ALICE FAYE DUNCAN
ALICE FAYE DUNCAN writes books for young learners and speaks to students about the Civil Rights Movement. Since 1995, Alice Faye Duncan has published thirteen children’s books to critical acclaim with writing that is celebrated for its vivid imagery and musical lyricism. She writes to help children remember important chapters from African American history, exploring pivotal moments and cultural touchstones that have not previously been explored in children’s picture books.
She has been featured in publications like School Library Journal and the New York Times, and has appeared on Memphis’s PBS station, WKNO, and Fox11 Los Angeles.
Duncan earned a Master’s in Library and Information Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she was awarded a fellowship through the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. She then worked for thirty years as a National Board-Certified Teacher and school librarian, and recently retired in Memphis, Tennessee.
Praise for the Works of Alice Faye Duncan
Coretta’s Journey: The Life and Times of Coretta Scott King chosen for Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year, 2024
Yellow Dog Blues, Evicted, and Opal Lee and What it Means to be Free chosen for Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year, 2023
“A historical journey, an exploration of blues music . . . in this unique artistic exploration.” —Booklist, starred review of Yellow Dog Blues
“Passionate and personal.” —Publishers Weekly on Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop
“The blues. . . run through Duncan's story and history lesson with a smooth rhythm all the author's own.” —School Library Journal on Yellow Dog Blues
“… a strong, useful, and beautiful text.” —Kirkus Reviews on A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks
“Alternating between poems and prose, Duncan’s text is informative as well as emotionally powerful.” —New York Times on Coretta’s Journey: The Life and Times of Coretta Scott King
CALLED TO RISE, CREATED TO SHINE
Thomas Nelson — February 2, 2027
Find daily inspiration to kindle your faith, walk in God’s light, and flourish in joyful generosity.
When your days feel dark with stress, struggles, or grief, God’s light breaks through, offering hope right where you are. Called to Rise, Created to Shine is a 50-day devotional designed to help you pursue a radiant life filled with peace, purpose, and perseverance even in dark moments. Through Scripture, stories of faith, and simple acts of kindness, you’ll be encouraged to rise up and shine God’s light.
With lyrical grace and wisdom, award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan reveals that the all-powerful presence of God is unchanging and present at every turn. These devotions invite you to step into the light of God’s love and allow your thoughts, words, and deeds to be transformed by it. Each entry offers the following:
An Inspiring Scripture: Bible verses to anchor your heart in God’s Word
A Short Devotion: Soulful reflections on biblical and historical figures who inspire faith
An Example of Faith in Action: Real stories of courage and Christ-centered living
Reflection Questions: Thoughtful prompts to examine and deepen your faith
A Daily Challenge to Give: Simple acts of kindness that bless others and reap joy
A Prayer Prompt: Spirit-led prayers to guide your conversations with God
Perfect for busy Christians, women and men of faith, and anyone seeking spiritual encouragement, these devotions fit seamlessly into your day—offering inspiration, guidance, and actionable steps in just a few minutes.
As you journey through these 50 devotions, you are invited to experience:
Hope, peace, and confidence in God’s promises
Guiding light for your daily walk
Victory over discouragement and doubt
Relationships and interactions transformed by compassion
Jesus called you the light of the world! Let your journey begin. Rise and be a shining reflection of God’s love. One act of kindness can start a movement of generosity and fill your world with light.
BLUES BOY: THE B.B. KING STORY
Greenwillow Books — January 27, 2026
From his childhood in the Jim Crow South to his triumphant reign as the King of Blues, Blues Boy tells the aspirational story of American music icon B.B. King. For readers of Trombone Shorty, When Marian Sang, and Drum Dream Girl. Includes a timeline, author’s note, and suggestions for reading and listening.
At twelve years old, Riley B. King borrowed fifteen dollars from his boss to buy a used guitar. Before long, he was playing his music for jubilant crowds all over the world. Blues Boy chronicles B. B. King’s inspiring journey from his childhood in the Jim Crow South to global stardom. It is a compelling biography about the widely known and celebrated American music figure as well as a beautifully illustrated picture book with themes of family, community, history, kindness, empathy, and justice.
Acclaimed author Alice Faye Duncan makes B.B. King’s story both accessible and inspiring for young readers. The text is sometimes uplifting and sometimes heart-wrenching, but always carries emotional depth, much like the music it celebrates. Illustrator and visual artist Carl Joe Williams provides artwork that is rich and distinctive, bringing B.B. King’s story to life on every page. Blues Boy will find a place on the shelf with books like Trombone Shorty and Radiant Child.
Praise for Blues Boy
“Duncan’s expressive prose echoes the lyrics of a powerful blues song, ensuring its pages will be read (or sung) aloud on repeat.” —Kirkus (starred review)
“A thoroughly accessible and enjoyable introduction to a blues legend; highly recommended for elementary school collections.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
“A lyrical poem by Duncan opens the book, setting a poignant tone that mirrors the emotional depth of the blues, capturing its essence. Her assured prose throughout gently guides readers into the life of one of the genre’s most iconic figures.” —Horn Book (starred review)
“In oratorical language that rises and falls like a fervent sermon, Duncan takes her subject from teased, stuttering child in the Mississippi cotton fields to renowned ‘King of the Blues.’” —Booklist