2020 Year in Review

This year tried to kill me. For real. There’s no hyperbole in that statement. 

Cancer come along and tried to take my life and many of the things that make life worth living.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the constant reminders of racial injustice almost stole my joy. 

The deaths of loved ones almost took my hope. 

But in spite of it all, I kept going. 

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My Word for 2021

Every December I not only set goals for the upcoming year, but I choose a word for the year, too.  I knew what my word for 2021 would be before we were halfway through 2020.

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Tech executive Martha Underwood adds ‘children’s book author’ to her resume

Martha Underwood had always dreamed of writing a children’s book. But as a senior technology executive who leads large software teams, Martha is busy. Really busy.

But Martha has finally made room for her passion for writing to pen a new children’s book series just in time for Christmas.

Parkers’ Elf and Paiyton’s Elf, which feature Black children and Black elves, were inspired by Martha’s sons’ love of Christmas and the challenges they’ve faced dealing with the heaviness of current events. The books help children explore diversity, self-esteem, and emotions all through the magic of Christmas.

The children in the stories are excited about Christmas but worry that their struggles with managing their emotions might ruin their holiday. Fortunately, with the help of a magical elf, the children learn how to communicate their feelings. Parents and teachers will appreciate how the stories guide children through different scenarios to help them conquer fear, deal with disappointment, and manage frustration.

Martha’s series also includes the books Ethan’s Elf and Emma’s Elf.

We had a chat with Martha about her new book series, the importance of diversity in children’s books, and more.

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