Amina Luqman-Dawson

Jun 28, 2023 | hbook.com | Amina Luqman-Dawson |George Brown |Edith Campbell |Nikki Grimes

Clearly, I’m a very fortunate person. I’m blessed. I’ll never forget, and I’ll be forever grateful for, the phone call I received from the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Jury. As any writer in this room would understand, Freewater was like my baby. So, the moment you know your baby has found its way in the world cannot be forgotten. Of course, we all know it takes a village. I’ve had some amazing people along for the ride.

Jun 26, 2023 | hbook.com | Amina Luqman-Dawson |Kathleen T. Horning |Martha Brockenbrough |Donna Barba Higuera

I’ll begin with gratitude. Thank you to the Newbery committee for recognizing Freewater. You read my work, connected with it, and judged it worthy, regardless of my debut status. To Laura Schreiber, the editor who plucked Freewater from an ever-flowing river of manuscripts. Laura immediately had vision and excitement for it. Thanks to James Patterson and JIMMY Patterson Books for beginning my journey.