Nikki

Shannon Smith

Award Winning Children’s Author

Educator & Presenter

Travels from: Sacramento, CA

“Readers will root for Ava as she draws on her ingenuity and strength to survive alone, deep in the Adirondack woods. This gripping tale, loaded with suspense and riveting details, is the modern-day answer to Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet, a fresh and inclusive take on the classic wilderness survival story.” — Kate Messner, award-winning author of Breakout

Nikki Shannon Smith is an educator, presenter, and the award-winning author of over 20 published and forthcoming books, ranging from board books to young adult novels. She is the author of the Azaleah Lane chapter book series (Capstone) as well as the board book series Brown Baby Parade (PRH/Crown). Nikki’s work includes two Little Golden Books (Our Beautiful Colors and The Little Christmas Elf), A Star Like Jesse Owens, a Smithsonian Historical Fiction title about the 1936 Olympics, and five titles in Capstone’s multi-author, historical fiction/adventure, middle grade series, Girls Survive. Her Girls Survive title Lena and the Burning of Greenwood was the recipient of the 2023 Oklahoma Book Award in the Young Adult Category. Nikki’s middle grade novel, Stranded, will be released on September 17, 2024 (Scholastic). Several of Nikki’s titles have been celebrated by Amazon Editors’ Picks, Bank Street Best Children’s Books, Chicago Public Library, Boston Public Library, School Library Journal, and Kirkus. Our Beautiful Colors was featured on the cover of The California Reader (A publication of the CA Reading Association, Volume 56, Number 1, Winter 2023).

Nikki holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Reading Specialist Credential, an Administrative Services Credential, and a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Language and Literacy. Her writing is informed not only by her research and over 30 years in education, but by her child-like curiosity and a deep love for words.

Nikki was born and raised in Oakland, CA. She was a bookish child, who sometimes got in trouble for reading instead of doing chores or homework. She now lives in Woodland, CA, but sneaks away to speak at conferences, professional development workshops, and author visits whenever she can. Nikki is a daydreamer, lover of sweets and scary movies, and frequent visitor of Disneyland. In her spare time, she loves to visit the coast. The first thing she packs in her suitcase is always a book.

Nikki's Featured Titles

Easter Fun: A Brown Baby Parade Book

Crown Books for Young Readers |

February 18, 2025

Children’s

It’s time for some Easter fun! Read along as a young girl spends Easter Sunday with her family in this next installment of the Brown Baby Parade board book series that’s perfect for ages 0-3.

I quickly spy a pink egg.
But guess what? There are more!
We have to keep on hunting,
much harder than before.

A little girl and her family celebrate Easter by visiting loved ones, eating a special meal, and going on an Easter egg hunt.

Nikki Shannon Smith’s bouncy, rhythmic text and Ashley Evans’s vivid, welcoming illustrations pair beautifully to create heartwarming scenes of everyday life. The joyful depiction of a Black family celebrating Easter traditions together will allow children to relate no matter how they celebrate!

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Friendship & Community, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Social & Emotional Development

Stranded

Scholastic Inc |

September 17, 2024

Children’s/Middle Grade

One storm. One winter. One girl’s fight for survival.

A contemporary My Side of the Mountain, Stranded is the story of a wilderness-hungry Black girl from Manhattan whose journey in the Adirondack mountains becomes a nail-biting story of courage, independence, and survival.

“This gripping tale, loaded with suspense and riveting details, is the modern-day answer to Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet, a fresh and inclusive take on the classic wilderness survival story.” — Kate Messner, award-winning author of Breakout

Nature-loving Ava yearns to leave the noise of New York City behind for a real adventure in the great outdoors―that’s why she’s thrilled when her parents allow her to move in with her Auntie Raven in the Adirondack Mountains!

It’s a dream come true . . . until Auntie Raven is called away and Ava’s stay is cut short. But when wires get crossed, Ava finds herself alone in her aunt’s secluded cabin. Winter comes early in the mountains, and one night, a single storm will change everything. With a destroyed cabin, no cell reception, and no neighbors for miles, Ava begins to realize this adventure is more than she ever could have imagined.

Surrounded by mountains blanketed with snow and ice, Ava is completely on her own. It’s the ultimate test . . . and her newly-developed survival skills may not be enough for her to last through the winter. Ava might not be able to fight the cold and the storms that come her way, but can she work with nature long enough to survive it?

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Fiction, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Mystery & Thriller, Natural World

On the Farm: A Brown Baby Parade Book

Crown Books for Young Readers |

May 28, 2024

Children’s

There is a lot to do on the family farm! Read along in this sturdy board book perfect for children ages 0-3 as a boy helps his grandfather in this next installment of the Brown Baby Parade series.

