Eddy Grant, as a young Black man in 1956 Mississippi, entered Black vs White by Susan Ogden Benting & Takezo Art too late to witness a terrible crime. Nineteen-year-old Eddy found his girlfriend, Lucille Washington, after her murder. He barely had time to understand what he had seen before someone struck him, and he lost […]
We judge people quickly. Most of the time, we do it without noticing. When someone enters a room and speaks, we quickly start to form an opinion. Things like their clothes, accent, job, race, age, or confidence can shape our thoughts before we learn anything meaningful about them. We might think we are just observing […]
A fair trial relies not just on the evidence, but also on who is chosen to listen to it. Jurors decide which witnesses to believe, how to interpret the facts, and whether the prosecution has proven its case. This makes jury selection a key part of any trial’s outcome. If race influences who is chosen […]
When people talk about justice today, the focus is usually on what’s happening right now new laws, recent cases, or ongoing debates. But the system we see today didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s the result of years of decisions, beliefs, and practices that still shape how things work. That’s why the history of racial […]
Justice is supposed to be simple. The truth is found, the innocent is protected, and the guilty are held accountable. But history tells a different story. There have been many moments when truth was overlooked, and decisions were shaped by bias, pressure, or power. This is where the conversation around social justice and wrongful convictions […]
Fantasy literature has long used dragons, magical artifacts, and distant kingdoms to explore deeper truths about humanity. In Michael the Brave and the Silver Apple, the Silver Dragon and the legendary Silver Apple are far more than plot devices; they are powerful symbols woven into a story about leadership, destiny, and moral courage. For readers […]
In the evolving world of epic fantasy fiction, readers are increasingly drawn to strong female protagonists who lead with intelligence, courage, and emotional depth. Michael the Brave and the Silver Apple delivers exactly that through the compelling character of Princess Jennifer, a royal heir who challenges tradition, confronts political pressure, and redefines what it means […]
One of the most engaging aspects of any fantasy novel is the world where the story unfolds. Readers are drawn not only to the characters and adventures but also to the landscapes, cultures, and histories that shape the journey. In The Platinum Apple, the world of the planet Leloo47 becomes a central part of the […]
One of the most overlooked skills in children’s literature is world-building. It is the ability to create spaces, characters, and situations that feel alive, safe, and inviting for young readers. Takezo Art and Susan Ogden Benting are authors who excel at this craft, building imaginative worlds where children can explore ideas, emotions, and relationships in […]
Children’s literature has always been more than simple storytelling. At its best, it shapes values, nurtures imagination, and helps young readers understand the world around them. Takezo Art and Susan Ogden Benting are authors who understand this responsibility deeply, crafting stories that blend creativity, emotional awareness, and artistic collaboration into meaningful reading experiences. Their work […]