Meet Tina Athaide | Educator and Writer of Kids books

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tina Athaide and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business, particularly one focused on writing books for kids, is a deeply personal and passionate endeavor for me. The thought process behind this decision stems from a few core motivations and beliefs:

Accessibility and Inclusivity: As an educator, I’ve always been inspired by the idea of making stories accessible to all kids, especially those who struggle with reading. Often kids (ages 8-13) that struggle to read are reluctant to pick up a book because it takes them too long to read, or books at their level, don’t look like the books their peers are reading, or the content it too young. By writing my own books, I have the freedom to create stories that ensuring that no child is left out.

Representation and Identity: One of my primary goals is to bring stories about identity and resilience to young readers. I want kids to see themselves reflected in the books they read, to recognize their own experiences and challenges, and to feel seen and validated. This includes stories tied to my own South Asian culture and experiences. By sharing these narratives, I aim to foster a sense of pride and understanding in young readers from diverse backgrounds.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am incredibly excited about the upcoming release of my second middle-grade book, WINGS TO SOAR (Charlesbridge, July 2024). This story is a heartfelt gift to my inner child, healing the hurts she experienced in early 1970s London when anti-immigration sentiment ran high. It is also a gift to my students, particularly my struggling readers, offering them a book written in verse with white space on the pages and photographs from the 1970s to encourage and inspire them to read.

The road leading to this book was not without its challenges. My debut MG novel was rejected 30 times, before being published by Harper Collins, when a young editor took a chance on an unknown writer. I often joke with kids that persistence and perseverance it key to my success. What would have happened if I gave up after that 30th rejection letter? We laugh that the only person reading my book would have been my husband.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Five-Day Itinerary for a Trip to the LA area that balances moments of calm, opportunities for inspiration, and delicious culinary experiences, making it perfect for a two creative souls seeking both relaxation and creativity.

Day 1: Exploring Santa Monica

Enjoy breakfast at Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe, known for its organic, delicious offerings.

Take a stroll along Santa Monica Pier and walk along the beach or the Third Street Promenade, where street performers and unique shops can spark some new creative ideas.

Dinner at Blue Plate Oysterette, offering a relaxed ambiance with fresh seafood and ocean views.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Los Angeles

Head to Griffith Park for a morning hike up to Griffith Observatory, to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign , then head to Trails Cafe, nestled in the park, for a rustic and peaceful start to your day.

Continue with a visit to The Getty Center where we can enjoy the stunning gardens and incredible art collections. The perfect environment for contemplation and inspiration, Finish off with lunch at The Restaurant at The Getty Center, where we can enjoy fresh, Californian cuisine with breathtaking views.

Explore Downtown LA’s Arts District, where murals and street art can fuel our creativity and make our way to Bestia for dinner at the trendy Italian restaurant known for its inventive dishes and vibrant atmosphere.

Day 3: Literary Inspiration in Pasadena

Travel to Pasadena and start our day with breakfast at Julienne, a charming French-inspired cafe. Then it’s off to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The extensive gardens, rare manuscripts, and art collections offer a tranquil setting perfect for gathering literary inspiration.

After lunch at The Rose Garden Tea Room within The Huntington, where we can enjoy a traditional English tea , we will spend the afternoon wandering through Old Pasadena, visiting independent bookstores like Vroman’s Bookstore, the oldest and largest independent bookstore in Southern California.

Day 4: Beachside Relaxation and Departure

Head to Malibu for a relaxing beach day and start with breakfast at Malibu Farm, a farm-to-table restaurant on the Malibu Pier with stunning ocean views.

Then we’ll spend time at El Matador State Beach, known for its picturesque rock formations and secluded coves, perfect for a final dose of inspiration and relaxation.

For our final dinner together we’ll visit Rustic Canyon, known for its seasonal, locally-sourced menu.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
SCBWI- Society Of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

The SCBWI organization and the incredible people I’ve met through it have been immensely inspirational and supportive in my writing career, providing invaluable guidance, resources, and a sense of community. Their encouragement and expertise have been instrumental in helping me bring my stories to life.

Website: https://www.tinaathaide.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinaathaide/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-athaide-6889b326/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tathaide

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004255516156

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tina_athaide/