Giving Thanks to the Authors Who Came Before Us by Yvelette Stines

November is a season of gratitude, and as writers, it is the perfect time to honor the authors and storytellers whose courage, creativity, and determination paved the way for us. Long before our stories reached the page, literary ancestors used their words to preserve history, share lived experiences, challenge injustice, and give a voice to those who were often overlooked. Our stories came in many artistic forms, including music, painting, quilting, sewing, oral storytelling, and the written word.

Many of our literary ancestors have shown us that stories have the power to educate, inspire, connect generations, and change how we see the world. Their contributions remind us that every writer is part of a larger legacy built by those who dared to write when opportunities were limited and created a way for their voices to be heard.

As we reflect on our own writing journeys, let us remember that we did not get here alone. The authors who came before us opened doors, challenged barriers, and made it possible for more stories to be told. This month and beyond, we hold space and honor their legacy not only by celebrating their accomplishments but also by continuing their work, by telling our stories, uplifting underrepresented voices, and encouraging the next generation of writers. We may never fully know how far our words will travel, but we can write with purpose, knowing that our stories may inspire someone just as the stories before us inspired us.

As we reflect on the children's book pioneers who paved the way, we honor authors like Virginia Hamilton, Eloise Greenfield, and Ashley Bryan, whose stories expanded possibilities, preserved cultural traditions, and made room for voices that needed to be heard. We also celebrate authors such as Jacqueline Woodson and Carole Boston Weatherford, who continue to build on that legacy. Their work reminds us that every generation of storytellers has a role in shaping children's literature.

This November, let's extend that gratitude to our own writing community. I encourage my fellow SCBWI members to pick up a book written by another SCBWI author, as well as stories that tell beautiful stories of current authors and those who came before us. Read their story, recommend it to a friend, or consider giving it as a holiday gift. By supporting one another, we help today's stories find their readers and ensure that the path continues to widen for those who will follow.

We give gratitude to those who walked so we could run, and now it is our turn to help clear the path for those who will follow. May we honor the authors who came before us with gratitude, carry their courage into our own work, and remember that the stories we write today will become part of tomorrow’s literary legacy.

Books That Remind Us to Give Thanks

Family Feast!
By Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by Frank Morrison

What Is Given from the Heart
By Patricia C. McKissack
Illustrated by April Haarison

Thank You, Omu!
By Oge Mora

Thanks a Million
By Nikki Grimes

Yvelette Stines is an author, communications specialist, and educator. Her work has been featured in publications such as Essence, Uptown, Heart & Soul, Hispanic Executive Quarterly, Ebony, Green Build Design, T Brand Studio of The New York Times, Mind Body Green, and more. She served as a digital editor and social media coordinator for The Source Magazine and Jones Magazine. From 2007-2017, she started and ran Calming Corners, a blog that encourages readers to live a calm and healthy life. 

Stines has written seven books and journals geared toward both children and adults that focus on health. Her work in public relations led her to work on campaigns for Spike Lee, Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) FX Network, TNT, and more. She also represented clients in marketing, lifestyle, non-profit, and hospitality industries. Her clients have been featured in INC Magazine, Business News Daily, NPR, Fox, NBC, Essence, Black Enterprise, and more. Stines hopes to encourage others to live a life that they love and leave the world a better place. To learn more, visit www.yvelettestines.com.