"He was great with the students and VERY engaging. His presentation was the perfect mix of talking about being an author/illustrator and giving the kids general life lessons about pursuing your passions and not giving up."
"His energy and enthusiasm for the art of writing and illustrating. Many kids like to draw/color/make art, so seeing someone who does it for a living AND is visibly passionate about it is very inspiring!"
"AMAZING!!!! He was so engaging and despite it being an hour long assembly, the kids were hanging on to every word he said. This is my 8th year and this was by far the best author visit! :)"
"Mr. Davis was incredibly engaging. The kids were hanging on his every word and his message about following your dreams and fear of failure were powerful. "
"He had a ton of energy and was very engaging to ALL children regardless of their academic abilities."
"Your presentation was fabulous. It was extremely engaging and the kids loved it. You have a way to capture an audience that is inspiring. Way to go!"
"He was a very engaging and enthusiastic speaker! The kids really enjoyed hearing the story about his journey to becoming an author/illustrator and seeing him draw for them!"
"Mr. Rashad was INCREDIBLE. He was fun, engaging, and the kids LOVED listening to his personal story, the picture books read aloud, and watching him create art."
What did you like most about the Author Visit? "His positive interaction with the students and his excitement for writing which inspired my students!"
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Sarah Fallon, (2024)
MESPTA Education VP
Village Elementary School
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My students (and teachers) were mesmerized by Rashad! His storytelling is genuine and heartfelt. Students loved connecting with him. In the middle of his presentation, a student looked at me to say "I really like him! He's cool!" and he is! Students who started toward the back, found spots closer and closer so they wouldn't miss a word. Rashad masterfully encouraged student participation and playfulness, while also getting them to listen and follow along, too. That's a real skill!
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Jill Mills, (2024)
School Librarian
Franklin Elementary School
Rashad Malik Davis delivered an engaging assembly for our PreK to 8th grade students. This interactive assembly was a celebration of storytelling, symbolism, and spirituality. From vibrant illustrations to thought-provoking narratives, Davis was able to embark on a captivating exploration of cultures and foster a deeper understanding of diversity and interconnectedness through his storytelling and illustrative work.
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The assembly wasn't just about sharing Davis’s work—it was about igniting imaginations and fostering a sense of inclusivity. Through illustrative demonstrations and hands-on activities, Rashad delved into the rich tapestry of symbolic meaning woven throughout his chapter books. Each interaction was infused with excitement and energy, creating an atmosphere where students felt seen and heard. Our middle school students were able to participate and engage with hands-on illustrative work and develop artistic skills through this assembly.
It was a joy to witness the spark of curiosity and creativity that Rashad Malik Davis shared with our school!
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Hainesport Township School District (NJ)
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS:
K-5th Grade Feedback
“I liked how he showed us his life choices and how he went through learning to draw and the path he took to get to be an author and illustrator.”
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“I liked how he told us about what he did in life with drawing.”
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“I like how Rashad taught about the different shapes and what they meant and I liked how he let us draw about our characters and we could share with him, that was a lot of fun!”
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“I really liked his books!”
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“He was fabulous!”
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Tricina Strong-Beebe, MSLS, K-12 Makers Ed Certified
School Library Media Specialist
Hainesport Township Public Schools
Rashad Malik Davis came to our elementary school for a morning visit where he conducted two assemblies for our students and staff. During that time, he shared the path he took from his early years until now to achieve his dream of being an author/illustrator. Our students were inspired by the ups and downs of his journey and his perseverance in the face of adversity. He read from one of his picture books, answered the many questions that arose from the audience as well as performing an on-demand drawing of characters that the kids suggested. The feedback from the students and staff was universally enthusiastic about their enjoyment of the event. If you want an engaging, inspiring, and energetic author visit, I highly recommend getting Rashad Malik Davis to come to your school!
