

About Shana Keller

Shana Keller is the author of three children’s picture books. Her 2016 title Ticktock Banneker’s Clock was selected by the Children’s Book Council for 2017 Best STEM Book. Shana graduated from the University of Miami, Florida, with a degree in Communications and from UCLA’s screenwriting program. She serves on the Advisory Board for the Carter Center for K-12 Black History Education founded by Dr. LaGarrett J. King. Shana is passionate about presenting to schools, libraries, and adult groups on topics ranging from the importance of STEM and reverse engineering for kids, to the need to address diversity in publishing. Her love of history has inspired her to tell the lesser-known stories, focusing on behind-the-scenes moments in her work and research.

 

Shana’s 2020 title Bread for Words tells of the early life of Frederick Douglass. Told from a first-person perspective, this picture-book biography draws from real-life experiences of a young Frederick Douglass and his attempts to learn how to read and write. Her other forthcoming title, Fly, Firefly! was inspired by an event witnessed by nature writer Rachel Carson, when a firefly confused bioluminescence in the ocean for fellow fireflies.

 

Shana’s passion for writing is often stemmed by her own curiosity. Her story Ticktock Banneker’s Clock was inspired by her daughter learning about Benjamin Banneker in school. When she realized she did not know much about Banneker she was inspired to start researching. Shana’s goal is to never stop learning, and she hopes to encourage others to do the same through her vibrant presentations and informative storytelling.

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