Welcome to our Jr. Author Showcase with our special feature young and talented authors of “The Perfect Summer”. Had the pleasure to speak with Jackie Lee, Morgan Billingsley, and Gabrielle Simone talented and gifted writers with Brown Girl Publishing. Jackie Lee is eleven years old, Morgan is a seventh grader, and Gabrielle is eleven years old. The young authors collaborate their talents and share 3 dynamic stories with great messages.
Jackie Lee:
Tell me about your contribution to “The Perfect Summer”
My story called A Lesson for Summer. It’s about two fourteen year old twins name Theresa and Vanessa James. They basically already knew what they were doing for the summer, but their dad was called to pastor a new church in another town. They have to spend time moving to a new town, volunteer, and mentor a bunch of seven year old kids that they really don’t want to do.
Excerpt from A Lesson for Summer
I knew that look meant that my twin sister did not like what she was hearing. “There you are. We were wondering what was keeping you,” Dad said in a cheerful voice. I politely smiled and took a seat beside my sister on the sofa. My eyes darted over to the strangers in the living room. The man had fine gray hairs around his bald spot. He wore thick glasses that made his eyes look like a huge red moon. He also wore too much cologne. Whew! He had the living room lit up like the perfume part of Macy’s. The woman beside him wore this big Kool-Aid smile. She had on a red dress with blue flowers. Her dress was loud enough for my friends to hear her across the street. “I have heard so many wonderful you, young lady,” said the balding man. The lady with the loud dress just kept smiling. “Your parents tell me that you are the captain of the church praise dance team and worship leader for the youth. That is wonderful! I love to see our youth active in church,” the man continued. I just continued to stare at him. My sister elbowed me, so I managed to say, “Thank you.” My mother jumped into the conversation.
What was the inspiration for you writing The Perfect Summer?
I like to write stories that can help other people.
What’s your favorite part without giving away too much?
The twins had to help the kids at camp and they learned that it’s not bad helping out others.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
My favorite authors are Reshonda Tate Billinglsley, Victoria Christopher Murray, and Christopher Paul Curtis.
Morgan Billingsley:
Tell me about your contribution to “The Perfect Summer”
Well, I was going to do just a simple small at home summer. Then I wanted to go all out an about and go out the box to find something different. So I went ahead and did it about my family. Not necessarily on me, but what my family would do. My story is called A Country Summer. The twins go to the country where their family lives and they don’t like the outdoors (sweaty, mosquitos, no Wi-Fi). When you send the city kids to the country you will find out how they will last.
Excerpt from: A Country Summer
When that last bell rang, signaling the beginning of our summer vacation, I felt like I’d just been given a Get Out of Jail card. I had been counting down to this day and was looking forward to hanging out with my twin brother, Max, playing video games, and taking daily swims in the pool my parents had built last winter. You know, just having fun. I wasn’t expecting this. I mean, in the fun dictionary, a road trip to a country town was nowhere in the book. Yet, that’s exactly what we were doing. “Ugh! Are we there yet?” I asked my dad, who was driving our large SUV like a skilled truck driver. My mom was next to him and they were singing some corny old people song on the
What was the inspiration for you writing The Perfect Summer?
Well we had gone to my family reunion last year and I was looking around at my siblings were sitting there complaining that there’s no Wi-Fi and it’s sweaty outside. I am sitting here like this is really us complaining how hot it is at our family reunion. I realized and thinking back at the moment, that is perfect story to write about.
What’s your favorite part without giving away too much?
My favorite part would have to be when they find out they’re going to Hodgins, Arkansas and everything is chaotic at that moment.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
My favorite authors are Ricky Wayne and my mom (Reshonda Billingsley).
Gabrielle Simone:
Tell me about your contribution to “The Perfect Summer”
Well, my story is Too Big for Teacups. It’s about a girl name Marlena and her family who are taking a trip to Disney World. Marlena doesn’t want to do all this crazy stuff that her siblings want to do. She is complaining and she wants to stay home. Basically, it’s just about how you should be grateful for what you have.
Excerpt from Two Big for My Teacups
Six hours, four arguments and three stops later, they made it to the hotel in Birmingham. It was early evening and all Marlena wanted to do was swim. They were staying in a room that had two queen beds and a pullout sofa. “I call the sofa bed,” Marlena said while putting her bag on it. “I want the sofa bed,” whined Kyle. “It’s big enough for the both of you,” her dad said. Marlena protested. “I don’t want to sleep with him. I called it first.” Her mother let out a loud sigh then gave Marlena a look. “It’s been a long ride, let’s go swim,” her father suggested. “Good idea,” her mom replied. “Get your suits on.” Marlena and Kyle got dressed quickly. He in basketball shorts, and she in her one-piece. Of course she wanted a two-piece, but her parents said that was out of the question. Not until she was old enough to buy it herself. Marlena didn’t think it was such a big deal, most of her friends had one. While her mom was in the bathroom, she decided to dress Chloe in her suit. She found her little pick suit with ruffles around the bottom and put it on her. Chloe was such a cute little girl. She and Marlena always got along. If her mom wasn’t around, she preferred Marlena to anyone else. Sometimes Chloe even slept in Marlena’s room.
What was the inspiration for you writing The Perfect Summer?
Well it was more my cousin family and I just wrote off of what I have experienced before.
What’s your favorite part without giving away too much?
My favorite part is when Marlena is talking to her friends and she realizes that she is being ungrateful.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
One of my favorite authors is Natalie Babbit and my mom (Cecilia Anderson)
Thank you all and congratulations to Jackie, Morgan, and Gabrielle on their novel collaboration The Perfect Summer. This is a great read for young readers with great messages. Continue to share your stories and talent.
Jackie Lee’s Blog: The Creative Life With Jackie Lee
Brown Girl Publishing: Brown Girl Publishing purchase link