The Magic Pencil Curriculum Guide: A Literacy Lift for Youth! (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781478177548)

About the Author Karen E. Dabney, possesses a BFA from The University of Michigan, and a BA from the University of Detroit Mercy. She is CEO of Dabs & Company, an organization dedicated to increasing literacy and instilling a love for literature. She has been/is involved with youth as a speaker, mentor, teacher, recreation supervisor, "cheer leader" and friend. Karen's publications include: The Magic Pencil, 44th Barack H. Obama The Commemorative Edition, Michigan Chronicle, For My People newspaper, Journal of Non-White Concerns, The University of Michigan Institute for Social Research Newsletter, The University of Michigan Dearborn's The Michigan Journal, To the Poet in You, and Necessary Roughness: a published book of poetry for the poet, Safi. Karen attended writing workshops with the Voices of Our Nation's Arts Foundation (VONA) and The Hurston/Wright Foundation. She is a member of Gifted in Michigan, the International Reading Association, National Association of Teachers of English, National Conference of Artists, The Southern Poverty Law Center, Motown Writers' Network, Broadside Poets' Theatre, and Concept East/ Project BAIT/ Urban Theater Magazin. She is an Operation Crossroads Africa, Inc. alum. She spent over six weeks in Africa and has assisted and recruits others to participate in the program - begun in 1958 - the precursor of the Peace Corps. The Magic Pencil is Karen's first novel for young adults. Through the story, Karen has inspired, uplifted, and captivated reluctant and uninspired readers. The Magic Pencil imparts means and methods to increase their skills for successful navigation and mastery through self-determination and self-reliance. These qualities are fostered within the story by its empowering effect on the reader/listener. Karen feels she was born with a pencil in her hand. She wrote and illustrated her first "real" book, Unhappiness Is, at 14 years of age. Fortunately, the book is still extremely relevant! It sheds a comedic light on everyday situations and challenges and is appreciated by all who read or listen to it. Karen will continue chronicling the adventures of Malcolm and Nia as soon as she discovers what they've been into since The Magic Pencil was born. In the meantime, she promotes literacy toward keeping minds lit!