News

Known for writing with alarming brilliance, artistic prowess and riveting relevance that captures young adult audiences worldwide, New York Times Best Selling and award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson held a series of presentations and book signings on Monday, Feb. 28 for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students. 

The critically-acclaimed author of more than 12 books has received awards for her young adult novels, Allegedly, Monday’s Not Coming, Let Me Hear a Rhyme and Grown. Jackson’s honors include the Coretta Scott King—John Steptoe New Talent Award and an NAACP Image Award nomination. 

“We wanted to end our Black Heritage Month at the Charter High School with a powerful, empowering voice for our students,” said Liza Cummings, PhD, CHS STEM instructional coordinator, and event coordinator with Bridget Nelson, CHS English instructor. Nelson has taught Monday’s Not Coming and Grown in two separate classes. 

Jackson met separately with CHS classes to read and discuss passages of her books that dealt with sensitive and timely topics such as rape culture and the vulnerability of young Black girls. The author also signed her books. CHS has copies of all of Jackson’s books except for Santa in the City. Each CHS student and faculty ordered a Jackson book of their choice to read and for the author to sign. 

“Ms. Jackson is a prolific and powerful writer who speaks with an authentic voice that our students understand,” said CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD. “The topics in her books are real and difficult, and need to be discussed in hopes of finding solutions. She also encouraged students to use their voices creatively whenever they can.” 

“Tiffany spoke out about schools that are censoring books, including hers,” added Cummings. “She pointed out that her book, Monday’s Not Coming, was under attack by some parents who claimed it was about sex. Tiffany noted that her book sheds light on the pressures of sex (not engaging in the act). She then encouraged students to use their voice and challenge adults who would not like to see her books in schools.” 

“Students enjoy reading Ms. Jackson’s books,” said Nelson. “The books are especially well received by those students who don’t usually like to read.” 

Many of Jackson’s books are inspired by real-life news headlines. The author shared synopses of the following books:

• Allegedly
• Monday’s Not Coming
• Let Me Hear a Rhyme
• Grown 
• White Smoke
• The Awakening of Malcolm X
• Santa in the City
• Blackout - written by various authors including Jackson. All CHS students have a copy of this book, which is mandatory reading for the entire student body. 

Three of Jackson’s books may soon come to life on television and/or on film, reported Cummings.

• Let Me Hear a Rhyme is being picked up by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson
• Blackout is being picked up by President Barak Obama and Michelle Obama
• White Smoke is being considered by two production companies for a television series 

The author’s background includes work with BET (Black Entertainment Television), BBC (British Broadcasting Co.), National Geographic, Rock Nation, Epix and Fuse. 

The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century. 

Photos:
Tiffany D. Jackson, New York Times Best Selling and award-winning author, talks to SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School students. 

Jackson is seen with a group of selected students from different grade levels.