DerrickBarnes

Derrick D. Barnes is a native of Kansas City, MO and a graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Marketing. He is the author of the children's books STOP, DROP, AND CHILL and THE LOW-DOWN, BAD-DAY BLUES (Scholastic 2005). He is also the author of the ultra-popular series entitled RUBY AND THE BOOKER BOYS, also published by Scholastic, and his first hardcover title, the highly anticipated middle grade novel WE COULD BE BROTHERS (Scholastic Press). He is also known for writing best selling copy for various Hallmark Card lines and as the first African American male staff writer for Hallmark. Derrick resides in Charlotte, NC with his enchanting wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes, and their sons, Ezra, Solomon, Silas, and Nnamdi. Find out more about Derrick and his family at his website/blog dedicated to his sons and how amazing it is being a part of their lives:

raisingthemighty.wordpress.com




About school visits Derrick says: "My program is for students in the 3rd-8th grades. I begin with a brief introduction and then a colorful, lively PowerPoint presentation covering my career from the fifth grade in Mrs. Shelby's class to my current life as a author, father, and family man entitled "Family, Books, and Dreams." That is followed by a reading and then a Q & A. "I also offer three very distinct workshops that center around 1) story outlining, 2) character development, and 3) creative writing prompts. I have crafted over 100 highly effective writing prompts that children love. My belief is that children develop a sincere passion for reading at an early age if they are able to identify with the stories and characters that they are presented with. In other words, being able to tell their own stories empowers them intellectually."

Derrick Barnes