{"id":1627,"date":"2022-06-07T02:19:30","date_gmt":"2022-06-07T06:19:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/melissamwai.com\/?page_id=1627"},"modified":"2026-04-24T23:26:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T03:26:46","slug":"books","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/melissamwai.com\/","title":{"rendered":"My Books"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

My children’s books are at Bookshop.org<\/a>, Amazon<\/a>, or major shops. Request them from a local bookstore or library!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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PREORDER MY NEW RELEASE <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About National Geographic Kids Encyclopedia of African American History and Culture <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

National Geographic Kids<\/em> Encyclopedia of African American History and Culture <\/em>is an exciting new edition to NGK Encyclopedias series. From the ancient kingdoms of Africa to the America of today, this accessible encyclopedia explores more than 400 years of African American history through photos, maps, artifacts, stories, folktales, and more! Historical experts, like author Melissa Mwai, take readers on a powerful storytelling adventure…making a perfect gift for a home or class library. For ages 10+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Nat Geo Kids, December 29, 2026) | Preorder today at Bookshop<\/a>, Amazon<\/a>, or other shops<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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OUT NOW<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About I Can Make a Friend <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I Can Make a Friend <\/em> is part of a new easy reader series by Paw Prints. With real-world stories about friendship, bullying, and kindness, this nonfiction book gives actionable steps for young readers to make small and big changes in their community. For ages 6-8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Paw Prints, April 2025) | Buy Now at Bookshop.org<\/a>, Amazon<\/a>, or other shops<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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About History of Jazz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

History of Jazz<\/em> is a nonfiction book spanning the 200+ years of Jazz in America. The book covers the basics of jazz music, musician profiles, and the historical context. Museums, festivals, and playlists are highlighted for young music enthusiasts. Jazz may have been created long time ago, but it’s still groovy! For ages 9-12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(DK, September 2024) | Buy at Bookshop.org<\/a> or other shops<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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About Harlem Renaissance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harlem Renaissance<\/em> is a nonfiction book covering two decades in Harlem. This book includes historical profiles with unique facts behind art, literature, politics, fashion, and sports in the 1920s and 1930s. As African American culture thrives today, this story informs readers about the lasting impact of these leaders had in their community! For ages 8-10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(DK, June 2024) | Buy at Bookshop.org<\/a> or other shops<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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About A Puerto Rican Childhood<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Puerto Rican Childhood<\/em> is a nonfiction book covering a day in the life of a school-aged girl named Carmen. This tale includes facts, Spanish, and references to current events and places that are part of the modern-day lives of Puerto Ricans. Melissa is especially proud to create this love letter to Puerto Rico. For ages 6-8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(DK, April 2024) | Buy at Bookshop.org<\/a> or other shops<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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About Gnomes and Ungnomes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gnomes and UnGnomes: Poems of Hidden Creatures<\/em> is an large collection of original, illustrated poems about mythological creatures. Criss-cross the globe through the lens of over 100 authors and illustrators. Melissa Mwai was thrilled to be a contributing author and illustrator in this poetic book of mythic proportions. For ages 5-14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Writers’ Loft Press, December 2023) | Buy at Bookshop.org<\/a> or other shops<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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About Stacey Abrams <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stacey Abrams<\/em> is about an incredible change-maker. This nonfiction biography covers her life as a voting rights activist, her early childhood, her first gubernatorial run, and her activism during the 2020 election during the coronavirus pandemic. For ages 5-8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Nat Geo Kids, January 2022) | Buy at Bookshop.org<\/a> or other shops<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Thanks for reading, sharing, or reviewing! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a Bookshop.org affiliate<\/a>, I earn commissions with my links.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

