Juanita Taylor – illustratör

Go on a journey with Jaliyah as she explains what her experience was like during a recent peaceful protest and how she perceives the effects of Coronavirus.

Authors receive national recognition through the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD®!

Canton, GA -- The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD recognized My Protest by Linda Bessellieu; Co-Authors: Tawana Bessellieu & Jaliyah Webb; Illustrated by Juanita Taylor in the Childrens: Nonfiction category as a Distinguished Favorite.

The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Selected IPA Award Winners and Distinguished Favorites are based on overall excellence.

My Protest is an illustrated book that depicts the Black Lives Matter protest in Sandy Springs, Georgia and the effect of the coronavirus through the eyes of a four-year-old child. It is meant to help young children better understand the meaning of protesting and being safe with the risks of the virus.

When asked what she wants readers to take away from this book, Bessellieu answers, "The need to ask and listen to how young children perceive major things going on around us in this world. They have feelings and their perception of things should not be ignored. It should be discussed in a way they can understand. It also can help children to better comprehend without fear or leaving it to their own interpretation of serious issues."

REVIEWS

"...pleased to find a work that so clearly and simply describes what it feels like to be part of a passive protest. For those who feel threatened by such demonstrations, this children’s book should be a real eye-opener, with it serving to dispel many myths and fears related to such socio-political activity." –– Readers Favorite

My Protest is written simply and straightforwardly from a child''s viewpoint. It''s rare to find a book on such an important topic that is so accessible for young children...Sharing the photograph of her granddaughter holding her sign at the protest will inspire kids and show them they can make a difference too. My Protest is a book that teachers and parents will appreciate having as a resource. –– Kristine Zimmerman

In 2022, the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD had entries worldwide. Authors and publishers from countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Jordan, Puerto Rico, Switzerland participated.

Books submitted included writers based in cities such as Anchorage to Memphis; from Berkeley to Philadelphia; Calgary to Sydney; from Albuquerque to New York City; from Princeton to Santa Monica as well as others.

"We are proud to announce the winners and distinguished favorites in our annual 2022 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD. This year included an array of quality and diverse independent books," Olczak said. "It''s crystal clear that independent publishing is pushing on every corner of the earth with great content. We are thrilled to be highlighting key titles representing global independent publishing." said awards sponsor Gabrielle Olczak.

For more information please visit independentpressaward.com; and to see this year''s list of IPA Distinguished Favorites, please visit the website pages: https://www.independentpressaward.com/2022distinguishedfavorites ###