Author Interview – Julie Kratz

ABOUT THE BOOK

Little Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally

Written by Julie Kratz

Illustrated by Edwards Maiello

Ages 5-10 | 74 Pages

Publisher: Next Pivot Point | ISBN-13: 978-1736515907

Publisher’s Synopsis: As Ally navigates through her school day, she watches her classmates face bullying and discrimination. Ally realizes that they all want the same thing – to be accepted as they are. Ally learns an important lesson, brought to light by her teacher, that our differences make each of us unique and special, and that we can be an ally to others to help them navigate through life.

Little Allies is a touching tale that reminds us of the importance of accepting each other, celebrating our differences, and working to become an ally. The colorful pictures show Ally’s willingness to stand by her friends, even when she doesn’t know how else to help. Adults in the story are also important allies, helping kids navigate challenges, learn ways to support, and cherish their uniqueness.

The bonus material at the end of the book will spark discussion at home or in the classroom.100% of online book sale proceeds will be donated to a nonprofit or organization focused on children’s diversity and inclusion development or providing equitable access to opportunities for all children.

PURCHASE LINKS

https://amzn.to/3uKvehZ

https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781736515907

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Kratz is a highly acclaimed TEDx speaker and inclusive leadership trainer who led teams and produced results in corporate America. After experiencing many career “pivot points” of her own, she started her own speaking business, focused on helping leaders be more inclusive. Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Julie is a frequent keynote speaker, podcast host, and executive coach. She holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, is a Certified Master Coach, and is a certified unconscious bias trainer.

Her books include Pivot Point: How to Build a Winning Career Game Plan, ONE: How Male Allies Support Women for Gender Equality, and Lead Like an Ally: A Journey Through Corporate America with Strategies to Facilitate Inclusion, and Little Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally.

Meet Julie at NextPivotPoint.com.

AN INTERVIEW WITH JULIE KRATZ

When did you first know you wanted to be an author? 

I remember, in 5th grade, I wrote a children’s book for a school assignment. Most kids wrote a few pages. I wrote 30 pages. Remember it took my teacher whole lunch to read it. That’s when I knew maybe I was a little different.

When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? 

By day, I speak and train adults about diversity and inclusion. At night, I spend time with my children, helping them to be inclusive kids, hopefully.

What do you do for fun?

Write, hike, and travel.

What is your favorite genre to read? 

Diversity books for adults and children.

What about that genre draws you? 

It is my life’s work always to be learning.

What historical figure do you admire and why?

Rosa Parks—she was a change maker.

As a former K-12 school librarian, I have to ask, what is your favorite children’s book? 

I Promise by Lebron James

What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?

 Everyone has a story inside them. It’s just getting it out; that is the hard part.

Thanks for joining us today. It is always fun to learn more about the author behind the books I feature here.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a Little Allies ART-Stravaganza prize pack!

One (1) Grand Prize Winner Receives:

  • A copy of Little Allies, autographed by Julie Kratz
  • A $50 Target gift card
  • An ART-stravangza kit for your budding artist including:
    • A Sketchbook
    • Skin Tone Colored Pencils
    • Crayola Multi-Ethnic Skin Tone Washable Tempera Paints
    • Paint Brushes
    • Crayola Skin Tone Multicultural Crayons
    • Crayola Skin Tone Multicultural Markers

Two Winners Receive:

  • A copy of Little Allies, autographed by Julie Kratz
  • A Little Allies Slap Bracelet
  • A Little Allies Sticker

The giveaway begins May 17, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 17, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Click here for the entry form: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282231/

This post was prepared in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Next Pivot Point.

Disclaimer – I have not read this book so I cannot speak to its appropriateness for a K-12 Christian School library. I encourage librarians to read the book before making a purchasing decision.

I choose to share it because it does sound interesting. If you read it, let me know what you think.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.