Inspired by a 17-year-old gunman sent to prison for life, B.J. Holmes wrote “Donnie and the Little Brown Shoes”.
The illustrated story carries messages about peer pressure and fitting in, targeted to the fourth- and fifth-grade crowd. It also is a parenting primer for parents who may have trouble talking to their children about topics that, left undiscussed, could send their kids down the wrong road.
The book is centered on a young boy who was doing well, but who was sent down the wrong road after making a bad life choice.
“But he became a man and realized he’d lost his focus,” Logan said. “That is a story that all of us can identify with. I see it many times as people come through the court.”
I hope that this book inspires a child to stop and think before making a life altering mistake. If it can open up a dialogue between a child and their parents/guardian, it just may save a life. Kudos to B.J. Holmes for being a part of the solution.
To purchase this book:
Bayard Gallery of Fine African American Art & Books- (616) 456-5900
Hi I’m B.J Holmes, I am the author of ‘Donnie and the Little Brown Shoes’. This story was intended to make it easier for adults to discuss social issues with children to prepare them for the challenges of peer pressure and making good choices on their own while they are still quite impressionable. It is designed to set the stage for productive discussion that will teach children good decision making skills. It is the first of a three volume series of books and is currently available at Bayard Gallary in Grand Rapids, MI, on consignment at Schuler Books in Grand Rapids, and Black Star Community Books, in Detroit, MI. I welcome your feedback. B.J.
Hello again. It’s B.J. I am new at blogging. I failed to let you know about goggle search ‘Donnie and the Little Brown Shoes’. There may still be some articles that give a thorough overview about the series and its purpose. I am not computer savvy, but I am trying to learn. So don’t laugh. I hope to develop a websit in the near future. Take care and I hope to read your comments soon. B.J.
B.J. thanks for visiting. I am proud to post about this book and if you let me know when the other books are coming out, they too will be featured. Let me do a new google search of your book and I will feature a new post about ‘Donnie and the Little Brown Shoes’.
Hello, I would like to comment on the excellent book written by Betty Holmes. Sometimes adults wish to protect children from the harsher realities of the world, and with good reason. But, Donnie and the Little Brown Shoes is an insightful work to read and explore with children.
It’s message is heartfelt and tragic, yet accessible to youth. Kids should be allowed to be kids, but let us not shelter them from the world, but prepare them for it!
I thank Betty for her book as do my family & friends who have purchased it to share with the children in their lives.
BJ Holmes brought out some very important points in the life of a child. It takes some thinking to relate to some of them, but with an adult’s help, I think it will help children cope with all of the challenges in life. Very well written!
Thank you Pam. i am currently working on the next volume with hopes that it will be released in December or January at the latest. I appreciate your support and enthusiasm. I will most definitely keep you posted.
We need to reach our youth and compete with their peer pressure. This book is a reality check for them. At first glance the style looks too young for the material, but the kids who need this info the most, can easily read it. It can be helpful in many organizations: schools, churches, family, scouting, etc. We need more books like this that tell it like it is, great work Ms Holmes !
Agreed!
This is an excellent, easy to read, well written book, I recommend it to parents, schools and churches. I purchased several copies for my grand children (male and female) ranging between the ages of 9-13. Way to go B.J. Holmes!
Hello Pam: It’s been a while. I have been working on the second volume of Donnie and the Little Brown Shoes. It is due to be released this Sat., Sept. 6, at the Bayard Gallary at 1156 Wealthy in Grand Rapids, MI, I will be there for a signing from 12pm to 3pm, and their will also be a book signing at Schuler Books and Music on 28th St SE, on Sept., 13th from 12pm to 2pm. I was also invited to return to the Michigan authors book fair at Barnes and Noble for a booksigning on Thurs., Oct. 17, from 7pm to 9pm. The third volume is due late winter, or early spring. I appreciate your comments on the series. Please visit my website at turningpagespublishing.com for further details. Look forward to your opinion of vol. II. I invite any questions and comments. B. J.
Thanks for the update BJ. I will try to make one of the signings and I definitely will be doing a new post to promote your book.