Author’s name: Dana Marie Miroballi
Illustrator’s name: Patricia Grannum
What is your upcoming book title? If My Hair Had A Voice
Date of release: May 28, 2024
Preorder or Order link: https://www.beamingbooks.com/store/product/9781506493602/If-My-Hair-Had-a-Voice
Publisher: Beaming Books
Other book titles: Inventions To Count On: 10 Black Inventors Who Changed Out World (Abrams Appleseed, 2025)
Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette
Agency: Erin Murphy Literary Agency
Hometown: Army Brat – Grew up in Germany
1. What are 5 things you want people to know about your book?
If My Hair Had a Voice not only celebrates Afro-textured hair but also explores the origins of some modern hairstyles.
The story and backmatter teach about African diversity and the cultural significance of hair across ethnic groups.
The story highlights why it is important to stand up to race-based hair discrimination.
Illustrator Patricia Grannum did a wonderful job capturing the diversity of hairstyles in the book.
Kids from all backgrounds can enjoy If My Hair Had a Voice and be inspired to learn more about their family origins and cultural traditions.
2. What are 5 helpful hints or tips you wish you would’ve known before starting on this publishing journey?
Traditional publishing is a long journey with plenty of twists, turns, and tears. Find your writing community. You’ll need the support. I discovered mine through Twitter, 12X12, SCBWI, and kidlit writing courses.
Join a critique group of writers with similar goals and commitment to the craft. You can even belong to more than one, like I do.
Take online courses, participate in workshops, and watch webinars if possible.
BookEnds Literary Agency has a YouTube channel with videos that answer practically any question about the querying and publishing process you could have.
Write from the heart, and don’t give up.
3. Tell us 5 interesting details about your book. (For example: How did you get your title, illustrations/illustrator, editor, getting the book deal, etc.)
IF MY HAIR HAD A VOICE was chosen for the 2022 PBParty contest. Being a finalist led to the deal with Beaming Books and connecting with my agent, Joan.
The book started as a poem inspired by my frustration with my hair, learning to love my texture, and my desire to understand more about my cultural heritage.
The main character is named after singer-songwriter Kimya Dawson. She’s one of my favorite musicians. I later discovered that the name Kimya originates from Swahili and means “silent.” I thought that was fitting because my Kimya learns to use her voice to celebrate her heritage.
I really enjoyed doing research for the illustration references and backmatter. It reminded me of anthropology classes I took in college.
I’m so in love with Patricia Grannum’s cover illustration. The design with words embedded in Kimya’s hair is perfect.
4. What are 5 fun/quirky facts about yourself as an adult or child?
I’m an Army brat and grew up on and around military bases in Germany.
I was my high school valedictorian in 1998.
I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uzbekistan. I lived with a family in a small town and taught English at a grammar school.
I have a custom-built sleeping closet in my house because I’m a claustrophile and like sleeping in a small space.
I don’t know how to drive.
5. What are 5 book recommendations (any genre)?
Deep Work by Cal Newport
What It Is by Lynda Barry
Poem-Making: Ways to Begin Writing Poetry by Myra Cohn Livingston
Prizes by Janet Frame
Weight: The Myth of Atlas and Heracles by Jeanette Winterson