Session 3: Reading is Fundamental
This is the third and final session of a three-part virtual series, featuring a fireside chat with two inspiring children’s books authors shining a light on Sickle Cell Disease in the lives of adults. Kim Smith-Whitley, MD will lead the discussion with authors Elle Cole and Louie T. McClain II, who give us two unique adult books that every child and young adult with SCD needs on their shelves. They will tell you about their reason for writing their respective books and their process for taking it from idea to execution. The theme of our fireside chat is Reading is Fundamental!
Meet our Moderator
Kim Smith-Whitley, MD
She is Director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Clinical Director of the Division of Hematology, and a professor of Pediatrics. She holds the Elias Schwartz, MD, Endowed Chair in Hematology. Her clinical and research focus is on sickle cell survivorship: predicting and preventing long-term, chronic, and life-threatening complications of the disease.
Meet the Authors
Elle Cole
Elle Cole empowers moms, homeschoolers, and advocates for children with sickle cell disease and type 1 diabetes. She is a mom of twin daughters, one of whom is living with Sickle Cell Disease and Type 1 Diabetes. She is 2020 Advocating for Another WEGO Health winner. Elle has authored 5 books, but four of them are about sickle cell: A Sickle Cell Coloring Book for Kids, ABCs of Sickle Cell, The Ultimate Sickle Cell Activity Book, and Aprendiendo Sobre la Enfermedad de Células Falciformes. Feedspot named the Cleverly Changing Podcast #3 on the Top 20 Homeschooling Mom Podcasts list. She’s been featured on NPR, ABC 7, BBC World Service Radio, and many podcasts. Learn more about her and the work she does by visiting her parenting blog https://CleverlyChanging.com.
You can purchase her book HERE.
Louie T. McClain II
Louie T. McClain II is the Founder and CEO of Melanin Origins: a children’s book company that writes about the intriguing lives of African American leaders, pioneers, and innovators. Louie is intrigued by the resilience and tenacity of African American leaders who stand for truth, justice, and overcoming any obstacles placed in their way. Thus, he decided to create Melanin Origins to share messages of lesser-known African American pioneers to the children of the world and empower them to aspire for excellence and chase their dreams regardless of any complications they may face.
Melanin Origins is a publishing company that specializes in children’s books about lesser-known African American Pioneers and focuses on rebuilding a connection to our cultural and spiritual past. Its mission is to provide quality educational materials that inspire young minds to aspire for excellence while embracing their heritage & its vision is to become the largest Culturally Competent book provider in the USA.
Mr. McClain has authored six (6) book titles including Brick by Brick: a Snippet of The Life of Booker T. Washington, his autobiography, Up From The Trap, for emerging leaders, and his latest children’s book, Abraham’s Great Love.
You can purchase his book HERE.
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The Ask the Expert sessions are held on the second Friday of each month. For more information, please email us at [email protected].
