Tonya Duncan Ellis's Blog

I’ve attended a few writing retreats over the years. I return from every one refreshed, affirmed, and energized to continue in my creative practice. During writing retreats, I network with peers and almost always progress more on projects than I thought possible. 

There’s something about spending a few days in a tranquil setting, where I’m well-fed, understood as an artist, and encouraged that makes my creativity soar. I try to attend at least one writing retreat annually.

My favorite retreat spot is the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center in the Pennsylvania Poconos. The idyllic setting includes cabins (several themed for author sponsors), hiking trails, an appetizer hour and three chef-prepared meals each day, an adorable “Art Coop” stocked with art supplies, streams, a Word Garden, and other beautiful places around the property to write. I call Highlights Disney World for writers! I’m always sad to leave once my time ends.

I first became aware of Highlights’ writer offerings when I was selected for their Amplify Black Stories Cohort. Highlights offers annual scholarships for retreats and courses. I’ve been fortunate to have been awarded a scholarship for a personal retreat through The Brown Bookshelf.  I have also served on faculty at Highlights for a camp on chapter books and as a resident assistant for an In-Community Retreat.  

Below is a recap of my visit during the Highlights 2025 Black Voices In-Community Retreat, led by authors, Valerie Bolling and Jas Hammonds.

Day 1

After I arrived, I checked into Cabin 12 and unpacked.  My goal at this retreat was to complete edits on an upcoming HarperCollins picture book and to make headway on a new novel in verse.  I read and edited, then I headed to The Barn, which is the main meeting place and where meals are served. Outside the building I ran into Valerie, Jas, Alison Green Myers, a novelist and staffer at Highlights, and other personal retreaters.

After greeting friends I headed outside to the Word Garden. This area includes rocks with inspiring words carved on them. Each time I attend Highlights I choose a word that will be my theme for the week. For this visit I chose the word, “Possibility.” 

I wrapped up the evening dining and chatting with writer friends. The food at Highlights is amazing! I turned in early so I’d be fresh for the next day. 

Day 2

The Black Voices retreat officially began on my second day at Highlights. I was happy to see old friends and meet new ones. I’d communicated for years with author Dominique Okonkwo, on Instagram. It was neat to meet her in person. After breakfast I wrote for a few hours until lunch. As we finished our meal, Highlights Executive Director George Brown did a short presentation sharing the history and legacy of the family-owned business and the Highlights Foundation.  In the afternoon, I wrote some more, then walked around the campus for about an hour, snapping photos of the beautiful scenery. Once we finished dinner we played a fun introduction game.

Day 3 

I started Day 3 with an early morning yoga session in The Barn, organized by Highlights. I wrote again for a couple of hours, then returned to The Barn for a yummy lunch. Treating myself after a few more post-lunch hours of writing I stopped by the Art Coop. While illustrator, Veronica Jamison painted scenes from her upcoming book, I painted a design on a group painting Veronica had set up for retreaters. As we chatted, I shared details of a picture book manuscript I’m working on. Next, it was on to another delicious dinner. Then we had a fireside chat where Jas, Valerie, and other published authors answered questions about the publishing industry. We shared our personal ups and downs, which was comforting, as I noticed many commonalities in our struggles and frustrations. 

Day 4 

My writing routine was similar to my other retreat days. I hit my goal of writing four thousand words in my novel-in-verse. Since my time was winding down I was intentional about getting outside to enjoy the streams, swing on the swing by the farmhouse and take in the scenery. The evening was great. Before dinner we took a group photo near the Word Garden, then had a virtual Q&A session with editor Sydnee Monday from Kokila/Penguin Random House.

The final organized event of the day, and one of the my retreat highlights, was our Open Mic time. I read from a picture book manuscript, and the other writers were very encouraging and complimentary. Veronica shared sketches she’d done while I was speaking and told the group she wanted to illustrate my book once it sells! It felt great to see others moved by my work. I couldn’t wait to share the news with my literary agent, since we plan to take the manuscript out on submission to editors soon. 

I had an early flight returning to Houston the next morning and would miss the final half day. Veronica gifted me a beautiful bookmark she’d created for all of us, made with images from our Art Coop group painting. I was very touched. 

As usual, it was a wonderful experience. I left Highlights with a full heart and plans about how I could return for my next retreat! 

Tonya Duncan Ellis

 

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the 2025 SCBWI Crystal Kite Honor Book THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK (HarperCollins 2024), COOKOUT CHEMISTRY (Charlesbridge 2027) and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series. She is based in Houston, Texas.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK was named a Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) 2025 Crystal Kite Honor book!

