CONTACT: Karen E. Dabney, Dabs & Company dabsandco@att.net (313) 632-3384
YOUNG ADULT NOVEL ADDRESSES AND EXPLAINS THE USE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN VERNACULAR ENGLISH
Detroit, MI – The young adult novel, The Magic Pencil, explores the nuances of language many African Americans may use when communicating within varying situations. This practice -- known as code-switching -- is not unique to African Americans but it has attracted much attention and discussion in the academic world of late.
Karen E. Dabney has taken this subject and crafted a compelling and entertaining story revolving around an inquisitive boy, a mysterious girl and a magic pencil.
In the story the children speak naturally to one another using Standard English, when necessary or desired, while demonstrating their ability to switch back and forth with little effort. The result is a gentle education for those who have preconceived notions regarding the users of African American Vernacular English (AAVE), also known as “Ebonics”.
AAVE has a long history that began when the first enslaved Africans were brought to the United States. They had to develop ways to communicate verbally with each other due to speaking differing dialects and languages. This task, coupled with learning how to communicate with the white slave owners, required skill and patience. The result of the style with which the average enslaved person spoke displayed a new language complete with its own rules and consistencies.
The AAVE one hears today around the country is basically the same as its roots.
Readers of The Magic Pencil will come to understand that the characters who continually use
AAVE are not any less intelligent than those who speak Standard English. This discovery is important in that it lifts the self-esteem of youth who may struggle with the latter’s correct usage.
They will find vindication while reading about others who live full lives and verbally share their feelings in what may be the reader’s home/first language.
Important lessons are also to be found in The Magic Pencil. The story imparts means and methods youth may employ to successfully navigate through the pitfalls they may encounter in life. Self-determination and reliance are fostered. The attainment of knowledge is lauded.
Ms. Dabney has created an important and magnetically didactic read!
For more information visit dabsandcompany.com
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Karen E. Dabney
PO Box 47327
Oak Park, MI48237-5027
313.632.3384
The Magic Pencil, a novel for young adults
Young Malcolm Bakersfield has been making his way through life’s pitfalls as best he can with the help of family and friends. School’s not a problem but Malc could do better. One day he tells his older brother and a friend about his latest dream. It is as fantastic as it is wonderful! But Malc has yet to learn that it, and a pencil, will forever change his world! We join him in his quest to find the truth to the power of the pencil.
Karen E. Dabney has created memorable characters and a fun read that teaches life lessons along the way. The Magic Pencil can be enjoyed by younger children as well as adults. It is humorous, entertaining and uplifting. Original poems are placed throughout the story.
The well-known author, Jimmy Santiago Baca, has lauded Karen’s work as “unrivaled in young adult literature.” Author Karl Klein believes the novel “is destined to become a classic.”
To place orders for the book see website: www.dabsandcompany.com
or contact:
Dabs & Company
PO Box 47327
Oak Park, MI48237
313.632.3384
Money orders made payable to Karen E. Dabney
To arrange for readings and interviews contact the author:
Phone 313.632.3384
Fax 313.341.7571
E-mail dabsandco@att.net
ISBN 10: 0-615-28291-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-615-28291-6
244 pages, soft cover laminate, perfect bound
$14.95
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The Magic Pencil is the story of a boy, Malcolm Bakersfield, whose life is forever changed by a new and mysterious classmate, Nia Stellar.
The adventure begins when Malcolm borrows a pencil from Nia. As he begins to use it, the pencil glows and his writing flows! Malc now suspects that Nia has magical powers. His attempts to get her to admit to anything are useless. He becomes as mystified as she is mysterious and spends much of his time trying to find out the secret to the power of the pencil!
During his quest, Malc learns many things about himself and the world. He is able to find new ways to navigate his way through problems and to excel at anything he aspires to accomplish. He discovers new powers within himself that seem to have always been available.
The book imparts--in a fun way--many of life's lessons about things that the average young adult encounters daily. It is humorous and has original poetry throughout. It also demonstrates different ways of speaking depending on one's listeners and surroundings.
The characters are engaging and will cause the reader to want to know more about them and what motivates them. The book is a vehicle that will drive children to the dictionary as it doesn't talk down to them but will lift them up into new discoveries and self-determination.
The Magic Pencil is magnetically didactic and all youth who read it will come away better persons for having done so!
African American Vernacular English and The Magic Pencil
In the story, Malcolm switches between using standard English and what some call Ebonics.
This practice has become an important issue as the educational system is seeking more productive ways to introduce youth, whose primary language is AAVE, to learn how to speak, read and write in standard English. The Magic Pencil demonstrates the differences through Malcolm's usage and observations regarding the issue.
I believe this is newsworthy because of the burgeoning interest in the matter.
I personally met with Almitra Berry of the University of Phoenix Advanced Studies at the recently held Michigan Reading Association's conference in March, 2010 and she feels my novel is of great importance regarding AAVE.
Thank you for your interest.
Karen E. Dabney
The Magic Pencil, a novel for young adults.
Join Malcolm Bakersfield in his quest to learn the secret to the power of the pencil! Meet his mysterious friend, Nia, who started it all! Discover Malc's and your hidden powers!
