Turning The Pages with Tabatha Jean D'Agata

Hiya, Readers! I had the honor of meeting Chandra Donelson, who has not only dedicated herself to serving our country but is a pioneer in data literacy with a mission to help children of all ages make sense of data. Her debut children's book, "The Data Detective at the Carnival," is about a little boy who wants to be a data nerd like his mom. The story introduces children ages five to eight to the basics of data literacy, math concepts, and counting. It's a perfect book to help children expand their critical thinking skills! Chandra's passion to provide children with the tools necessary to navigate in a data-driven world is notable. Eager to learn more about her and her book, I invited her to answer a few questions. Welcome! Tell our readers a little about yourself. I am an author, military reservist, Chief Data and AI Officer for the United States Space Force, and most importantly a mom! Have you always had a passion for writing? Yes, I've always had a deep passion for writing and storytelling. As a child, I was constantly writing — whether it was poems, lyrics, or stories. I truly believe there's a song or book for every moment. Even during basic military training, I kept a poetry notebook to stay grounded and connected to my loved ones. I got in a little trouble once when one of my military instructors found it. However, it was worth it because writing has always been my way of processing the world. What is "data literacy" and what inspired you to write a children's book about it? Data literacy is the ability to read, write, communicate and analyze data. In 2020, while the world was on pause, I was working full-time as a data manager for the Department of the Army and finishing my master's in data science. All of it happened from a small kitchen table in a 600-square-foot apartment with my four-year-old son, William. William would sit nearby while I juggled Zoom meetings, coursework, and calls. He kept hearing the word "data" in conversations, on the news, and during lectures. So, it shouldn't have been a surprise when one day he asked, "Mom, what is data?" But it was. I'll never forget trying to explain it to him and watching the wrinkles form across his little forehead the more I talked. That look told me everything. I wasn't making sense. So, I picked up my phone to find a children's book that could help explain it. To my surprise, there wasn't one. I didn't know it at the time, but that simple search sparked what would become, "The Data Detective at the Carnival." What process did you go through to get your book published? The writing process was incredibly discouraging. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. I was told over and over again that no one would buy this book, that the topic was too complex for kids, and that there was no publishing data to show it would be successful. But those were the very reasons I knew it had to be written. From 2020 to 2023, I pitched the idea with anyone who would listen. I sent emails, LinkedIn messages, and reached out to people I admired. I faced more than 50 rejections and closed doors. Then in August 2023, everything changed. During a Zoom pitch, a publisher finally said yes, and I signed with a publisher that same day. Now, seeing other data books for kids being published is incredibly emotional. What once felt impossible is far from it and it feels great to know I helped open that door for children's literature. Your book is unique! What do you hope kids will learn from your book and how can educators and parents utilize it in the classroom and at home? A few years ago, I told my boss I wanted to work in data. He looked at me and said I didn't have the aperture for it. Then he reminded me that I was a single mom — as if that meant my dreams were too big and my sights were too high. That moment lit a fire in me. It pushed me to go back to school, and it was during that journey that my son, William, asked me the question that changed everything: "Mom, what is data?" Now clearly, my boss was wrong. And today, as a public figure, I ask myself two questions: What kind of impact do I want to have on the world? And what kind of parent do I want to be? For me, the answer is simple. I don't just want a seat at the table — I want to extend the table. So, no little boy or girl is ever told their dreams are too big or their goals are out of reach. And because of "The Data Detective," and so many incredible authors joining this movement, we're teaching kids data and AI literacy early — before the world tells them they can't. Do you have any other books in the works? I am working on my second book which will come out next summer and I am super excited! What would you like to say to new writers reading this and what advice do you offer for anyone working on their first manuscript? Don't ever give up. Your yes is out there; you just have to find it. Have you done library or school visits? If so, what's your favorite part of the visit? Yes, we concluded our North America book tour, wrapping up our final stop in Salem, NH. Throughout the tour, we've had the opportunity to visit several schools. My favorite part has been spending time with the kids, answering their questions, and watching the moment it clicks. The "it" being the moment they can explain fundamental but complex data concepts with confidence. It has been a pleasure getting to know you! Thank you for your service to our country and to literacy! How can our readers learn more about you and your books? Readers can learn more about our book on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_data_detective (we post a lot) and our website www.thedatadetective.org. Until next time — keep those pages turning! If you have a book you would like me to review or a topic suggestion you can reach me at tdagata@gmail.com. All the magic, Tabatha Jean D'Agata