Publications

MSITU

Step into the enchanting world of Msitu, a magnificent old-growth forest where
NATIVE, NON-NATIVE, AND INVASIVE SPECIES DWELL TOGETHER.

A book cover with an illustration of a bird flying over trees.

THE OLD- GROWTH FOREST

Join the adventure as we discover the harmonious lives at the Forest's native Iant species, living in periect balance. But when unexpected outsiders disruptt is delicate equilibrium, the Forest Faces a challengin time. Fear not, young readers, For hope shines brightly to restore balance and harmony to Msitu. Through teamwork, understanding, and the power at nature, you learn valuable lessons about unity and the importance oi nurturing our environment. Get ready For a magical iourney that will ignite your imagination and inspire you to protect the natural world.

AGE RANGE 8+

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Product Details

Retail Price: $12.99
Distributor: Ingram Book Group

PRESS CONTACT

SALES CONTACT

Phillis Alexander
sales@itsjsjent.com

ABOUT THE AUTHORS & ILLUSTRATOR

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SERENA ECHOLS

Serena Echols, from Chicago with deep Mississippi roots, is an environmental champion driven by iustice. Inspired by the memories of her twin sister Sabrina and grandmother Massoleet, she addresses ecological disparities and educates about the human-environment connection. Serena also enioys hiking, cooking, and skating, infusing her passions into her work.

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IMANI BLUE

Imani Blue, a South Carolina-born senior in Environmental Studies, champions environmental iustice and policy. As a first-generation student, she's among the first from Spelman to ioin the elite Argonne National Laboratory and was named the 2020 Atlanta Journal Constitution's Best All Around Senior. Through her book, Imani aims to enlighten youth about local ecosystems and deepen their nature appreciation.

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NIA MCKENZIE

Raised in south Atlanta, Nia McKenzie witnessed local environmental challeng- es early on. An environmental science maior at Spelman College, she's driven by service, iustice, and research. Nia currently studies renewable energy for low-income areas and has delved into water contamination issues in Atlanta's suburbs. Post-Spelman, she aspires for a Ph.D. in Earth Systems, aiming to bridge people with environmental data, champion minority representation, and promote national sustainability.

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NIARA POWELL

Niara Powell, from Southern California with Detroit roots, earned an Associate's Degree in Arts and Humanities at I7 from Antelope Valley College. In high school, she co-founded an Environmental Club championing iustice and sustainability in her Black and brown community. Now an Environmental Science maior at Spelman College, Niara, who started drawing farm animals at 6, aims for a career in Environmental Law and dreams of launching a sustainable fashion brand. She emphasizes the need for underrepresented children to understand their world.

TESTIMONIALS

"I love children's books and Msitu is a delightful read that inspires environmental stewardship. Young readers are introduced to an urban old growth forest that they can actually visit and educated about the species that the will encounter. Learning about the young authors and illustrator is a special bonus."
FELICIA DAVIS, FOUNDER,
HBCU GREEN FUND

"Beautifully illustrated, Msitu: The Old Growth Forest is non-fiction for young readers. More than simply a good story, Msitu describes native and invasive species in a way that is easy to understand establishing a foundation for deeper discussion and exploration. Parents and teachers should place this litle book top of the list of must reads from the third or fourth grade on."
DR. MYRON WILLIAMS, PH.D.,
CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

"Msitu the Old Growth Forest is all that we hope for. Young readers are introduced to nature, forests, and valuable stewardship lessons through an introduction to species at home in the forest.
Iti s a special treat for nature lovers, especially arborists."
DR. RICHARD GRAGG III, PH.D.,
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

PURPOSE AND MISSION:

The HBCU Green Fund Publishing group aims to empower and amplify the voices of HBCU authors who are passionate about sustainability and environmental justice.

EMPOWERING HBCU AUTHORS:

Through this incredible initiative, we are providing a platform for HBCU authors to contribute to the conversation on sustainability, environmental justice, and other important topics.

AMPLIFYING VOICES:

The HBCU Green Fund Publishing Group is committed to amplifying diverse perspectives and fostering a greater understanding of environmental issues within the HBCU community and beyond.

HBCU GREEN FUND COLLABORATION WITH JSJ MEDIA:

The HBCU Green Fund is excited to announce its collaboration with JSJ Media to launch the HBCU Green Fund Publishing group.