African-American Children’s Book Finalist for Global Award

Author Anita M. McLaurin to present for final judging of the Author Academy Awards

San Antonio, TX — My Father Said I Could, written by Anita McLaurin of San Antonio, Texas was nominated in April for a 2018 Author Academy Award, an honor bestowed for literary merit and publishing excellence in the writing and publishing industry. McLaurin is now among the top 10 finalists.

My Father Said I Could is up for an award in the children’s literature category, which tells the story of four African-American siblings who have big dreams and how they overcome doubt, fear, and naysayers by listening to one steady, comforting voice. This inspiring book teaches children how to explore their own unique gifts and talents, and how to accept the twists and turns that life brings while continuing to pursue their own destiny despite the many voices they hear along the way.

According to the National Center for Fathering, an estimated 24.7 million (33%) of children in the U.S. live absent their biological father. According to Kids Count 2016 (a project of the Annie E. Cassey Foundation), 66% of Black or African-American households where single parent. Nearly every child has aspirations of what they want to be when they grow up. As adults, many of these same people aren’t working in their gifts and talents. According to Gallup’s 2013 State of the American Workplace report, millions of adults are squandering their talents and wasting their time in jobs feeling trapped and dissatisfied. Many times, especially without a father in the home, this is the life children see modeled before them and the cycle begins. Despite these facts, McLaurin wants children to know that there is still hope.

“Out of hundreds of books from authors throughout the world, only ten in each category secured an opportunity to present their books at the red-carpet session at the Author Academy Awards,” said Kary Oberbrunner, founder of Author Academy Elite and the Author Academy Awards. “Our goal is to help further connect this global community of authors, maintain excellence and integrity of the book publishing industry, and raise awareness that the stories being told and the authors who write them are worth our attention.”

Entries are being reviewed and evaluated on popular vote, social contribution, and overall presentation (cover, content, flow, and originality) by the Academy’s voting committee comprised of best-selling authors, literary agents, and industry leaders.

McLaurin, along with other Author Academy Elite authors, will be at the Polaris Barnes & Noble in Columbus, Ohio for a large author signing and book event on Thursday, October 25, 2018.

On Monday, October 29, 2018, McLaurin will present the message of My Father Said I Could to the entire student body of over 150 students at Urban Concern in South Linden, Ohio. Urban Concern is committed to helping inner city youth in their community overcome challenges and thrive. And while risk factors in this area are decreasing, South Linden remains among the poorest neighborhoods in all of Central Ohio, as reported by the Kirwan Institute at The Ohio State University.

If interested in supporting McLaurin and participating in the popular vote portion of the award evaluation, go to www.authoracademyawards.com/finalists2018/. The Children’s Book category is on the first page in the final voting round. Simply click on the My Father Said I Could book cover. Voting ends October 1, 2018.

The top ten finalists in each category will be invited to present their book synopsis at the Author Academy Awards Red Carpet Session on Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. Winners will be announced later that evening at the Author Academy Awards Ceremony.

 

About the Author
Anita M. McLaurin is an author, speaker, and coach who owns and operates A. McLaurin Group, which specializes in the restoration of individuals’ hopes and dreams. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Management and Economics, a Master of Education (MEd) in Training, Development, and Instructional Design, and is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, an International Honors Society for educators. She and her husband Eric have one child and live in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, visit www.myfathersaidicould.com.

For more information, or to schedule an interview with Anita M. McLaurin, please contact her at anita@amclauringroup.com or by phone at (210) 446-8620.

 

PRESS CONTACT:
Anita M. McLaurin
(210) 446-8620
anita@amclauringroup.com