Papa’s farm is big.
There’s so much work to do!
Papa smiles and says,
“I like to work with you!”

A little boy helps his grandpa weed the garden, feed the chicks, fix a fence to stop escaping goats, and so much more in this sweet story. Nikki Shannon Smith’s soothing, rhythmic text and Amanda Quartey’s warm, welcoming illustrations pair beautifully to create heartwarming scenes of everyday life. The joyful depiction of Black rural life will allow children to see themselves and encourage interest in their local farming communities!

Animals & Wildlife, BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Friendship & Community, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Social & Emotional Development

Riding (Writing) the Roller Coaster: An Author’s Journey (All Ages)

In this interactive session, including visuals, Nikki will answer one of the most commonly asked questions: How did you become an author? She will share how she got started, a typical day, the ups and downs of her writing and the book making process, and she’ll read from a selected title, showing the difference between an early draft and the final book. Includes time for Q & A.
Length: 30-60 minutes (in-person or virtual, assembly, grade level, or single classroom)

So, I Wrote This Book… (All Ages)

In this book talk-style presentation, Nikki will discuss her most recent book, giving an inside peek at why she wrote it, some of the choices she made for the plot and characters, and any hidden tidbits of truth in her fiction. This session may include a reading, time for Q & A, and signing.
Length: 30-60 minutes (in-person or virtual, assembly, grade level, or single classroom)

Book Club Chat, Author Meet & Greet, and Q & A (First grade through adults)

Nikki will meet with a small group who has read one or more of her books. She will chat with participants about the featured title(s) and answer questions. Includes book signing, if desired, for in-person events.
Length: 30-60 minutes (in-person or virtual, up to 32 people)

The Big Picture: Picture Books in TK-12 Classrooms (Professional Development)

Many people think of picture books as books for the youngest readers. But the value of picture books extends far beyond the primary classroom. In this interactive session designed for TK-12 teachers and librarians, Nikki will discuss ways that picture books can benefit all students, by selecting titles strategically and varying the way they are used and discussed. Nikki will provide concrete examples, and depending on session length, will model a picture book discussion with the audience, and/or lead a planning activity.
Length: 1-3 hours (in-person only, audience size may vary)

Diversify Your Shelves (Professional Development)

Libraries and classrooms must open eyes, minds, dialogue, and hearts. In this session, TK-12 teachers and librarians will learn strategies for fostering inclusivity through diverse books and authentic representation. Nikki will discuss why representation is important for all children, highlight various types of diverse books, provide strategies for vetting books, share ways to deliver instruction related to diverse books, and will provide resources for finding the best books to put into the hands of young readers. By the end of this interactive workshop, educators will have an action plan for integrating diverse books into their classrooms, libraries, and instruction.
Length: 1-3 hours (in-person only, audience size may vary)

Publishing/Writing/Developing Your Craft (For Adults)

Nikki offers a wide variety of interactive workshops and presentations for adults interested in writing for children. All sessions include time for Q & A. Possible topics include how to get published, how to write specific categories and genres of children’s literature, brainstorming and outlining, researching, plotting and pacing, developing characters, and drafting and revision. Nikki is published across categories and genres, and can speak to board books through young adult, poetry and prose.
Length: 1-3 Hours (in-person or virtual, audience size may vary)

Other Available Presentations Include:

• Story Time
• From My Brain to Yours: How Books Are Made
• Never Give Up: Lessons in Perseverance
• As the Story Unfolds (Narrative Writing)
• Do Your Homework! Research and Writing (4th grade and up)
• Perspective, Voice, and Point of View (4th grade and up)
• Keynotes: Diversity in Children’s Literature, Literacy, Equity in Education, Writing/Publishing
• District, School, and Community Events
• Don’t see what you’re looking for? Feel free to ask for a customized presentation!

“Nikki was very easy to work with and had a great rapport with the kids. Nikki is also very organized and easy to correspond with. It was easy to get the info I needed, when I needed it. It was a pleasure to work with Nikki!” — Ann Wahlstrom, Ramsey County Library Branch Manager, MN, Kindergarten Library Card Program, 2024

“Hands down, Nikki is one of the best presenters I’ve ever heard and watched. Nikki is engaging in the entire crowd, understands the room she’s presenting to and hits on all the main points that keeps the audience engaged and wanting more. Nikki’s presence is so calm, welcoming and her stories inspiring. She keeps her audience wanting to hear more and more! Nikki is a true delight – her empathy, compassion, and professionalism set her apart from the crowd!” — Jana Klein, Capstone, Las Vegas, NV, APPLE CORE Literacy Incentive Kick-Off Event: Keynote Address/School Visit Las Vegas and Henderson Schools, 2023

