Listen Back: Ashley Franklin shares Not Quite Snow White

Original Air Date: July 16, 2019

Ashley Franklin (@DifferentAshley) shares NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE. In this debut picture book readers meet Tameika, a theater-loving, stage-starring girl. She’s so excited for her school’s production of Snow White that she signs up for both audition dates. But after Tameika overhears classmates criticising that she’s too tall and too chubby and to black for the part, Tameika is crushed. There’s more to the story, of course, but you’ll need to listen for that. Ashley brings up our responsibility, no matter the age, to not make people feel hurt. And in our conversation she talks about the need to dismantle the idea of complete perfection as we engage young people.

Listen along:

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Tameika is a girl who belongs on the stage. She loves to act, sing, and dance—and she’s pretty good at it, too. So when her school announces their Snow White musical, Tameika auditions for the lead princess role.

But the other kids think she’s “not quite” right to play the role.

They whisper, they snicker, and they glare.

Will Tameika let their harsh words be her final curtain call?

Not Quite Snow White is a delightful and inspiring picture book that highlights the importance of self-confidence while taking an earnest look at what happens when that confidence is shaken or lost. Tameika encourages us all to let our magic shine.

SHOW NOTES:

• Learn more about Ashley Franklin at ashleyfranklinwrites.wordpress.com