A New Chapter in Community Support: Local Collaborative Backs Local Author’s Debut Children’s Book
In Mitchell County, the Family Connection Collaborative is coming together to celebrate and support the creative journey of one its members, Anna Alexander, a new local author whose debut children’s book, Monks Has a Bully, addresses the important issue of bullying.
Monks Has a Bully tells the story of Monks, a young girl who learns to face her bully at school through an offer of friendship. In engaging illustrations by Ashley Dowell, and a touching story, the book offers children and caregivers encouragement when dealing with a bully. The book includes discussion questions, helpful resources as well as a French toast recipe from the story.
Anna Alexander works as the Director of Operations for the Boys and Girls Club of Mitchell County and sees the impact that bullying has on children every day. She emphasized the importance of the subject matter, stating “Youth need us now more than ever. Bully prevention is not just about being bullied. It’s about taking a stand for yourself and others.”
Mitchell County Children and Youth is a Family Connection Collaborative dedicated to promoting literacy and fostering a love of reading, recognized the importance of supporting Anna’s work locally. “Anna’s book is not only beautifully written, but it addresses a topic that affects so many children in our community,” said MCCY Director Jessica Jennings. “Additionally, helping to provide Anna’s book to children in our community provides them with the opportunity to connect with an actual author, and to help them realize that they too could become authors. Anna is well-known to the children in our community and it has been exciting for the children to realize that they know a real-life author.” She also noted that the book connects with both of their Family Connection Strategies, school success and literacy and mental health. A recent comprehensive community assessment revealed that parents as well as students are very concerned about bullying and noted it as a major contributor to children not feeling connected and confident at school. “Anna’s book is a tool that we can use to help facilitate follow up dialogue with our community following the results from the assessment.”
Mitchell County Children and Youth sponsored Anna’s first book signing event, held at the Pelham Unit of the Boys and Girls Club where she works daily with children. Thanks to funding from Mitchell County Children and Youth, the children received a free copy of the book, which Anna signed for them at the event.
Beyond the initial launch, Mitchell County Children and Youth plans to continue to support Anna’s outreach efforts. Upcoming events include a presentation at an upcoming collaborative meeting, a visit to a local school, and more book giveaways.
Anna reflects on the experience: “I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the Collaborative and the community. They are helping to make my dreams come true!”
The book is available for purchase on Amazon.