“Nikki’s school presentations were engaging, age responsive and inspiring. The students learned about what it takes to be a professional writer in a fun and interactive presentation.” — Erica Tso Haidas, Founder and Owner, Belonging Books/Visit Organizer for Eddy Elementary School and Stony Brook Elementary, Brewster, MA, 2023

“Fantastic presentation! Colorful, bold, to the point and clear that all ages (12-18) were engaged. I listened to Nikki as she taught young teen girls how to enhance and refine their writing. Nikki’s teaching style was engaging, fun, and incredibly thoughtful in keeping her students’ attention. Nikki was among my students’ favorite instructors.” — Renée Richard, CEO, Cinnamongirl, Oakland, CA, Write Your Story Program, 2020-2023

“Nikki was an outstanding presenter. She was personable and upbeat and the information she shared was informative, well organized and clear. I learned a lot about the educational market that I can use as a springboard for my own research. She also gave a great critique of my work that has set me on an improved revision path from what I initially planned.” — Christie Worrell, Workshop Attendee, SCBWI Virtual Summer Conference, and Highlights Foundation Whole Novel Workshop, 2024

“Nikki was fantastic! Her presentation was filled with terrific information and her teaching skills are flawless.” — Kim Turrisi, SCBWI Director of Programming & Events, School’s In: Writing for the Educational Market Workshop, 2024

“I rooted for Ava the whole way. A great read for those who love tough-as-nails characters and the incredible lengths they go to live, survive, and flourish.” — Meika Hashimoto, award-winning author of The Trail

“An inclusive book that focuses on fun, this is a delightful seasonal purchase.” — School Library Journal, (HALLOWEEN FRIENDS)

“A good choice for libraries that need more light, realistic mysteries for the early middle grade crowd.” — School Library Journal, (THE AMAZING LIFE OF AZALEAH LANE)

“Smith’s narrative deftly captures a child’s emotional and psychological experience of the tragedy as well as the tenderness shared among Lena and her family members.” — Kirkus Reviews, (LENA AND THE BURNING OF GREENWOOD: A TULSA RACE MASSACRE SURVIVAL STORY)

“This inaugural book in the Azaleah Lane series is a fast-paced and fun read, and Azaleah is a sympathetic, likable narrator who, like readers, is learning new vocabulary all the time. She thinks aloud as she works to solve the mystery, occasionally (and realistically) losing patience with the sobbing Tiana. Lobo’s playful, full-color illustrations every few pages are just enough to give transitioning readers needed rests so they’ll keep going… The backmatter includes a glossary of vocabulary words, book-discussion and writing prompts, and instructions for making a diorama.” — Kirkus Reviews, (THE AMAZING LIFE OF AZALEAH LANE)

Interview with Nikki with The Brown Bookshelf

Radio Interview with Nikki

Interview with Nikki in California Kids Magazine

Article on The Little Christmas Elf

Charlotte Spies for Justice: A Civil War Survival Story | Extension Activities

Stranded | Discussion Guide

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Writer in Residence, The Highlights Foundation, August 2024
28 Days Later Honoree, The Brown Bookshelf, 2024
Oklahoma Book Award: Lena and the Burning of Greenwood, 2023
Inaugural Amplify Black Stories Cohort Fellow, 2021
28 Days Later Honoree, The Brown Bookshelf, 2014
Yolo County Women’s History Month Honoree, 2014

LENA AND THE BURNING OF GREENWOOD: A TULSA RACE MASSACRE SURVIVAL STORY (Capstone, 2022)
*2023 Oklahoma Book Award Winner, Young Adult Category

OUR BEAUTIFUL COLORS (Random House Children’s Books/Little Golden Book, 2022)
*Amazon #1 New Release
*Amazon Editors’ Pick: Best Books for December (Ages 3-5)
*Read Brightly Pick: The Best Children’s and YA Books of December
*Featured on the Cover of The California Reader (A publication of the CA Reading
Association) Volume 56, Number 1, Winter 2023

LOVE IS ALL AROUND (Brown Baby Parade Series, Book 1, Random House Children’s Books/Crown, 2022)
*Amazon Editors’ Pick: Best Books for December (Baby-Age 2)
*Amazon Editors’ Pick: Sweet and Funny Valentine’s Day Books for Kids (Baby-Age 3)
* Named one of the Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year for 2022!

THE AMAZING LIFE OF AZALEAH LANE (Azaleah Lane Chapter Book Series, Book 1, Capstone, 2020)
Boston Public Library’s “Black is…” booklist for 2022.
Nominated for a 2020 Cybils Award
Chicago Public Library’s Best K-3 Fiction Books of 2020
The 2020 Ultimate List of Diverse Children’s Books