Destiny's Gift 
By Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Illustrated by Adjoa J. Burrowes
9781584301561
Destiny loves words, and her favorite place in the world is Mrs. Wade's bookstore, where words abound. On Saturdays, Destiny helps Mrs. Wade at the store, and at day's end they relax together, drinking tea and reading. Then one Saturday Mrs. Wade does not seem her usual self, and Destiny later learns the store may have to close.
Destiny is determined not to let this happen. As she works to help keep the store open, she also creates an imaginative gift for Mrs. Wade that captures the warmth and special magic of the store forever.
Destiny's Gift is a heartwarming celebration of friendship and creativity, and a touching tribute to a child's love for reading and the power of words.
Booktalk with author Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
- Awards
-
Storytelling World Honor Award
Stories for Young Listeners
Storytelling World
Paterson Prize for Books for Young People
Special Recognition
The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College
- Interest Level
- Grades 1 - 4
- Reading Level
- Grades 3 - 4
- Themes
- African/African American Interest, Neighbors, Sharing & Giving
- Accelerated Reader
- Level: 4.0
Points: .5
Natasha Anastasia Tarpley became a writer because she fell in love with words as a child, just like Destiny in her story Destiny's Gift. The author of three award-winning picture books, Tarpley wrote Destiny's Gift to encourage children to celebrate their creative talents and realize their ability to make a difference in their communities and the lives of those they love. A Harvard University graduate, Tarpley has received several writing awards and fellowships, including a National Endowment for the Arts poetry fellowship. She lives in Chicago.
Adjoa J. Burrowes has illustrated many books for children. In addition, Burrowes has written and illustrated several books for LEE & LOW’s Bebop Books educational imprint. Burrowes received a Fine Arts degree from Howard University and currently lives with her children in Herndon, Virginia. To find out more about Adjoa Burrowes, visit her Web site: www.adjoaburrowes.com
