Local author and motivational speaker, Dr. Gloria J. McEwen Burgess announced this week her intentions to publish her first children’s picture book titled, Pass It On!
Two Sylvias Press of Kingston, Wash has been chosen by the author as the publisher.
Based on the true story of the author’s father, Pass It On! is about Earnest McEwen Jr.’s relationship with writer William Faulkner, who generously paid for Earnest to go to college.
As a young boy, Earnest dreamed of a better life for his family in the segregated South of the 1930s. More than anything, he wanted to attend college. Faulkner’s generous financial gift allowed McEwen to go to college, move out of the South, and eventually emerge from poverty.
McEwen made a better life for his family, who continue to live a legacy of life-long learning and service. Pass It On! is beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Gerald Purnell.
Author Gloria J. McEwen Burgess, who celebrates the indomitable power of the human spirit in all aspects of her life, writes:
I hope to pass on the core character qualities demonstrated by the people in the book—courage, compassion, determination, drive, hope, and a sense of possibility far greater than any one of the individuals. I truly believe that when we acknowledge the birthright dignity of others regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, age, etc., we can forge marvelous relationships and build bridges that endure across cultures, place, and time.
Kickstarter
This publishing project is supported by a Kickstarter campaign, which runs through May 30, and will assist Two Sylvias Press with the costs of book design and printing/distribution, as well as the marketing costs for outreach to schools, libraries, and literacy-based programs.
Two Sylvias Press cofounders, Kelli Russell Agodon and Annette Spaulding-Convy are inspired to publish Pass It On! because of the timely message of the book: building bridges in a divided world, the need for compassion and acceptance, and the importance of core values and education.
Pass It On! is scheduled to be published in early 2018.
Gloria Burgess has a grounded and passionate approach to life that ignites the tiniest ray of hope into the fire of possibility. Gloria is a speaker not to be missed. Eagerly looking forward to her children’s book, “Pass It On.”
@Kizzie Jones – coming from another author of children’s books about dachshunds and/or pelicans – this is a great endorsement. I have heard Dr. Burgess speak before and she is excellent and also am looking forward to her book.