Hurray! The first Perfect Picture Book Friday post of 2019! This year is shaping up to be a wild rollercoaster of adventure for me. So it made sense to review a book about a group of pioneers who also experienced a challenging journey. Oh, by the way, did I mention these pioneers were African Americans? The book is fiction, but based on true events – the story of the town of Nicodemus, Kansas, where, in 1877, former slaves could purchase a large tract of prairie land for $5…all they had to do was chop down trees to build their homes, hunt animals to provide food for their families, plow the hardscrabble ground to plant crops, and survive the harsh winters, frozen rivers, and lack of supportive neighboring towns.
Author Archives: viviankirkfield
Happy Book Birthday: FOLLOW ME DOWN TO NICODEMUS TOWN Plus Giveaway
Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to FOLLOW ME DOWN TO NICODEMUS TOWN!

FOLLOW ME DOWN TO NICODEMUS TOWN
Written by Alexandria LaFaye
Illustrated by Nicole Tadgell
Published by Albert Whitman and Company
I am so excited! I truly love picture books that uncover hidden gems of history…and Continue reading
A Writer’s Journey: Looking Back at 2018 and Moving Forward into 2019

There is something wonderful about the New Year. I see it as a time to look back on what I’ve done and it’s also an opportunity to make adjustments as I move forward. For the past few years, I’ve participated in Julie Hedlund’s 12 Days of Christmas – a challenge to lift up all you have accomplished. Because the business of writing can be fraught with rejection and disappointment, it’s all the more important to spend time celebrating the positive. and the steps you’ve taken to follow your dream and make it a reality.
Today is Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas and the assignment is to list ALL of your successes for the year…big ones and little ones. I feel so blessed because in 2012, I made a conscious decision to follow my dream and now I am living it…and I’m thrilled to be taking this journey with all of you! Here are my twelve writing success for 2018: Continue reading