This is a thriving tech and entrepreneurial community. Just go to any StartUp Westport evening (or coffee shop at midday).
But we’ve got our share of writers too. A particularly interesting subset is children’s authors.
In the 7 years since I first wrote about that group, they’ve grown even more numerous and active.
Now, a Westport writer has created a way for young readers to find authors who interest them — all over the country.
Karlin Gray is a 20-year resident. She writes fiction and non-fiction picture books (and credits fellow Westporter Victoria Sherrow with helping transform her manuscripts into publications).
Gray’s subjects include tennis star Serena Williams, Olympic gymnast Nadia Comaneci and giraffologist Dr. Anne Dagg.
Two years ago she wrote “Mia and Friends: Mia Hamm and the Soccer Sisterhood that That Changed History,” about the heroes of the 1999 Women’s World Cup.
Karlin Gray, with one of her books.Karl
Each time, Gray heard from young readers who related to a book — perhaps for the first time — because it was about a subject they loved.
So — in an effort to promote picture-book biographies that young kids can relate to — Gray has launched True Story Bookshop.
The online resource helps parents and educators find true stories that match youngsters’ interests.
As a children’s author and mom, Gray has read hundreds of narrative nonfiction books for kids.
True Story Bookshop highlights her favorites. All are searchable by interest.
“Do you know kids who love soccer, space or singing?” she asks. “Dogs, drawing or dance? Food or fashion?”
Recommendations for all those subjects — and many more — are available for students from kindergarten through grade 5.
It’s searchable too by theme — for example, Black History Month, LGBTQ+ Pride, and Contributions of Immigrants.
The goal, Gray says, is to help find “true stories that celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and initiate important conversations about culture and society.”
While each book has links to buy from Amazon and Bookshop (where she earns a small affiliate commission), Gray also includes a link to WorldCat, enabling users to find the book at a nearby library.
“Whether you buy or borrow, these books encourage kids to pursue their passions, and help them build their nonfiction literacy skills. Win-win!” Gray says.
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