From: Mark C. Miller
          Office Manager

Re: Sacramento/Davis area author, Sandy Lynne Holman, honored in New York city for Blackboard Childrens' Book of The Year

Ms. Sandy Lynne Holman, children's book author and diversity consultant, was awarded the Blackboard Childrens' Book of the Year for her title "Grandpa, Is Everything Black Bad?" at Book Expo America in New York City.

Ms. Holman is local to the Sacramento and Davis area, having worked as a school counselor, outreach consultant, prevention coordinator and Diversity Consultant. Since her graduation from Sacramento State with a Master's in School Counseling, her focus has been on helping organizations to embrace diversity and to increase cultural competency in education, business and the community. She achieves this through her children's books and diversity seminars. Her books introduce and educate young people on diversity in a uniquely simple and inspiring way. Ms. Holman's work has become particularly important following the events of September 11th.

Ms. Holman was moved to focus on writing children's books following her experiences working with children in schools. She authored "Grandpa, Is Everything Black Bad?" which has also won awards from Writer's Digest and Skipping Stones, and has been reviewed positively by School Library Journal, Booklist, The Sacramento Bee, The Los Angeles Times as well as many others. Over the past several years, Ms. Holman has visited numerous organizations and schools, throughout California and nationally, sharing her inspiration and positive messages on embracing diversity with people of all ethnicities. She has appeared in local spots on KCRA, KVIE, KXTV, and her book was shown on the Today Show as an outstanding children's resource.

Ms. Holman recently authored "We All Have A Heritage" and is currently working on yet another book entitled "Grandma Says Our Hair Has Flair". One of the factors that make Ms. Holman's books unique is that, while picture books, her short stories and messages touch hearts of all ages. Many adults have commented on how much her books have inspired them. In fact, Ms. Holman's books are used in classrooms from Kindergarten to College. This is quite unusual for a children's book.

It is a great honor for Ms. Holman to recieve the Blackboard Book of the Year. She accepted the award along with another honoree, Quincey Jones, in front of an audience that included Tipper Gore and former Vice-President Al Gore at Book Expo America at the New York Convention Center.