Vera Ahiyya (née Corbett) was born in Germany and raised in El Paso, TX with her wonderful mother and amazing grandparents. Originally a pre-med student, Vera realized her calling as an educator at Austin College in Sherman, TX, where she majored in History and Psychology and earned her MA in Education. Vera has taught Kindergarten and first grade for the last 16 years in Austin, Boston, and Brooklyn. Vera’s online presence is dedicated to influencing other educators by spreading her vast knowledge and love of diverse children’s books. Vera’s unwavering commitment to social justice and diversity is also the focal point of her professional development presentations for other educators. Vera lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband Lonnell and her dog, Mozi. Her latest book is KINDergarten.
Jewell Parker Rhodes's version of Treasure Island is like none you’ve never seen—one that takes the reader through little-known Black history, and under the city of Manhattan itself. Nisi Shawl has written wonderful middle-grade fantasy debut about Black families, family history, family curses ... and a really marvelous pair of spectacles. Moderated by Vera Ahiyya.
