Alice Faye Duncan speaks to Abington elementary students. (Source: Abington School District).
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, first established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926 to celebrate the cultural, intellectual, and artistic achievements of African Americans, as well as their resilience in the face of widespread adversity.
In Abington School District, at Overlook and Willow Hill Elementary Schools, students and staff commemorated this milestone with a special visit from award-winning author and historian Alice Faye Duncan, whose work explores these essential topics for young audiences.
Ms. Duncan presented her nationally acclaimed books to students in kindergarten through 5th grade, using a combination of historical research, poetry, and music to introduce children to influential figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Blues legend B.B. King, and Olympic champion Willie B. Whyte.
A longtime teaching librarian, Ms. Duncan aims to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning, aligning closely with the Abington School District’s literacy initiatives and the ASD Reads! campaign. Her two most recent books, The Dream Builder’s Blueprint: Dr. King’s Message to Young People, illustrated by E.B. Lewis, and Blues Boy, illustrated by Carl Joe Williams, combine storytelling with powerful lessons in courage and perseverance.
"I have been intentional with my subjects," Ms. Duncan said. "I write templates to help all children brave their challenges, scale rugged mountains, and live their dreams."
The visit offered students an engaging opportunity to connect with history, culture, and literature, reinforcing the district’s commitment to celebrating diversity, fostering literacy, and inspiring young learners to pursue their dreams.
About Alice Faye Duncan
Alice Faye Duncan is a National Board Library Media Specialist who writes for young learners. Since 1995, she has written 15 picture books that are celebrated for inspiring messages, vivid imagery, and musical lyricism. As a motivational speaker and historian, she travels the nation, speaking to children and adults. Her Juneteenth book, OPAL LEE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FREE is a bestseller, having sold 100,000 copies since January 2022.
Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop received a Coretta Scott King Honor Medal in 2019. Yellow Dog Blues was a New York Times and New York Public Library Best Illustrated Picture Book in 2022. Evicted was a Bank Street Best Book Selection in 2022. Coretta’s Journey was a 2023 Horn Book Fanfare Selection. And in the Fall of 2023, Alice was featured on Good Morning America to speak about children, grief, and the joy found in her recent book, This Train is Bound for Glory.
Alice served as a school librarian in the city of Memphis for 30 years. She earned her first job and wrote her first picture book in 1992. However, her serious intention to write professionally began at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) during Library School when she served as a graduate assistant for professor, Glenn Estes. The UTK School of Information Science honored Alice as a "Distinguished Alumni" in 2024.