“These awards are especially meaningful because they’re chosen by fellow creatives-people who truly understand the heart and craft of making children’s books,” said Sarah Baker, Executive Director of SCBWI. “The Crystal Kite Awards spotlight the incredible talent in our community and the powerful stories that inspire young readers globally.”

I’m honored that my debut book, illustrated by fabulous artist Jenin Mohammed, was recognized by my peers. Books in fifteen regions/districts from around the world were voted on in two rounds by children’s writers and creators. 

Here is the complete list of winners: 

Atlantic

Tricky Chopsticks by Sylvia Chen, illustrated by Fanny Liem

(Atheneum Books for Young Readers)

Honor Winner: 

Wind Is a Dance by Debra Shumaker, illustrated by Josée Bisaillon 

(Kids Can Press)

California & Hawaii

The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

(Clarion Books)

Honor Winner:

The Night Market by Seina Wedlick, illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu

(Random House Studios)

Midwest

A Little Like Magic written and illustrated by Sarah Kurpiel

(Rocky Pond Books)

Honor Winner:

Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi’s Fight to End Child Labor by Srividhya Venkat, illustrated by Danica da Silva Pereira

(little bee books) 

Midsouth

The Last Day Julian was My Best Friend by Jody Jensen Shaffer

(Two Lions)

Honor Winner:

Stronger at the Seams by Shannon Stocker

(Blink, an imprint of HarperCollins Focus)

New England

Small Things Mended by Casey W. Robinson, illustrated by Nancy Whitesides

(Rocky Pond Books)

Honor Winner:

The Tree of Life: How a Holocaust Sapling Inspired the World by Elisa Boxer, illustrated by Alianna Rozentsveig

(Rocky Pond Books)

New York

Five Stories written and illustrated by Ellen Weinstein

(Holiday House)

Honor Winner:

Building a Beak: How a Toucan’s Rescue Inspired the World by Becca McMurdie

(Page Street Publishing)

Southeast

Abuelita’s Gift: A Día de Muertos Story by Mariana Ríos Ramírez, illustrated by Sara Palacios

(Knopf Books for Young Readers)

Honor Winner:

Trunk Goes Thunk! by Heather Morris, illustrated by Chantelle Thorne and Burgen Thorne

(Gnome Road Publishing)

Southwest

The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene Gutiérrez & Shaian Gutiérrez, illustrated by Gabby Zapata

(Chronicle Books)

Honor Winner:

Cactus Queen: Minerva Hoyt Establishes Joshua Tree National Park by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Jenn Ely

(Astra Young Readers)

Texas & Oklahoma

Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers by Steena Hernandez, illustrated by Melissa Castillo

(Beaming Books)

Honor Winner: 

They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park by Tonya Duncan Ellis, illustrated by Jenin Mohammed

(Balzer + Bray)

West

One Day This Tree Will Fall by Leslie Barnard Booth, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

(Margaret K. McElderry Books)

Honor Winner:

A Voice of Hope by Nadia Salomon, illustrated by London Ladd

(Penguin Random House)

Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania

Happy All Over written and illustrated by Emma Quay

(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)

Honor Winner:

Glow by Ross Morgan

(Walker Books)

Canada & North America

Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains by Anita Yasuda, illustrated by Yuko Shimizu

(Clarion Books)

Honor Winner:

Making Sense of Dog Senses: How Our Furry Friends Experience the World by Stephanie Gibeault, illustrated by Raz Latif

(Owlkids)

Europe & Central, South and Latin America & Africa

Bear’s Big Idea by Sandra Nickel, illustrated by Il Sung Na

(Carolrhoda Books)

Honor Winner:

HaiCuba / HaiKuba by Lawrence Schimel & Carlos Pintado, illustrated by Juan José Colsa

(NorthSouth Books)

Middle and East Asia

Listening to Trees by Holly Thompson, illustrated by Toshiki Nakamura

(Neal Porter Books)

Honor Winner:

Good Old Days Grandpa by Shirley Waisman

(Tal-May)

United Kingdom and Ireland

East Asian Folktales, Myths and Legends by Eva Wong Nava

(Scholastic)

Honor Winner:

12 Ways to Get a Ticket to Space by Kate Peridot, illustrated by Terri Po

(Quarto Children’s Books Ltd.)

 

 

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the 2025 SCBWI Crystal Kite Honor Book THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK (HarperCollins 2024), COOKOUT CHEMISTRY (Charlesbridge 2027) and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series. She is based in Houston, Texas.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Join my email list! HERE
 

 

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Presenting at the 13th annual San Antonio Book Festival was an honor. Around 100 authors were featured, including six with picture books. It was great to showcase my debut, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK . In 2018 I vended at this festival with my self-published SOPHIE WASHINGTON series, so it felt like a full-circle moment to return with my traditionally published HarperCollins book.

