Inside The Adventures of Michelle Series
One of the greatest gifts you can give a child is the opportunity to nurture their imagination, build self-esteem, and spark curiosity. The Adventures of Michelle children’s series, written by Award-Winning Author Charron Monaye and illustrated by India Sheana, does just that. Through engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations, the series introduces children to exciting topics such as travel, foreign languages, entrepreneurship, politics, history, and discovering their passions.
At the heart of the series is Michelle, a bright, curious, and adventurous young girl whose experiences inspire readers to explore the world, embrace learning, and believe in themselves. Each story is crafted to educate while entertaining, encouraging children to develop confidence, resilience, and an understanding that their voice and ideas truly matter. Through Michelle’s adventures, readers are introduced to problem-solving, leadership, creativity, and cultural awareness—all in a way that is fun and age-appropriate.
The Adventures of Michelle series is designed to make every child feel seen and represented. By showcasing diverse experiences and characters, the books help children understand the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and celebrating differences. Michelle’s adventures remind readers that curiosity is a gift, questions are valuable, and dreams are achievable with determination and faith in oneself.
Recognized for its educational value, the series has been carried by the Harvard University Bookstore and used as a resource on college campuses for early childhood education students and professional teachers. The books are ideal for children aged five and up, making them perfect for gifts, classroom libraries, or personal collections. Each story inspires children to embrace learning, explore new ideas, and believe in their potential.
With its combination of colorful illustrations, fascinating facts, and relatable storytelling, the Adventures of Michelle series offers a rich reading experience that engages young minds while imparting practical life lessons. Every book encourages children to unlock their passions, explore the world with curiosity, and understand that their voice and contributions truly matter.
The Adventures of Michelle series is more than just a collection of children’s books, it is a gateway to knowledge, imagination, and empowerment, instilling confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning in every young reader. This collection of books makes an amazing gift for all children ages 5 and up.
Explore the entire series: http://www.theadventuresofmichellebooks.com/shop
| Soignée Intimate Conversation with Charron Monaye |
| Charron Monaye is an award-winning author whose global reach, from Philadelphia, PA. to the United Kingdom, reflects her mission to create literature that educates, entertains, and ensures every reader sees themselves on the page. In 1992, at the age of 14, she won her first poetry contest, earning a place in the Library of Congress anthology Tears of Fire. This early win sparked a journey that launched a lifelong journey and proved, to herself, that her voice, no matter how young, mattered. Since signing her first publishing deal in 2010, Monaye has built a catalog of more than 30 titles, including Stop Asking for Permission & Give Notice (non-fiction), Get Out Of Your Way (book anthologies series) I Want To Quit My Job (business), and My Side of the Story (poetry). Her most celebrated work, The Adventures of Michelle children’s series, not only educates young readers but also ensures that children of all cultures see themselves reflected on the page. She has also authored impactful journals and devotionals such as When Shifts Happen, further showcasing her versatility. Her literary excellence has earned her the Presidential Award, multiple state and local government citations and resolutions, the Best Independent Author Award, and an Honorary Doctorate recognizing her contributions to literature. Her children’s book series has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C., carried by the Harvard University Bookstore, and adopted by professional educators for their classrooms. Her story and works have been spotlighted in leading outlets, including The Philadelphia Tribune, Upscale Magazine, Sheen Magazine, and Kidliomag Magazine, among others. Through every book, Monaye continues to create stories that resonate across generations, affirming that her pen is not only her passion but her legacy. SLM: How did you begin your writing career? When were you first published? I never really thought about having a writing career. For me, writing was just another way to talk. I loved talking to my paper because I could never get in trouble for it! I was that kid whose teachers would always tell my mom, “Charron is a great student, but she just won’t be quiet in class.” So, after getting in trouble over and over, I started talking on paper instead—and that’s just how I communicated. Then, in third grade, a teacher noticed I had a knack for writing and introduced me to poetry. I instantly fell in love; it felt like hip hop with my words. I started writing constantly. One of my first poems, Alone, was about homelessness. I remember seeing people lying on the grates where steam came out, trying to stay warm, while others teased them, laughed, and were just mean. This was when my mom and sister would take me downtown to the Gallery, a huge mall in Philadelphia. As a kid who was also bullied, in front of people who laughed, I felt the hurt in the homeless people. So, I gave voice to what they felt but couldn’t say and wrote a poem that said it for them, even though I thought no one would really care. Oh, was I wrong, that poem really took off. I even got to recite it at a United Negro College Fund Banquet! My mom encouraged me to submit it to a poetry contest, and I ended up winning awards. My work was published in an anthology called Tears of Fire, which featured poets from all over the world. So I guess you can say that started my love of writing for not just myself but for others. SLM: What part of the publishing process taught you the most about your strengths? Editing, without a doubt. When Erykah Badu said, “I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my sht,” I felt like she was talking about me. Imagine having