My children’s books are at Bookshop.org, Amazon, or major shops. Request them from a local bookstore or library! PREORDER MY NEW RELEASE OUT NOW About I Can Make a Friend I Can Make a Friend is part of a new easy reader series by Paw Prints. With real-world stories about friendship, bullying, and kindness, this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-no-title","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1627","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1618,"url":"https:\/\/melissamwai.com\/index.php\/press-kit\/","url_meta":{"origin":1627,"position":0},"title":"About Me","author":"Melissa Mwai","date":"June 7, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Everyone has a story to tell. Rising Stars Interview Nov 16, 2020 Short Bio Melissa H. Mwai is a children's author and illustrator. She's written five nonfiction books including I Can Make a Friend (Paw Prints, '25), A Puerto Rican Childhood (DK, '24), and Stacey Abrams (Nat Geo Kids, '22).\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/img_7481-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/img_7481-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/img_7481-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/img_7481-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2328,"url":"https:\/\/melissamwai.com\/index.php\/kidlit-deconstruction-zone-podcast\/","url_meta":{"origin":1627,"position":1},"title":"KidLit Deconstruction Zone Podcast","author":"Melissa Mwai","date":"March 15, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Sometimes I podcast. I\u2019m excited to co-host a monthly podcast with for KidLit writers! Morgan, Rona, and I will dig into the craft of children\u2019s literature. Each episode mines picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult books for practical writing in only 15 minutes! Visit our site and\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KDZ-What-We-Talk-About-Season-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KDZ-What-We-Talk-About-Season-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KDZ-What-We-Talk-About-Season-2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KDZ-What-We-Talk-About-Season-2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KDZ-What-We-Talk-About-Season-2.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KDZ-What-We-Talk-About-Season-2.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2358,"url":"https:\/\/melissamwai.com\/index.php\/forwriters\/","url_meta":{"origin":1627,"position":2},"title":"For Writers","author":"Melissa Mwai","date":"May 8, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Explore these pages for writers.","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"Website banner with the name Melissa H. Mwai. The subtitle reads Children's Author, Artist, Educator. Illustrations with stylized rainbow arches ending with pen nibs.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Author-Website-Banner-2026-2.png?fit=1200%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Author-Website-Banner-2026-2.png?fit=1200%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Author-Website-Banner-2026-2.png?fit=1200%2C400&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Author-Website-Banner-2026-2.png?fit=1200%2C400&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Author-Website-Banner-2026-2.png?fit=1200%2C400&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1580,"url":"https:\/\/melissamwai.com\/index.php\/for-kids\/poetry\/","url_meta":{"origin":1627,"position":3},"title":"Poetry for Kids","author":"Melissa Mwai","date":"June 7, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Sometimes I write poetry. Poetry is fun. And writing poems for you is even more so. Do you write poetry? Noon TigerGargoyles (from Gnomes and Ungnomes: Poems of Hidden Creatures)Wrinkles the Duck's Quacktastic RaceIt All Started with a BrandB.O.T.Good Night, GhostsThe Big BalloonTime EnoughMinotaur (from Gnomes and Gnomes and Ungnomes:\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"Website banner with the name Melissa H. Mwai. The subtitle reads Children's Author, Artist, Educator. Illustrations with stylized rainbow arches ending with pen nibs.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Author-Website-Banner-2026-2.png?fit=1200%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Author-Website-Banner-2026-2.png?fit=1200%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Author-Website-Banner-2026-2.png?fit=1200%2C400&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Author-Website-Banner-2026-2.png?fit=1200%2C400&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/melissamwai.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Author-Website-Banner-2026-2.png?fit=1200%2C400&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2229,"url":"https:\/\/melissamwai.com\/index.php\/for-teachers\/school-visits\/","url_meta":{"origin":1627,"position":4},"title":"School Visits","author":"Melissa Mwai","date":"November 18, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Passionate about student learning Sharing a love of reading, writing, and creating art with school-aged kids! For World Read Aloud Day (#WRAD) virtual visits fill out this form to schedule a free ~15min visit with me! In-Person Class Visits** 45-min in-person class visit is $225. Includes: a read-aloud, writing activity,\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"Website banner with the name Melissa H. Mwai. The subtitle reads Children's Author, Artist, Educator. 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