We often say we’re speechless. I probably have said that before. But the first time I truly felt that way was when I saw this montage created by @readwithmalcom. I was immensely and deeply grateful when THE BRIDGE HOME was selected to be featured by Malcom Mitchell’s Share The Magic Foundation because I respect his achievements and very much admire his dedication to promoting books and reading. But to see my image on this composite along with photographs of Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Margaret Atwood, Virginia Woolf and Jane Austen?
!!!!!
Honored beyond words.
!!!!!
Every day of this month, I’ve woken up blinking and thinking, surely this can’t be. Admittedly, I only recognized Maya Angelou…whose beautiful face I first saw during the Clinton inauguration when she read aloud…
Today, I printed out this image to keep, so I can hold it in my hands, not just my heart. I’ve felt so discouraged so often these past years. But this is an undreamed of honor that will keep me going. It feels like a blessing from above.
To keep going means to keep doing. So to end on a practical note, a quick heads-up that Diverse Verse will be hosting POEMS OF HOPE, a poetry competition for young poets in grades 3 – 12. For more on that, please visit the Diverse Verse website during poetry month (April 2024). Thank you, and Happy Women’s History Month to all who read this.
And btw, does anyone know who the 3 authors are in the image above whom I can’t identify?
Since the time I asked this question (when this post was published) my friend and famous poet and author Nikki Grimes identified Alice Walker (which an image search had misidentified), award-winning author Lisa Rogers identified Rupi Kaur (top left), superstar educators Robin Martin and Jean Holmblad identified several faces, including Kristi Yamaguchi, and my professor friend Kalpana Vijayavarathan identified Virginia Woolf. I know all of these people’s wonderful work, so I knew what they sounded like, but admittedly didn’t know what they looked like!
Right now, there is just one remaining author whom no one has identified (in the square above mine). Anyone know who that is?
Congratulations Padma, on this wonderful honor! I am glad this honor will keep you going and feels like a blessing to you. Blessings are always deserved. I am one of your fans; I loved reading A Bridge Home; I loved your well-rounded characters, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I almost cried a few times while reading what the children endured. Your characters were realistic to me, and I cared deeply for them. Hopefully, this well-deserved honor will inspire you to keep writing amazing children’s books and your fans will be happy to read them.
Deeply grateful to you for your kind words. Thank you so very much. I feel very humbled and thankful and blessed.
Thank you with all my heart. My legendary editor Nancy Paulsen and I are working on a prequel to #TheBridgeHome! Hope you will love it too – will be a few years before it’s out; but SAFE HARBOR, a novel in verse will be released in January.
Also, how do I subscribe to the Diverse Verse Blog? I would love to help in some way! Thanks, Jean
Congratulations, Padma!
The author in the square above you is Sally Rooney (based on a reverse image search):
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/12/books/sally-rooney-beautiful-world-where-are-you.html?unlocked_article_code=1.f00.xJgq.gKPCFwJ8CKDf&smid=url-share
Thanks for letting us know, Yvonne! I was wondering!
Thank you so much, Yvonne! I’ll admit she’s the only one whose work I’m not yet familiar with … but I just borrowed a copy of one of her books, and can’t wait to read it!
I am very grateful to have been seated beside you on our flight from ORD to CRW. When my flight was delayed and I thought I would miss my connection, my son, who identifies as agnostic said “it will work out mom”. (A definition of faith if I ever heard one.). It not only worked out, I feel very blessed to have met and had conversations with you Padma! So rich and invigorating. There is hope for our future knowing folks like you are writing and speaking! Thank you for sharing with me.
Thank you so very much for this beautiful note, dear Kathryn. Wish you and your son the very best for the rest of the year. Perhaps we will cross paths again soon. So grateful for your kindness.