so many people tell you that your writing is a gift from God, and then you have a professor marking up your work with a red pen—talk about traumatizing! Then I started writing for media magazines, and the editors there could be so harsh with their red pen. Now I am writing books, and my editors were mean—talk about ego, humility, and learning. But after I checked my emotions and really reflected, I learned from the feedback. Now, I embrace editing! It had me in a chokehold at first, but it taught me that I am strong enough to take the help and not quit and that even a gift can be improved. SLM: What’s one personal truth you discovered about yourself while writing this book? I’ve realized that I give great advice and share valuable information, yet I don’t always follow it myself. That’s the sad truth. In my earlier nonfiction work, I poured everything into my books, sharing education, lived experiences, and “how I made it over” testimonies, to help others. And I knew it was making an impact because readers would inbox me, invite me to speak, and/or tell me how my words saved them. But behind closed doors, I was struggling and praying for God to send me a word to get me through trials. Then I would hear this: “The information I gave you was my answer to you, but you wrote it for readers. Now go back, read your own books, and follow it yourself.” Talk about gut-punch! Now, when I write, I pause and reread my words and ask myself if this content was a Holy Spirit download meant for me, or if it’s a story meant to help someone else. That moment when God said, ‘You’re giving your prayers away,’ changed not only how I write but also how I live. SLM: You reintroduced yourself to the world as Charron Monaye in 2010. What did that reinvention mean for your identity as a writer and for the stories you chose to tell afterward? When I reintroduced myself as Charron Monaye in 2010, it was more than a name change—it was a reinvention born of necessity. After my divorce, I was forced to reinvent myself and find a way to survive. Losing my marriage and income, I was a stay-at-home-mom, in the middle of the 2008 recession meant I needed funds, and the one thing I knew I could “pimp” was my pen. I took old compilations of poetry I had written as a kid and as an adult and started pitching them to see if anyone was interested. I heard a lot of “no’s,” since poetry was considered a niche market. Then I had an idea: since poetry ca be songs lyrics, why not connect with music producers? That worked and my poetry-turned-lyrics were recorded by artists, ended up on commercially recorded CDs, and were even considered for Grammy Awards. But God is funny, because now as I was settling in my songwriting journey, months later one day, a book publisher finally said yes. She loved many of the pieces, recognizing the innocence, the pain, the heartbreak of a child’s heart. But for me, the perfection didn’t matter, I had a six-year-old and a one-year-old at home, and my focus was simply getting the words out there to get paid to keep us from not being homeless. 2008 was the year my solitude in writing transformed into a business. It reshaped my identity as a writer, teaching me to take my gift seriously, and it influenced the stories I chose to tell and the expansion I needed to go to survive. SLM: You write to heal and to preserve history. Can you tell me about a specific piece that healed something for you or for someone close to you, and what happened afterward? I have so many pieces that have served as healing tools, like Stop Asking for Permission is one of the biggest healers, and even though it was published in 2016, it continues to resonate and sell today. For readers, it’s been a guide to reclaiming voice, setting boundaries, and embracing personal power. But for me personally, it was When Shift Happens: 21 Days of Celebrating the Lessons of Life & Detours that truly transformed my writing career and, more importantly, my life, not just as a writer, but as a human properly defining challenges, loss, and growth. That book was my last official self-help devotional, and it taught me to celebrate everything: the pain, the hardships, the tears, the wins, the drama, and even the trauma. It helped me see that the shifts we resist—the unexpected turns, the heartbreaks, the moments that feel like failure—are often God’s way of redirecting us toward our purpose. When I look back at the biggest shifts in my life, in 2008 and 2014, I realize that the things that once defined me, held me back, or caused me suffering actually set me free. Writing When Shifts Happen allowed me to process those experiences fully, to honor the lessons, and to transform my pain into purpose. It was cathartic, humbling, and empowering. That book didn’t just heal me it shaped the way I approach my new work, my faith, and how I show up in the world. SLM: Introduce us to your children’s book series, The Adventures of Michelle, and some of the characters. The Adventures of Michelle is a children’s book series I created, to celebrate my 10th year anniversary as a solo published author. It is a series that inspires young readers to embrace curiosity, creativity, and life lessons in fun, relatable ways. Michelle is a bright, imaginative girl who loves exploring, asking questions, and learning about the world around her. She’s courageous, kind-hearted, and a little mischievous at times, which makes her a character kids can see themselves in. The series also reflects a loving, supportive environment: Michelle grows up in a two-parent household with a mom who encourages and supports her, and a dad who loves her unconditionally. She’s surrounded by teachers who inspire her and friends who never let her quit on herself. Her world shows children that guidance, encouragement, and friendship are key to growing up confident and resilient. SLM: The Adventures of Michelle is celebrated across several countries and carried by Harvard Book Store. What need did Michelle answer in children’s literature when she was created, and how does she continue to answer that need now? When I created The Adventures of Michelle, one of the biggest needs I wanted to address was representation. There were very few, if any, children’s books where an African American girl was the lead character, navigating adventures, learning lessons, and growing in a loving, supportive environment. Michelle gave children, especially young Black