We had the good fortune of connecting with Renee Brown/ AkA Grandma Polly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Renee, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“When seeking change, one has to change their way of thinking. In order to grow in life, one has to adjust and pivot when things don’t go as planned.” This quote keeps me humble as things don’t always go as planned. Instead of focusing negatively on situations that sometimes arrive, I’ve learned how to reassess the issues and focus on other ways to make it work out.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’m a wife, mother, grandmother and former truck driver. 6 years ago, I gave up trucking to pursue my passion for helping others. I was inspired to create the Big Rig Kids series books in hopes of bringing attention to the many adversities our children are facing today. Reading opens the doors to spark conversations that can help reconnect and strengthen families. These books focus on five main characters from different ethnic backgrounds and adversities. Every child reading this will be able to identify with at least one of the characters. So, I spend much of my time writing and creating story lines.
For instance:
Maria: Lives in a two-parent home, but with her having Sickle Cell, she has limited abilities. She loves her flute.
Naoki: She’s Maria’s foster sister and loves to draw.
Corey: He’s adopted, a skateboarder and prankster.
Sasha: She and her twin brother are being raised by their Grandma. Sasha is a computer guru.
Kayden: He’s the twin brother to Sasha. He has a love for reading and building things. He’s a sure leader.

Along with Grandma Polly and Sapphire, the talking truck, each one of my series presents a situation and the kid’s team up together on finding a solution. They all work together for common causes and betterment for their community. With four books and 3 workbooks completed, I’m right on schedule with completing my eight book series. The first in the series introduces the characters, highlights diversity and Maria’s limited abilities. The second introduces bullying and homelessness. The third in the series addresses PTSD and mental illness in our families. The fourth in the series highlights Racism as a learned behavior. I’ve also piloted “The Big Rig Kids deal with Bullying” at Brookstone Schools of Charlotte and TAS Academy after school programs. This program has a workbook that encourages reading, teamwork, conversations and community services.
While the response from the community, kids’, parents and staff has been tremendous. I strongly believe every 3rd through 8th grader should have the opportunity to share in this experience. It was not and still isn’t easy. COVID has slowed a lot of things down for all of us. I just keep creating and preparing for the time when things settle down to what will be our new normal. It has been rough also because all of this is being done through the support of my family.


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would visit St. James Live in Atlanta for an evening on the town. We would visit Marietta Seafood in Marietta. We would take a lunch break at Big fish and Chicken in Marietta. We would take a trip to the Atlanta Aquarium We would definitely take a ride down to the New Black Wall Street Market in Stonecrest Ga.

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?
Shoutout to my husband, Cubit, for being my backbone and support. My Illustrator, my beautiful niece, Jarabia Taylor, who has been with me from the beginning. My brother Kenneth Thompson who is dear to me, he’s my photographer and videographer. A great Big Thank You to my family and friends who have stood by my side through it all.

Website: www.thebigrigkids@Gmail.org

Instagram: @thebigrigkids

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBigRigKids/

Youtube: The Big Rig Kids

Image Credits
Kenneth Thompson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.