We’re so excited for Nadia Salomon whose NF picture book, A VOICE OF HOPE won the BCALA, SLJ 2025 Children & Youth Literacy Award for non-fiction and a CBC 2025 Notable Social Studies Trade Book Award! SLJ spotlighted A VOICE OF HOPE as an exemplary book to introduce tweens to activism. It is also a 2025 #PADIBA Commended title and earned two starred reviews from SLJ and The Horn Book!
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal? I had always dreamt of writing children’s literature. It was a path I knew I’d take at some point in my life. That journey happened when I became a mom. I couldn’t find books that accurately reflected my family’s cultures and identities commercially. So, I wrote the stories I wanted to see for my child and for myself.
What fears/hopes did you have before working with Bethany privately or taking a Writing Barn class? I workshopped A VOICE OF HOPE through the Writing Barn after receiving a revise and resubmit request from an editor. I brought it to the WB with hopes to improve my writing, tell Myrlie Evers-Williams story respectfully, make it more kid-relatable, and make the draft I had stronger. I had taken a couple of classes with The Writing Barn before. It made sense to revise through the WB’s PB Bio class with Rob Sanders. Rob is a master in writing PB Bios. Since this title was my first foray into the non-fiction arena, why not learn from someone who’s been a teacher, understands kid-relatability, and writes great pb bios? My hope was to polish my manuscript and make it so irresistable, the editor would say yes. Two weeks after I completed the class, the editor acquired a VOICE OF HOPE.
How did the WB programming aid you in both the craft and business of picture book writing? I learned how to take mentor texts apart. I looked at different ways to approach storytelling and how to play with words. It was songwriting by a different name. I learned the business of picture book writing will always be hard, but your chances of securing a home for your manuscript are pretty good as long as you do your research, write from the heart, write what you know, don’t chase trends, respect your reader’s intellect, and share an informative story that is resonant.
What Writing Barn class(es) or other programs (WSS, CTC, VERGE, etc.) have you participated in? I’ve participated in several events, launches, and four other classes after taking PB Bio II with Rob Sanders. Writing Within or Outside Your Experience In Picture Books with Meera Sriram, Ins and Outs of Graphic Novel Writing With Varian Johnson, Crafting Narrative Non-Fiction Picture Books with Barb Rosenstock, and Fresh Takes on Tried and True PB Topics with Candy Wellins. Each session was informative with takeaways I use and apply in my current works.
What is a takeaway you will carry with you far beyond this good news as you continue to build and develop your career? To keep writing what I know and feel is needed. To keep sharing my knowledge and paying it forward, because I didn’t get where I am on my authorship journey alone. Remembering those who opened doors for me to tell my truth. And uplift and amplify others doing work I admire.
Any advice you have for writers/creatives having trouble staying the course in pursuing their goals? Go at your own pace. Set realistic goals for yourself instead of watching other people. You’re only competing with yourself. Create your own path. Stay persistent, because when you’re close to giving up, that’s usually when big magic happens. Creatives tend to forget the road is difficult for most. The one’s who are rising are the ones who stayed the course, changed their strategies, and persisted. Find a way, if a path is not working or giving you the results you’re looking for. Be audacious and do what feels right for you.
Writers can purchase a A VOICE OF HOPE everywhere now!
About Nadia Salomon
Nadia Salomon is a #Pitmad Success Story and author of award winning books, GOODNIGHT GANESHA and A VOICE OF HOPE. Her third book, A RAKHI FOR RAKESH, releases in July with HarperCollins (Versify). Nadia works closely with SCBWI, 12×12 Challenge, Kids Comics Unite, and Storyteller Academy. When she’s not teaching a class or spinning yarns, you’ll find her blogging about her favorite reads on Nadia’s Nook. Visit her website NadiaSalomon.com or follow her on Instagram @NadiaSalomon.Author and @nadias.nook.