girls, someone to see themselves in a character who looks like them, faces challenges like them, and dreams big. Today, Michelle continues to answer that need and more. She shows how diversity is a strength. Michelle has friends from all walks of life and cultures, and in her world, there’s no division, hate, or bias—it’s just kids being kids, learning, exploring, and growing before the world or family values shape them into citizens. She reminds children that their voices matter, their stories matter, and to protect their personal identity as long as they can. SLM: Pen Legacy has published over one hundred books and helped authors secure corporate deals. What selection criteria and editorial values guide which projects you publish under your imprint? At Pen Legacy, our selection criteria and editorial values are guided by a commitment to authenticity, impact, and quality. We look for projects that tell meaningful stories, whether they are memoirs, fiction, business, or children’s books; the manuscript must inspire, educate, or give voice to experiences that might otherwise go unheard. Editorially, we prioritize clarity, craft, and the author’s unique voice. Every manuscript we take on undergoes careful development to ensure it communicates its message effectively while staying true to the author’s vision. We also consider the potential for broader reach, including opportunities for corporate partnerships or media exposure, because we want our authors’ work to not only be published for social media praise but to make a tangible impact in the world. Ultimately, we publish projects that align with my mission: to elevate voices, celebrate stories of resilience and creativity, and help people transform their passion into a lasting legacy. SLM: You write across six genres and produce plays, journalism, film, and children’s books. What practice or ritual helps you shift voice and form without losing clarity of purpose? For me, it all comes back to the storyline. No matter the genre, I begin with the heart of the story, what I want the reader or audience to feel, understand, and take away. That clarity serves as my anchor, allowing me to shift voice and form without losing direction. For children’s books, I step fully into Michelle’s shoes, my middle name and my inner child, tapping into that playful, curious perspective. Writing her stories feels effortless because I am channeling the kid I love and cherish, especially on days when I’m exhausted by the demands of adulting. For plays, I immerse myself in the sensory world, thinking visually and auditorily, imagining how every scene will look, sound, and resonate with the audience. It’s all about the feeling and feedback needed from the audience. For journalism, I ground myself in research, facts, and precision, ensuring clarity and credibility. Across all these forms, the key is staying rooted in the story and the audience. This approach allows me to move seamlessly between genres while keeping my message authentic, powerful, and deeply resonant. SLM: Looking ahead for The Adventures of Michelle and for Pen Legacy, what responsibility do you feel to the next generation of writers and readers, and what single change would you like your books to inspire in the culture? Looking ahead, both The Adventures of Michelle and Pen Legacy carry a profound responsibility to the next generation of writers and readers. For me, that responsibility is about showing children and aspiring authors that their voices matter, their stories matter, and they have the power to shape the world through words. Michelle is more than a character; she’s a mirror for young readers, reflecting curiosity, courage, and creativity. And through Pen Legacy, I hope to mentor and empower writers to tell their own truths with confidence, resilience, and pride. The single change I hope my books inspire in culture is this: learning to trust your own voice—and not being afraid to explore it fully. I know many people hire ghostwriters, I am a ghostwriter myself and have many clients, but so many people already know what to say, and, most importantly, how to say it. The challenge is giving themselves permission to trust their own pen. But it doesn’t stop there. Writers shouldn’t be afraid to step outside their comfort zones, to experiment with different forms and genres. There are over twenty genres out there, each offering a new way to play with storytelling, connect with readers, and express yourself. Writing should be fun, bold, and expansive and trusting your own voice is the first step toward that freedom. Lastly, in the new era of A.I., it’s also critical for the next generation to be responsible not to dilute your words with writing apps. Granted A.I. can be fast and efficient, but it cannot replace the human voice, the lived experience, or the depth of emotion that resonates with readers. Humans naturally connect with other humans; we can’t relate in the same way to robots. Writing must remain a deeply human act, rooted in our struggles, triumphs, and insights, because that is what truly moves people. If my work can spark just one child to believe in themselves, or one writer to tell a story that might otherwise go unheard, then every book, every project, and every effort has succeeded. And A.I. has yet to be used! SLM: How can readers connect with you, and what’s the best way for them to support your work beyond buying a book? Readers can connect with me in a few meaningful ways. Social media is a great place to engage whether it’s following my journey, commenting on posts, or sharing your thoughts about my books. Beyond buying a book, the best way to support my work is by sharing it with others. Recommend my books to friends, schools, or local libraries. Invite me to speak at book clubs. Engage with the messages in my work and carry them into your own life whether it’s inspiring a child, encouraging a writer, or creating conversations about representation and resilience. Every share, every referral, and every thoughtful discussion helps amplify the stories we are trying to tell and strengthens the impact of my work. Explore the series: http://www.theadventuresofmichellebooks.com Follow and Connect with Charron Monaye Website: www.charronmonaye.com Books: www.theadventuresofmichellebooks.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/MonayeRocks Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamcharronmonaye |