Who Did It And Why?
Loretta Harris
ISBN: 9780978668112
Children's Heart Publishing
Reviewed By Sarah Givens
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
It's
a glorious reunion: Marquis, affectionately known as "Pac" by his
friends and family, has just returned home after serving a 10-year bid
in state prison. The charge: participating in a violent drive-by
shooting that left his baby sister, Chantal, incapacitated in a
wheelchair for the rest of her life. Despite his claims of innocence,
the authorities caught Pac red-handed with a weapon they presumed was
used during the incident, so their case against him was airtight, and
his life, as a result, was forever changed.
There's more to the
story than the authorities know, though, and, upon Pac's return home,
critical information is leaked to the police by a mysterious stranger
with intimate knowledge of the shooting, which ultimately exonerates
Pac of the crime and leads to his criminal record being expunged, as
well as restitution from the state for his hardship. The only question
that remains: who is this benevolent stranger, and what is his
motivation for coming forward with the truth after so long?
Who Did It And Why?
is a rewarding read about the lost innocence of youth and the tragic
consequences that often follow. In it, Loretta Harris effectively
frames situations that teens and pre-teens face everyday, bringing them
face-to-face with the often tragic ramifications of their actions,
which can serve as a powerful deterrent to decisions that they'd
normally make in the absence of such enlightenment. Taut and powerful, Who Did It And Why? is a highly recommended teaching tool for readers young and old alike.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Loretta Harris (Children's Heart Publishing)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Loretta. We're looking forward to learning more about all your books.
The entire series of books that you have published thus far have tormented teenagers and pre-teens as the main characters. Have you found that this makes it easier for the youth who have read the books to relate to the stories?
Loretta Harris: Actually, these books were created from the hearts and minds of young teenage authors. I taught intensive reading at an inner city middle school in Orlando, Florida, and I was blown away as these creative minds shared their experiences and stories. I decided to give them an outlet. Children's Heart Publishing was conceived in 2006 as a channel for children of all ages and cultures to share their thoughts and experiences in literary form. We worked on five chapter books for nine weeks! The passion shared within these books will connect and engage any reader.
AR: All of the stories have unexpected twists that cause the protagonists to shift their current modes of thinking in order to achieve a more positive outcome than the path that they're on will lead them to. How did you come up with the idea to feature that highly effective tool as a central facet of your writings?
LH: I give credit to these talented authors. Actors, rappers, and comedians inspire them. A few characters were named after their favorites: "Madena" (Tyler Perry's Madea), Travon Iverson "TI" (rapper TI), and "Chris Rock" (actor and comedian Chris Rock).
AR: Are your stories based on children/situations that you have come into contact with in your activities with various youth?
LH: Yes. In addition, these stories are from the perspectives of our children. Not all are good, but they are genuine accounts of these writers. This is what makes these stories authentic. Everything is the original work of the authors, including the layout for the graphic designs.
AR: In keeping with that theme, are any of the stories autobiographical in nature?
LH: Yes. The book "Hard Life" is very symbolic in nature. A young contributing author, whose last name is Clemons, requested that the Boss - who gives a young convicted felon a second chance at life - have his last name. This character reflects the nature of the real Mr. Clemons, who recently died at age 13, after the completion of this book. "Hard Life" is dedicated to the young Mr. Clemons, who has definitely lived a hard life. The end of each book includes a one-sentence biography of each writer.
AR: All the books are rather short (26 pages or less), yet your writing style is very striking and powerful. Who have some of your chief writing influences been?
LH: I am a very passionate individual with my own unique style of writing. I know that words are powerful, and I try to convey a message with as much detail and passion on paper as I would in person. I assisted these young writers along the way.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your publishing company, Children's Heart Publishing.
LH: Children's Heart Publishing is dedicated to publishing the creative work of the young and gifted writer. Children Heart's aphorism is, "capturing the heart of the writer." We currently work with students in the public school system at the middle school and high school level. Our most recent publication is "Through the Eyes of a Poet," a book highlighting 60 of THE most talented poets in Osceola County.
AR: What's next for you?
LH: I recently completed my memoir, The Journey Less Traveled: Choose To Turn Your Tragedy Into Triumph. This book highlights my experiences surrounding a tragic car accident that took place on May 24, 2006. I speak candidly about my encounter with death, the emotional upheavals, dealing with the loss of a loved one, and my struggle to transition back into reality.
AR: Where can people learn more about you, your writings, and your other efforts?
LH: You can visit my websites: www.chpublishing.org and www.myspace.com/chpublishing
AR: Also, how can our readers contact you directly?
LH: I can be reached on my personal page: www.myspace.com/perfectf8th or www.myspace.com/chpublishing, as well as via email: LHarris@chpublishing.org
AR: Any final thoughts you would like to share with our readers?
LH: I would like everyone to know that you CAN make it to your dreams despite the odds that may be against you! It is evident with my journey from escaping death to currently running my own business and pursuing countless dreams, including my doctorate degree, that I am a testament of God's grace. No matter what, take a stand and choose to live the triumphant life…be inspired!
AR: Thanks again, Loretta, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!