Shaneisha Dodson is an author on a mission to empower girls. Her book stars a female superhero, Sugamama and is only the first of a whole series that's on the way. Discover more as we chat to Shaneisha.
Tell us about your book?
The Adventures of Sugamama is a picture book suitable for children between the ages of three and six. The story is about a little girl who wakes up in the middle of the night and finds out that she is a superhero. This is the first book of the Sugamama series. I plan to take you on a variety of adventures as you watch Sugamama grow and learn.
Why did you want to write this story?
Most of the superhero stories don’t focus on little girls. Therefore, I wrote this cute bedtime story so little girls will know that they can be superheroes too. I want them to be empowered at a young age. It’s important to let children know they can be anything that they want to be in life.
What's been the best reaction from a reader so far?
My niece wanted me to read the story over and over again. She told me that she wanted to be Sugamama.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My niece was my inspiration. She is a happy little girl who loves to laugh and dance. Every night, she wants to hear a bedtime story. Therefore, I was inspired to create a bedtime story that kids will enjoy.
What's the most fun part of being an author?
The most fun part about being an author is being able to create characters and worlds that are completely the opposite of me.
What's your tip for parents to encourage reading?
Talk to your children to see what they like. Then, find a story that matches their interests. If you children like sports, cooking or superheroes, find a story that matches that. Also, you can set up dates with your children to visit your local bookstore or library and select books together. This can be something special for you guys to do.
What's your favorite book of all time?
What's your favorite book of all time?The Babysitters club series. As a young girl, the series was entertaining. When I was growing up, there was nothing else like it.
Shaneisha Dodson is the founder of Black Girlz Productions and an award-winning playwright. She is a native of Arkansas and currently resides in California. Dodson has received numerous awards for her literary works. Her one act play debuted off-Broadway in NYC at the Strawberry One Act festival and won best theatrical presentation by NYC Success in the Arts. Her children's play Dog, Cat & The Red Bird was published in Drama Notebook. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing and spending time with loved ones.
You can find Shaniesha on Instagram and buy Sugamama in print and digital formats from Amazon.
Where to Next?
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