Storyteller: Mélina Mangal

Mélina Mangal is the author of short stories and biographies for youth, including The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just, winner of the Carter G. Woodson Book Award and named an NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. Mélina’s newest picture book is Jayden’s Impossible Garden, winner of the Strive/Free Spirit African American Voices contest, with “An abundance of STEAM connections and wonderful character representation.” (Booklist, Starred Review) Mélina also works as a school library teacher in Minnesota and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, whether it’s in her backyard or hiking in the woods. Visit her online at melinamangal.com.

Follow Mélina Mangal:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Mélina On Writing for Children:

“I work with children and want to bring stories to them that reflect their lives, instill pride, and spark curiosity, wonder, and joy. I want to fill the gap I still see in highlighting the lives of African American children.”

Would you like to see and purchase titles from our Storyteller cohort and members of The Brown Bookshelf?

THE LITERARY CAFE–BOOKS & EVENTS Bookstore Amplify Black Stories Book List, Curated by The African American Children’s Book Project showcases a wide range of topics and talent from the Black Literary Community, including our cohort of Storytellers and members of the Brown Bookshelf. The list includes both non-fiction and fiction titles that will empower, enlighten and enrich all readers. Visit the bookstore.

See all Storytellers in the 2021 Amplify Black Stories cohort.