 

Spirits were high on the gorgeous, sunny Saturday. Families seemed happy to take part in all the interactive, free activities. Besides presenting myself, I took in talks from children’s authors, Breanna Carzoo, Matt de la Pena, Kwame Mbalia and romance author Etta Easton. I fangirled with author Farah Rochon, another romance author I admire.

 

In between sessions it was fun to relax in the VIP room, where snacks and lunch were available and shop vendor booths. I bought my own San Antonio Book Festival tee shirt that I can’t wait to show off.

It’s been nearly a year since THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM released, and I am grateful to cap off my debut season with a lovely festival appearance. Thanks so much to the San Antonio Book Festival staff for including me in this event!

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal starred reviewed picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK (HarperCollins 2024), COOKOUT CHEMISTRY (Charlesbridge 2027) and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series. She is based in Houston, Texas.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
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When Texas Book Festival (TBF) CEO Marianne DeLeon invited me be a Houston Reading Rock Star, I felt like I’d won Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket. The event pairs authors with Title I schools to read and present to children. Each child gets a copy of the author’s book. I visited Fondren and Elrod Elementary schools. From the time I stepped on the campuses, I felt like a celebrity.

Artwork inspired by my book THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK  lined the walls. Students gave me tours to see what they’d crafted. I was very impressed with their talent and knowledge about my historical fiction book. Their teachers prepared them well! 

During my presentations the children were excited and engaged. Afterwards, I sat in on other author talks. It felt great to see the kids so joyful about literacy and learning. In between our sessions, Texas Book Festival staff treated us to meals at various Houston restaurants. It was fun to fellowship with new and old author friends and to learn more about the TBF’s mission.

I’m very grateful for this experience and hope to be included in the program in future years with upcoming books. Pairing authors with Title I schools is a win-win for all involved. My time as a Texas Book Festival Houston Reading Rock Star is one I’ll forever treasure. Thanks Texas Book Festival! 

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal starred reviewed picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK (HarperCollins 2024), COOKOUT CHEMISTRY (Charlesbridge 2027) and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series. She is based in Houston, Texas.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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Bookstores are my happy place. I had a blast visiting independent bookstores in Houston’s Second Annual Independent Bookstore Crawl. The rules are simple, visit at least ten independent bookstores for a chance to win prizes. It was a great chance to discover new-to-me independent bookstores and to get more exposure for my books.

I started out at Kindred Stories bookstore. It’s located about a block from Emancipation Park, the site of my debut picture book, They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park. This cute shop is moving to a larger location at the Eldorado Ballroom soon. I was happy to stop in one last time before the relocation.

Gulf Coast Cosmos Comicbook Co. is right next door to Kindred Stories. Before the challenge I never noticed this interesting Black-owned store. They are now stocking copies of They Built Me for Freedom, so check them out!

Brazos Bookstore and Blue Willow Bookshop are Houston institutions that I was familiar with before the book crawl. I’m grateful that both of them stock my books.

Prior to the challenge I thought CLASS Bookstore was an online retailer. I learned different when I stopped by their Third Ward storefront. I’m now doing a reading with them in Emancipation Park this coming June!

I visited Pearland’s LIT Java Coffee and Books a couple of times after their grand opening last year. It was nice to pop in again and see the place jumping with families, solo readers, and coffee drinkers.

I drooled over the stunning decor at The Lit. Bar in Richmond, TX. They have great kid’s and local author’s book sections, where you can soon find copies of They Built Me for Freedom. This will be the perfect spot to have a book club meeting with my friends.

Katy Budget Books has been on my list of places to visit for ages. I was impressed with their HUGE space packed with new and used books. After checking them out I swung by the Houston Book Warehouse, which was equally expansive.

I finished up my crawl at Murder by the Book, the oldest and largest bookstore that features crime fiction in the country. I’m not a mystery fan, but their collection and the store itself are so extensive and beautiful, I definitely plan to return.

The Houston Book Crawl runs through April 30, and there’s still time for me to visit more bookstores and rack up additional raffle entries. Fingers crossed I win a prize! But even if I don’t, I still feel like a winner. On the crawl, I met great booksellers, saw super cute bookshops, and bought enough interesting new books to keep me busy reading for months.