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Marjorie Weil, MS-LIS, MSPT, (2024)
Library Media Specialist
Stonehurst Hills Elementary School
Rashad Davis has been a returning presenter of student workshops in the schools where I have worked for the past several years. In each and every workshop, students have been highly engaged and actively learning. The magic behind this level of energetic learning is Rashad himself. His openness, warmth and joy is immediately felt by everyone. The students love learning about his experiences as an author/illustrator and entrepreneur and become enthralled with the characters that he has created. He is completely accessible and speaks about relevant DEI topics in ways that educate and inform without judgement. He combines a talk with a hands-on project that reaches students at every age and level. Everyone learns and leaves the studio happier, more connected to their feelings and with a greater sense of empathy. Students are already asking me when he is going to return!
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Donna "Dee" Andeskie,
Assistant Head of School
FLEX School
Rashad Malik Davis is the role model your students need. He has found success in life following his passion for art and literature. Every teacher, coach, and parent wants that kind of success for their children.
His presentation is appropriate for any age and his work represents the values of hard work and celebration of the individual. Our middle school students will remember his message and hopefully make his presentation a key to their future success.
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Justin Matthews, Princeton Middle School
We at Traphagen School are so grateful for the opportunity to host Rashad Malik Davis for an author visit. It was a joy to have him speak and interact with our community. Rashad is a master storyteller who understands that the foundation of any good story is building an authentic connection with the audience.
We are already fielding requests to have Rashad visit again! I am appreciative of Rashad's hard work, talent, and enthusiasm and very much look forward to inviting him to our school again.
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Caroline Cullinane, Traphagen Elementary School
Our kindergarten class had the pleasure of a virtual author visit with Rashad Malik Davis.
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Mr. Davis is a kind, positive, enthusiastic ray of sunshine. He had our kindergarten students engaged and motivated as he taught them about the writing process he goes through as an author and illustrator. He connected with the children as he shared his character development based on feelings. The children were eager to share their ideas and respond to Mr. Davis' work. We laughed and had a great time! I hope we get to have another author visit with him soon!
Kayleen Lugo
Kindergarten Teacher
Traphagen Elementary School
Rashad was an outstanding guest speaker who connected with our students and staff about his passion for writing, reading and Illustration.
His personality was enthusiastic but warm as if he was already a staff member at Hamilton Street Campus. His time with us really met the objective because any student that was a part of the celebration would have been motivated to
write, read and illustrate.
Rashad was simply AMAZING!!!
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Principal Nicholas Solomon, Franklin Middle School
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Rashad Malik Davis made our HSC Reads! Book Talk and Celebration an evening to remember!
He shared a visual timeline of his works of art and journey to becoming an author and
illustrator. Rashad also did a PHENOMENAL read aloud for us inclusive of an array of character
voices and sound effects! He took the time to answer every and any question our students and staff asked. Rashad’s positive energy and words of encouragement shared with all of us was so very appreciated. He is truly a bright star in the sky for our students to set their eyes upon and realize their dreams of becoming a writer, illustrator, and/or actor are possible.
Rashad is absolutely brilliant!
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Vice Principal Tania Kelly, Franklin Middle School
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My name is Karen Sapudar, and I am a fourth and fifth grade writing teacher at the Pace Charter School of Hamilton. Recently, the Upper School students were visited by Rashad Malik Davis.
Rashad is a local author and illustrator, and he spent several hours explaining the steps of the writing process to the students. He described how he comes up with his characters, how he names them, how he plans his story, as well as the research that he put into his first book, Carefree, Like Me. He took the time to answer every question the students asked. I finally had to end the Q &A period, because the children were so inspired by him, it could’ve gone on for days. He was so kind and patient with our students, which is a true testament to what he stands for. The way he spoke to the children, and his exuberant personality, made for an educational experience that we are proud to have offered
our students.
I recommend Rashad Malik Davis as an addition to any Literacy Program. I believe you will find that he inspires the children to want to become writers and illustrators, or both. He was a great role model, and demonstrates to the students
that no matter who you are, or where you come from, anything is possible with hard work, determination, and the ability to never give up on your dreams.
