Q: First tell us something about yourself?
I am Elena Grant. I was born in Homewood, IL. However, I spent most of my childhood in Berrien Springs, MI. I am a Midwest girl. I am a first grade teacher and counselor. I enjoy interior design and planning elaborate events. I also enjoy cuddling by my fireplace and reading an encaptivating novel. My love for books began as a young child and still remains with me today.
Q: How and when your journey started as a writer?
My journey started as a writer at the tender age of 6. I enjoyed writing short stories about my daily life and creating imaginative stories. Before long, I was constantly writing during school and during my free time. Not until the pandemic, did I dedicate my time and effort into completing a children’s book.
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
” A New First Day” is my first completed narrative. However, when I was 12 years old, I wrote a compilation of poems. I’ve always enjoyed writing to express my feelings and emotions.
Q: Tell us something more about your books?
“A New First Day” is an encaptivating narrative that describes the fears and emotions students might feel entering the classroom during COVID19. This book displays the initial reaction of a student entering the classroom after all of the necessary CDC guidelines have been implemented. As the book continues Cindy, the main character, has an overwhelmed sense of grief and begins to cry. She expresses her disdain for the COVID19. As her classmates voice their disdain as well. Cindy ponders on the school activities such as how will she eat lunch? Or how will recess be conducted? Soon after, Cindy engages in all of her normal school activities but with a few minor adjustments. At the end of the book, Cindy realizes she was able to survive school during this COVID19. She finds comfort and peace with these new changes.
Q: Why do you choose kids as your reader ? is there any specific reason?
As an educator, I am always thinking about the thoughts and emotions of my students. Many times children are overlooked and misunderstood. Therefore, I felt it was imperative for my readers to be children.
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
During March 2020, our schools were dismissed for 100 percent virtual instruction due to the global pandemic. After, observing the emotions and thoughts of my students. I felt it was imperative to write a book that addresses those feelings. Cindy, my main character, developed from a previous student. This student constantly expressed her fears of COVID19 and questioned how COVID19 would change school.
Q: Do you want to give any message for your readers?
My desire is for readers to feel a sense of peace and comfort after reading this book. My hope is each reader approaches everyday as “A New First Day”.