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal starred reviewed picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK (HarperCollins 2024), COOKOUT CHEMISTRY (Charlesbridge 2027) and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series. She is based in Houston, Texas.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
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Presenting to students during school author visits is a highlight of my job as a children’s author. There’s nothing better than sharing stories I’ve worked on for years with young readers and sparking their interest in literacy. Along the way, I’ve discovered a few do’s and don’ts to make visits great.

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Do’s

Provide your school contact with book order forms – Arrange to have books ready to bring to the school from your local bookstore. That way you’ll be ready to autograph books after your presentation. Remember to bring your favorite pen for book signings.

Arrive at least thirty minutes early – Leave time for set-up or any snafus that may occur.

Request parking information – I was almost late to one presentation because I couldn’t find a parking spot. Find parking options ahead of time to stay on schedule.

Anticipate technology malfunctions – I’m not tech savvy, so on every school author visit meet the tech staff. Tech issues crop up unexpectedly. Have low-tech activities on hand in case the Internet goes down or there’s a hiccup with your presentation.

Learn the school’s “quiet” signal – I make the peace sign as a cue that the students need to quiet down if things get too rowdy.

Make your presentation interactive – Include call and response, time to move, Q&A, writing activities, etc. Being part of the show increases kids’ enjoyment and learning.

Bring water – All that talking and activity can lead to a parched mouth and dehydration.

Bring extra books – If possible, I bring a few extra books to sell. Invariably, attendees who didn’t preorder ask to buy a book after the presentation. Having books on hand at school author visits makes it easy to get the sale.

Ask for testimonials afterward – If the school enjoyed your visit, getting their seal of approval can help you book other jobs.

Don’ts

Identify students by gender – I wanted to disappear at one visit when the “boy” I called on from the back row said she was a girl. It’s best to identify children by their clothing or hair during Q&A then to call them out by gender.

Spend the entire time talking – Kids get antsy and bored during long lectures. Make your presentation interactive by frequently calling on students, doing demonstrations, or asking for volunteers.

Schedule more than four presentations in one day – It depends on your energy level, but doing more than four, 45 minute to hour-long presentations can be a lot. Ideally, I cap my talks to four per visit max to make sure I remain high-energy.

Ignore the back of the room – Engage students from all areas of the auditorium to maximize the experience for all. I walk up and down the rows in gym areas if the setup allows.

Forget to thank your hosts – I snail mail thank you notes, but emails are fine too. School visits are a great way to get your books in the hands of educators and readers, so make sure to show your appreciation to librarians, administrators, and teachers who invite you to their schools. If you’re lucky, they’ll recommend you to their friends at other schools, or ask you back!

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal starred reviewed picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK (HarperCollins 2024), COOKOUT CHEMISTRY (Charlesbridge 2027) and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series. She is based in Houston, Texas.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
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I have a new book in the works! COOKOUT CHEMISTRY will be included in Charlesbridge’s STEAMWORKS program.

I’ve been a fan of Charlesbridge’s books for years, and I am so proud to be included in this series that teaches children about science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math through engaging stories! This will be my first book that’s translated into Spanish. And I’m grateful that amazing illustrator Tiffany Rose signed on to the project. Thanks to editor Alexandra McKenzie for selecting my manuscript and to my wonderful agent, Adria Goetz, for her guidance.

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal starred reviewed picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK (HarperCollins 2024), COOKOUT CHEMISTRY (Charlesbridge 2027) and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series. She is based in Houston, Texas.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
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On February 15, the Children’s Museum of Houston is celebrating Black History Month in a big way with music, dance, theater and more!

Come join me for a special story time reading of my book THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK from 1 p.m. to 1:30 pm. Autographed copies of the book are available at the CMH gift shop. Read more details about the event HERE. Hope to see you there!

Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal starred reviewed picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK (HarperCollins 2024), COOKOUT CHEMISTRY (Charlesbridge 2027) and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series. She is based in Houston, Texas.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Join my email list! HERE

 

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THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM is a Bookstagang 2024 Community Awards Winner in the Best History-Past and Present category. Almost 600 books were entered in the contest, run on Instagram. Thanks to all who participated in judging and who voted.

Author Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal starred reviewed picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK, and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series. She is based in Houston, Texas.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Join my email list! HERE
 

 

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Knowing our history is important to helping us positively impact our daily lives and our futures. I hope my Publishers Weekly starred reviewed picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM, encourages youngsters to explore the fullness of American history and to investigate the rich narratives in their own backyards.

During an interview with the Texas Standard NPR network radio show I share the inspiration behind my book and insights into its message. Catch the full interview replay HERE. My interview is found at the halfway mark of the show.

Author Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal starred reviewed picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK, and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series. She is based in Houston, Texas.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks
Join my email list! HERE

 

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