Thank you, Rashad
Karen Sapudar, PACE Charter School
Mr. Davis gave a fabulous presentation to our students at Slackwood Elementary School today. We are proud of our former student Rashad, who had a passionate, heartfelt discussion with students about books and the writing and illustrating process.
More importantly he speaks to them about never giving up, and sites examples of his own challenges when writing his books. He connected so beautifully with our students, and his positivity is contagious. He reflects about his journey and fosters a warm environment when speaking to the students.
Rashad is also extremely entertaining when he reads to the students, with expressions and character voices. We truly enjoyed his visit today, and I believe he inspired our students to pursue their dreams.
Ms. Linda Miller, Slackwood Elementary
Rashad Malik Davis’s author visit was perfect for our students. Mr. Davis shares his journey to becoming a writer and illustrator while connecting with our students and our teachers. He spreads a message of perseverance and grit in order to follow your dream.
Mr. Davis was animated as he read his book to our students using character voices and involving the audience. When the assembly ended, our students didn’t want to leave. We loved having Rashad Malik Davis in our school!
Jay Billy, Principal of Slackwood Elementary
Mr. Davis gave a fabulous presentation to our students at Slackwood Elementary School today. We are proud of our former student Rashad, who had a passionate, heartfelt discussion with students about books and the writing and illustrating process.
More importantly he speaks to them about never giving up, and sites examples of his own challenges when writing his books. He connected so beautifully with our students, and his positivity is contagious. He reflects about his journey and fosters a warm environment when speaking to the students.
Rashad is also extremely entertaining when he reads to the students, with expressions and character voices. We truly enjoyed his visit today, and I believe he inspired our students to pursue their dreams.
Ms. Linda Miller, Slackwood Elementary
Thank you for visiting Slackwood and sharing your first book with us. Your presentation was so enthusiastic and informative.
Your positive energy and positive message were very well received by students and staff! It is especially great that you are a Slackwood grad! I think students really feel they can follow their dreams just like you!
Thank you for bringing your great energy and super message to Slackwood. The first edition, inscribed copy of your book will find an honored place on our library shelf and in the hands of many fellow Slackwoodians!
Librarian, Ms. Kathlinda Saretzky
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Okay so I just loved the part when you dabbed. I thought that it was cool when you told us about Animation school. I’ve been trying to do Animation myself but everything has gone down hill. I always use art and try my Animations out on the weekends. I also love building so I play this game called”Minecraft” too. Now I think that just writing a story is hard but you encouraged me to write a story when I still have time.You told everyone to not give up and to always do what you are passionate about and that’s really important to me. I have this app on my tablet where you can write stories and read stories so when I have time I always write a story. So I really liked your presentation and you are very passionate and encouraging.
From Cymone C
I thought your book was amazing.I liked how you described different types of emotions and how you changed your voice when a different character spoke each time.You have inspired me and other people to not give up your dreams.You have to find what makes you happy.Thank you for sharing your book with us.It was great.
From: Vallerie K
I really liked the end of the book because it made me want to read the next book. Thank you for sharing the book you have illustrated and created ! Olivia D
Thank you for coming to Slackwood I liked when you dabbed your book was good and when he got his courage and saw it was a cat haha he was scared. I'm you 1#fan Angelica
I Like your books and can you draw goku for me. I like that necklace you got from china. Do you know dragon ball Heroes? Mohammad E
I loved your book it was funny, silly and cool . I love books and drawing. LoL Silly books are cool. You can write so much as a girl and you too. I love to dilly dally. From Callie
I loved the book you wrote it was courageous, brave and strong. The way you read the story made me feel as if I was one of the characters. Your career is inspiring and cool. You taught me you can be anything. The person you have in you IS YOU! Now I know what life's about it’s about ……………….yourself
Your friend, Kevin D
Thank you so much for coming to Slackwood. We all loved seeing what can happen with hard work and passion. Come back and visit when your next book is ready!
