Imani Ariana Grant, born December 7, 2008, is a talented child who enjoys writing stories, playing the violin, basketball, and with her friends. She also enjoys figure skating, swimming, and dancing. Imani is also a kid entrepreneur, the owner of an online boutique store called Magitots. She is the older sister to her baby brother, Nathaniel and lives with her mom and dad in Connecticut. Imani has been featured by NBC CT, Path to Greatness podcast, and Save the Youth radio show. She also recently created a book club called Love of Literature (LOL). Follow Imani on Instagram @imaniarianag
Child Author Interview
Can you tell us a little about how you became a published author?
Imani Ariana is an excellent poet. In the August of 2017 she decided to write a poem about planets. She was very excited about it and asked to how to publish it as a book. Her mom reached out to Lauren Simone Publishing House for their expertise and in February 2018 her first book Disco Balls of the Universe was published.
Where do you turn for inspiration? Were any of your books inspired by anyone you know?
Imani was inspired to write “Disco Balls of the Universe” by her 2 year old little brother, who enjoys learning about the Solar System. She saw him watching a planet show on tv and decided to write a book about planets that he would enjoy.
Which book is your favorite? Why?
I do not have a favorite book. I love reading all sorts of books.
Who are your favorite children's book authors?
Olivia Lauren, Beverly Cleary, and Ron Toy. What books will you be reading this summer?
Imani has not yet made her summer reading list. However, she hopes to read a variety of books including history, science, fiction, and non-fiction books.
Besides writing, what else do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy swimming, playing with my friends, ice skating, playing basketball, and dancing.Can we expect more books from you in the future? Yes. Imani is currently working on her second book in the science category to be published by Lauren Simone Publishing House.
Interview with Mom: Shaneika Burchell-Kerr
Were you an avid reader or writer growing up?
I enjoyed reading while growing up. However, I struggled with writing because of the dialect spoken in our home. It was a struggle for me to write. When I got older, I immigrated to the United States and then had children. Teaching my children strengthened my speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Did you read to Imani a lot when she was very young?
I enjoy reading to my children from when they were in my womb. It was very important to me that my children do not experience the same struggle with literature as I did growing up. I believe that reading to children as they are growing up is a great way for them to master English language skills.
What do you do to foster her creativity and encourage her to keep writing?
I encourage my daughter, Imani to keep writing by finding different ways to add fun to her journey as an author. I encourage her to write about what she enjoys. We also do interactive activities that fit the topic. For example, Disco Balls of the Universe is sold with a planetarium kit. Children can learn about the planets and apply their knowledge by building the solar system and painting the planets.
What advice would you give to other parents who see talent in their own children?
My advice to other parents who see talent in their children is to embrace and nurture their talents from early and seek the resources needed for them to be successful.
