Reviews Urban, Funny, Buddhist "Careening Down Disaster Street"  About Author About Cover Artist

URBAN, FUNNY, BUDDHIST
Set in a community modeled after East Cleveland, Cleveland State University Almuna (‘95) M. LaVora Perry’s Taneesha Never Disparaging introduces a character never-before-seen in popular children’s literature—a smart, funny, relatable, urban, and fully African-American girl whose been Buddhist for as long as she can remember. Published by Wisdom Publications, the purveyor of award-winning scholarly and secular books whose most notable author is the Dali Lama, Taneesha Never Disparaging is clever and affirming. And through its’ 11-year-old heroine, young readers will learn what it means to make peace with the people around them and themselves. Top

“CAREENING DOWN DISASTER STREET”…
Taneesha puts up with more mess than any fifth-grader should have to. For one thing, she’s getting tired of being her limping best friend Carli’s bodyguard. For another, Taneesha’s running a loser’s race for class president. Plus, her imaginary evil twin blabs non-stop about all the reasons why she, Taneesha, is a total failure, and butt-pain Rayshaun Parker says she’s going to hell because her family’s Buddhist.

But when a teenage ogre girl starts bullying Taneesha and Carli after school, things go from bad to horrendous. And since Taneesha’s parents are practically earless when it comes to listening to her, why should she even bother telling them she’s careening down Disaster Street? Top

ABOUT M. LaVORA PERRY
American Greetings’ first African-American card writer (1995-2002), M. LaVora Perry is the co-author of Teen Sisters Health: A Body, Mind, & Spirit Wellness Guide for Girls of Color with internationally-acclaimed physician Dr. Linda Bradley of the Cleveland Clinic. Perry has prepared physician presentations for National Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics conferences among others. She is the Executive Editor of UPRIS Corp—a designer of online health communities intended to eliminate the health disparities gap (that results in much lower-than-average health for people of color) so that the well-being of individuals within this population markedly improves. Perry is available for school and library “meet the author” visits as well as writing and book promotion workshops.  For details visit http://www.mlavoraperry.com/meet. Top

ABOUT COVER ARTIST FLOYD COOPER
Floyd Cooper has received awards from the American Library Association for his children’s book illustrations.
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BOOK REVIEWS
“Taneesha learns what it means to be brave in the face of adversity... Like Taneesha herself this book is fun, sassy and profound.” Mandala Magazine

"Instantly, she's hilarious! She's imaginative! She's stubborn! She's Taneesha Bey-Ross with a determination to do fifth-grade life her way...Taneesha Never Disparaging gets my vote!" -Swaggie Coleman for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers. Read the full 4-star review on Amazon.com

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"This is a tale of commonality and differences, a relevant addition to today’s novels for young readers. In a world where life experiences are more diverse and demanding than ever before, author M. LaVora Perry expertly paints a picture of controversy and differences, a world where growing up means not just learning to accept what we don’t like about others but recognizing what we might not like about ourselves." 
-Jennifer MacKay for BookPleasures.com. Read the full review here 

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"I love Taneesha’s struggles. Her problems grow bigger and bigger until they’re ready to burst. The author does a great job of moving the story forward toward its inevitable ending. The characters interact well, and readers will feel Taneesha’s very real frustration when her parents won’t listen to what she’s trying to say or when her friend doesn’t seem to know what’s wrong... this is a book that will resonate with its target audience....The cover art, by honor winning Floyd Cooper, is worth mentioning, as the characters are ready to jump off the cover and tell their own stories." -Julie M. Prince, Reviewer for YABooksCentral.com. Read the full review here. 

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“Taneesha Never Disparaging is a joy to read. Author M. LaVora Perry addresses the issues many kids face today—overworked parents, bullying, and social awkwardness—with a fresh and positive perspective. Don’t miss this beautifully and skillfully written novel.” David Richardson, Book Review Columnist for Reading Today, a publication of the International Reading Association  

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Taneesha’s voice—brave and scared, funny, defiant, and bold—is one many kids will recognize. Taneesha Never Disparaging gives us that voice, in a fast-paced portrait of a girl grounded in her Buddhist practice and loving family, coping with the daily struggles of growing up.” Kathe Koja, author of Buddha Boy

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“Taneesha’s voice is fresh, funny, and true as a lotus blossom in a muddy pond. Readers will become familiar with the word ‘disparaging’ as Taneesha navigates her way through fifth grade as a Buddhist, daughter, and good friend to all. Taneesha Never Disparaging is a warm and welcome read amidst a sea of cynicism.” Kelly Easton, Author of Hiroshima Dreams

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“Taneesha Never Disparaging addresses cultural diversity, tolerance, and bullying…[It’s] invaluable as a discussion starter…Ms. Perry captures the true essence of an eleven-year-old…I will definitely use this novel as a ‘Book of the Month’ in my classroom. Magnolia Walker , Reading and Classroom Teacher (4th and 5th Grades), Crawford County Elementary School, Roberta , GA  Top 

KID'S REVIEW

Dear, M. LaVora Perry,
 
I loved your book!  What I really loved about it was that you describe everything so well and left out no details.  So I was able to paint a perfect picture in my mind.
 
I...never want[ed] to put the book down because it's exciting and you never know what's going to happen next.  This book has inspired me because Taneesha stands up for her friend and herself and doesn't let [a] bully stop her. 

I also loved the ending.  How [Taneesha] finds out what caused the bully to be in such bad moods.  You can see cause and effect in action...

I hope this book gets a lot of people's attention because it will inspire them...plus it's a great book.
 
Thank you so much.
 
Jenica, age 12, California                     MORE REVIEWS     BUY NOW

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