Charlesbridge Unplugged #3: Tami Charles

Today we're talking to debut author Tami Charles about her semi-autobiographical book Like Vanessa and why it was so important for Tami to write a book for herself and others like her. You can have a listen by clicking HERE:

Charlesbridge Unplugged - Charlesbridge Unplugged #3: Tami Charles

About the Book:

In this semi-autobiographical debut novel, thirteen-year-old Vanessa Martin watches as the first black Miss America is crowned. It's 1983 in Newark, New Jersey, and Vanessa's life is a far cry from the glamorous Miss America stage. She struggles with family, friendships, racism, and self-confidence. When a new teacher at school coordinates a beauty pageant and asks Vanessa to enter, Vanessa decides there's no way. But with help from Pop Pop and her cousin TJ, Vanessa prepares for the challenge. Add in the neighborhood mean girl, a mysterious envelope addressed to Vanessa, and trying to make monthly ends meet, and eighth-grade is as stressful as it gets.

About the Author:
Tami Charles is a former teacher and full-time author of picture books, middle grade and young adult novels, and nonfiction. As a teacher, she made it her mission to introduce her students to all types of literature, but especially diverse books. While it was refreshing to see a better selection than what she was accustomed to as a child, Tami felt there weren’t nearly as many diverse books as she’d hoped for. It was then that she decided to reignite her passion for writing. Tami is the author of the middle grade novel Like Vanessa (2018) and the picture book Freedom Soup (Candlewick Press, 2019).

Purchase this book for you and your readers here.

Show Notes:

• Visit author Tami Charles online here
• Here is some information on the TV show Fame
• The full text for Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings can be found here

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