Meet Chan Blue | (MSW) Master Social Worker and Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chan Blue and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chan, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
In my line of business as an author of children’s books, this is a good question because many parents and people that do not have children do not know the DATA–80% of children’s books characters/protagonists are an animal or non-humans. When they are human only 22% are African American, and 2.2% are Native American. 7.7% Hispanic 6.7 Asian.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

A little bit about my career is that I did not start off as an author but worked in early education in 1995’. Early education was not my first choice I was a stay-at-home mother and I found myself working in early ed based on a need it ended up being 25 years later and I retired from this work in May of 2021. My work and early education are what got me to where I am professionally today.
One of my positions in early education was as a (Pre-K) pre-kindergarten instructor for the State of Georgia lottery Pre-K Program which is funded by the Georgia Lottery to prepare 4 to five 5-year age children for kindergarten. This position required a degree in education however my degree was in Human Services which is connected to working in the field of human/social services. As such to meet the requirements I obtained the credential known as the TCC in Early Education at Chattahoochee Technical College. Roundabout my 22nd year working in early education I went back to school to obtain my master’s in social work and I currently work in the capacity is a social worker which I love! A side note when I was completing my master’s the pandemic had started and I thought to myself how glad I was finishing because that could have been difficult/challenging to be completing a grad degree during a pandemic.
Mac and Roni Read was conceived in 2014’ but I did not give birth or present the book brand to the world until January 2021’. Many people ask where the name Mac and Roni Read comes from and it’s based on the fact that MacaRoni and cheese is one of my favorite foods– Yes, the name is phonological! When you work in early education you use phonics and so the names, Mac and Roni, are character names readers and parents will remember.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whew…..I like this question because I like to eat (LOL)! We’re definitely going to start the day off at a nice breakfast brunch restaurant because brunch is one of my favorite meals, a combination of breakfast and lunch. I believe in eating healthily but for the most part every day we are going to eat breakfast somewhere such as Gochas Breakfast Bar located in Fayetteville GA or Cascade Rd. location and Nanas Chicken and Waffles McDonough GA. Since my guests will be with me for a week we are most definitely going to hit the local independent bookstores because you know I am an author so I most definitely have to stay true to my craft and connect with my people ( LOL). I’m not a shopper and when I shop, I’m very thrifty. I like thrift stores and from the thrift store going up the ladder you’ll find me at TJ Maxx—I’m a fashionista (LOL). I’m most definitely taking my guess to a nice park and an art gallery as literature and art are connected and finally, we’re going to end the week with some good CHURCH!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The classic shoutout, everybody does this, from being on TV to being on the radio and now the social media platform! As an author, I have an opportunity to give a shoutout but in literature, it’s known as dedication. On this platform, my first shoutout is to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and God my father who is the driving force behind Mac and Roni Read! After that, it would have to be my children; Sabrina (Brina), Starr, and Abigail (Abi). Next, is the early educational platform which most of the readers know as daycare or preschool. Finally, it would have to be my faith-based family at Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain GA where my pastor is none other than Dr. Kerwin B. Lee, and First Lady Yolanda Lee

Website: macandroniread.com

Instagram: @macandroniread

Linkedin: Chan Blue

Twitter: @ReadMacandRoni

Facebook: Mac and Roni Read

Youtube: youtube.com/@macandroniread