Lakita Wilson
Lakita Wilson is a Professor of Education, writer, and advocate for diverse and inclusive children’s literature. A 2017 recipient of SCBWI’s On-the-Verge Emerging Voices Award, Lakita lives in Maryland with her two children and Shih-Tzu.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“But on paper, things can live forever.
On paper, a butterfly
never dies.” ― Jacqueline Woodson, Brown Girl DreamingWho are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Jason Reynolds, Beverly Cleary, and Judy Blume
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I wanted to be an author because I wanted to tell fun stories like the Ramona books I used to love. Wherever I went, all times of day and night, ongoing stories continuously played in my head, until finally, I started writing them down.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Never be afraid to write what you love. Never be afraid to revise until you love what’s on the page.