Author Monica McKayhan
Literacy is a must!
The Press
July 3, 2009 - Kimani TRU blog
Drama Builds Character – Deal With It!
In the newest INDIGO SUMMER novel, DEAL WITH IT, the characters are dealing with some major drama. The green-eyed monster rears its ugly head amongst best friends; an unexpected twist for tighter-than-tight Indigo and Jade. For the first time in forever, Indigo is jealous of her friend who has just snatched the coveted spot as dance team captain, and literally knocked Indigo out of the way...(read more...)
Monday, March 30, 2009
YA Spring Break Week: Guest Blogger Monica McKayhan Weighs In On Bad Boys
He’s the rebel, or the boy from the wrong side of the tracks. He’s bitter, volatile, a crushed idealist, but he's also confident and mysterious, charismatic and street smart. He despises authority and doesn't buckle under to anyone, which also makes him somewhat a bully. Girls are attracted to the bad boy because he represents everything that is exciting, intriguing and new...READ MORE>>>
JADED was featured in the December 2008 issue of paper clips, a publication of Baker & Taylor. Check It Out!
Right On Magazine (Dec 2008 issue) conducted a contest in which they gave away three baskets (1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners) loaded with a variety of Kimani TRU books exploring issues like friendships, personal image, relationships and all of the other drama that comes along with being a young adult.
All participants had to do to get their hands on one of the three books baskets was tell Right On magazine how they handle the drama of being a young adult and still manage to be successful in 200 words of less.
Monica's books INDIGO SUMMER, TROUBLE FOLLOWS and THE PACT were included in the giveaway baskets.
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers 2008 & 2010
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), picked INDIGO SUMMER for its 2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers selection list. JADED and DEAL WITH IT were both 2010 picks!
In June 2007, INDIGO SUMMER snagged the #7 position on the Essence Extended Bestseller's List and appeared on the May 2007 Black Issues Book Review (BIBR) Bestseller's List.
Harlequin entered into the YA market, with a trade paperback imprint aimed at African-American teenagers (Kimani TRU). Kimani TRU, made its debut in 2007, with INDIGO SUMMER as its launch title.
REVIEWS
Black Issues Book Review
May 1, 2007
Fitzgerald, Sharon
Indigo Summer By Monica McKayhan Kimani TRU/Kimani Press, February 2007 $9.99, ISBN 0-373-83075-0 Ages 14 and up
The extravagant heroines of the popular "mean girls" genre are outclassed by Indigo Summer, a young lady who deserves to have a book bear her name. Not that this novel is "The Revenge of Goody Two-Shoes." Indigo is a pretty, vibrant high-school freshman who lands a coveted spot on the dance team during the first week of school and is pursued by the football player who tops other girls' wish lists. Taking popularity in stride, she focuses on her life's transformations: her best friend and lifelong neighbor has moved away, replaced by the typical boy-next-door, a sweetheart waiting to happen. (Read more...)
"The Evening After is about real life and real drama, with no easy answers, and stand-up characters who take you there. Another wonderful novel that will leave you satisfied and uplifted." -- Margaret Johnson-Hodge, author of True Lies
"A powerful story of passion, hope, and friendship." -- Bestselling author Salome Thomas-El on From Here to Forever
Even though Jade is the central person in this young adult novel, Terrence, is by far the most likable and well-rounded character. He is a young man who takes care of his brother and sister when his drug-addicted mother goes missing. He also works full-time and is a good student while literally maintaining a household. The one bright light in his life are his feelings for Jade. But he is convinced if she discovers the truth she will leave him as others have done. Can he be right? Or will Jade prove to be a keeper? -- Angelia Menchan, APOOO BookClub (Read more...)
"I did the interview and played it back already. The audience was excited!!! The phone lines were lit up for 15 minutes with people inquiring about the book. I'd love to feature more of these books on the show!”
– Pam Gibson, The Touch on ABC Radio Networks
