Ashley Foxx, C’05 has recently launched a collaborative effort with her sister illustrator, April Foxx, producing the fun loving tale of “Keisha Cane and Her Very Sweet Tooth.” The book is the first in a series, targeted to teach young readers the “valuable lesson about making (and fixing) mistakes.” After serving as a Memphis school teacher and struggling to find books that both taught reading skills and represented her African American students, Ashley had found a niche for her dream of becoming a children's author. Last spring, as Ashley took “Keisha Cane” on tour, her Philadelphia stop was right here at PENN and this is what she had to say: “It was amazing to be back. The Makuu Black Cultural Center went above and beyond to help bring Keisha Cane to campus. We had an excellent signing and were able to read and donate books to the little ones at Penn Alexander Elementary. It was a wonderful experience and we hope to return soon. Learn more about “Keisha Cane and Her Very Sweet Tooth.”  
- Patrice Green, C'05, G'08

Allison Gutknecht's, C'05, debut book, Don't Wear Polka-Dot Underwear with White Pants (and Other Lessons I've Learned), was published on November 12, 2013, by Aladdin/Simon and Schuster. The first in a chapter book series about the adventures of the spunky and sassy eight-year-old, Mandy Berr, the book's launch was celebrated on November 16th at the Inn at Penn with over 200 attendees. The second book in the series, A Cast Is the Perfect Accessory (and Other Lessons I've Learned) was released on March 4th, with the next two Mandy Berr books due to arrive in Fall 2014 and Spring 2015, respectively. More information about the books and Allison's local appearances at http://allisongutknecht.com. Readers are encouraged to continue to wear their polka dots with pride, on underwear or otherwise.

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