Mrs. Morris
Thank you for coming to Slackwood again and for reading us your book because you did a great job on the book and it was funny. Have fun writing your new books for other kids and they will like them so much just like we did.
From, Julissa P
Slackwood Student Letters
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Dear Mr. Davis,
We really liked your book. Carefree Like Me was really good! It had creative, interesting drawings.
It was mysterious, funny, and action-packed! We loved how you read the book. It was cool and funny how you changed your voice and showed the emotions of the characters.
You were inspiring to us. You are really nice, positive, and a great author. We like how you are a Slackwood alumnus, and you encouraged us to follow our dreams.
We look forward to reading your next books! #Weloveyourbook
Your number 1 fans,
Ms. Middleton’s 3rd grade class
Aditya
Bisakha
Owen
Brian
Diana
Maja
Kristian
Emily
Alison
Jessica
Olivia
Austin
Patrycja
Antonio
Aisha
Shane
Rashidatu
Ridhima
Natalia
Xintong
Anthony
Zoe
Xavier
Ms. Middleton's Class
Slackwood School
I'm so glad that I came to Rashad for my logo needs.
The logo for my company is the first (and sometimes only) thing people see that represents my brand, and Rashad did a truly phenomenal job in the design.
From the initial creative discussions to the execution, Rashad's creativity, intuition, and professionalism blew me away at every step. It often felt like he was reading my mind throughout the process!
I am so thrilled with my product and I can't wait to work with Rashad again in the future.
Laura G, Youth Services Librarian
May 30, 2017 was a VERY special day at Parkway Elementary School in Ewing, NJ!
Our third, fourth, and fifth grade students were excited to welcome author, illustrator Rashad Malik Davis! Prior to Rashad’s
visit, students read and discussed his book, Carefree, Like Me! during their Library class.
It was exciting to see how the students seemed to jump right into the story with the characters, Amir and Neena! Also,
the story’s cliffhanger ending left the students eager to find out what might happen in Chapter 2! As a
result, we started to prepare a list of questions for Rashad to answer on the day of his visit!
As a school library media specialist, I’ve read aloud many books to my students. However, I always tell students it’s a special treat when they get to hear an author read his or her story.
Well, Rashad did not disappoint! He really made the story come alive as he created the atmosphere for reading and kept
students actively engaged throughout his presentation. It was such a pleasure to see the excitement building in our students as Rashad read aloud to them and later shared his story as a writer and his plans for future.
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Thank you for providing our Parkway Panthers with such an amazing experience, Rashad! We can’t wait for you to return with Chapter 2 of Carefree, Like Me!
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Karen Grant, School Library Media Specialist
Parkway Elementary School, Ewing, NJ
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Dear Rashad,
Thank you so much for your motivational presentation to our library patrons. The children and families truly enjoyed hearing you speak about your personal journey as both an artist and new author. Your talk was full of enthusiasm and worked wonderfully with the mix of age ranges in the audience. You definitely have a gift for reaching kids and getting them excited about books, reading, and recognizing their own potential.
You were so engaging with everyone, and your natural sense of timing and humor worked well as you interacted with both the adults and children. I found myself laughing right along with the group and rooting for the kids as you called on them to answer questions. You did a great job of keeping things on track while acknowledging their comments and personal side stories. It was nice to hear so many diverse book titles and characters come up in the course of the discussion. As I mentioned to you that day, we’ve had myriad programs this summer at our library. Magicians, crafts, mammals and reptiles, science shows, themed story-times, community partnerships, book parties, etc.
I was delighted to be able to offer your program in the mix as it gave the children the chance to participate in something completely unique. Being able to meet you and hear your personal account of what it is like to write and illustrate a book is likely something they’ll remember fondly from this summer. Your talk was just the right length and the addition of your slideshow, art work and hands-on drawing activity rounded out the presentation perfectly. Your enthusiastic read-aloud of your book was also quite a treat! We are happy to have it in the collection. I wish you luck in your future endeavors and hope we can partner together again in the future.
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Kind regards,
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Laura G., Youth Services Librarian