New Release
Grant's Huge Choice
Grant has a choice to make, and so do you. A big event is coming up for Grant. It’s his class picture day! Grant can’t contain his excitement to take pictures with all his classmates, but there’s one problem. His locs! Grant loves his locs. And after Ms. Jones tells him he won’t be able to join the class pictures unless he changes his hairstyle, Grant has to make the toughest decision of his life. The thought of missing his class pictures makes Grant sad, and the thought of cutting his hair doesn’t help much either. But after a powerful conversation with Daddy about choices, Grant gains the confidence he always needed to stand up for himself and do what is best for him.
Join Grant as he learns a valuable lesson about choices and doing what makes YOU happy!
A Word From The Author
As a young man I chose to serve my country and joined the United States Air Force, where I learned Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In all I do. Without that experience I wouldn’t be the person I am today!
Born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. I’ve had the blessing of growing up with a diversity of thought, skills, and perspectives. I’ve had a variety of experiences that have molded my unique perspective.
I am a Father to 4 beautiful children, married to the most amazing woman ever. Being a community leader and mentor is of the highest priority to me.
Aaron J. Parker
What Readers Are Saying
The importance of role models for children cannot be overemphasized and children’s literature is a wonderful avenue for providing real-life examples for kids to experience and learn from. In the book, Grant’s Huge Choice the main character is faced with a dilemma: conform to a teacher’s arbitrary standard or stand alone for what makes him a unique individual. I love the interaction between Grant and his father and the healthy interaction modeled there. Grant’s father takes an active, interested role in his son’s life and when Grant comes to his dad for help, he doesn’t just tell Grant what to do but helps Grant make the decision for himself. Young readers will be inspired by Grant’s willingness to carefully consider his options and make a decision that is not necessarily popular. I hope this book also inspires fathers to be more like Grant’s father: listening well and taking the time to instruct, guide, and then allowing Grant the freedom to make the final decision. The illustrations within the book are vibrant and eye-catching. I like that the pages with writing are on a solid colored background (not on top of the illustrations) making it easier for readers to focus on the words without distraction. In the book, Grant is wearing a shirt with “Sawubona Culture” on it. If you’d like to learn more about what that means, you can check out the Sawubona Culture website. What an inspiration to see how the author and his wife are making a positive difference within their community! This book would make a great starting point for children to talk to their parents about cultural differences and ethnic uniqueness. Perhaps even research ancestors and where they originally lived. This would make a wonderful addition to any school or public library.
Jill Stanish
Review on Amazon
School picture day is coming up, and Grant is having mixed feelings about the experience. While he would love to have his picture taken, his teacher is requiring Grant to alter his appearance in order to participate in the class photo. Grant is proud of his locs, especially as reflections of not only his own personality but also the strength of Egyptian pharaohs of antiquity. On his way to the barber shop, Grant considers all the other hair styles he could choose, and an important conversation with his father helps Grant look at his challenge from a different perspective. This picture book is filled with emotion from the very start as a young boy is struggling to secure a place for himself in his world. Expressive illustrations depict Grant inside a supportive, encouraging home that embraces and celebrates his cultural identity. Though his teacher is never seen, her presence is a weight on Grant’s mind as he must reconcile the unreasonable ultimatum she has placed before him. Brief text balances with the illustrations to help connect even very young readers to Grant’s plight through accessible phrases and ample open space. The story focuses mostly on Grant’s conversation with his father and the emotions the two experience as a result of the decision Grant must make. Because of this design, there is not as much of a resolution as one might expect from the story aside from a single picture that tells readers what Grant ultimately chooses. Despite this, though, readers will be able to observe Grant’s experience through his eyes and better empathize with others overall. This accessible and emotion-driven story is a good tool for readers to begin to appreciate and welcome individual expression in its many forms.
Vine Voice
Review on Amazon
The illustrations within the book are vibrant and eye-catching. I like that the pages with writing are on a solid colored background (not on top of the illustrations) making it easier for readers to focus on the words without distraction. In the book, Grant is wearing a shirt with “Sawubona Culture” on it. If you’d like to learn more about what that means, you can check out the Sawubona Culture website. What an inspiration to see how the author and his wife are making a positive difference within their community! This book would make a great starting point for children to talk to their parents about cultural differences and ethnic uniqueness. Perhaps even research ancestors and where they originally lived. This would make a wonderful addition to any school or public library.
Alex M
-Editor
The father and son heart-to-heart discussion was beautifully written. Grant’s father’s response to his son’s painful predicament was perfect. “Grant, there is nothing wrong with your hair. Sometimes people try to change what they don’t understand.” He continues to say, “…no one else’s opinion matters but yours.” The father is correct. The school had no right to demand a child change his hair. I felt my eyes water when the father started crying during their chat. If I were in the same situation, I would’ve cried about my child’s choice. In the end, Grant made the right choice. Be true to who you are!
Kameron Brook
-Publisher