Daralynn Walker will read her latest children’s book at HFC

The School of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Future Teachers Association (FTA) will welcome children’s author Daralynn Walker on Wednesday, October 16, from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the Berry Auditorium of the Andrew A. Mazzara Administrative Services & Conference Center (ASCC) (Building L on the main campus).

A Detroit native, Walker – best known for her well-received Madison Miles and Friends series of children’s books – will read from her latest non-fiction children’s book called Super Cities! Detroit, which explores the history of Detroit and covers many fun things to go and do in the D. This book has been featured on Fox 2 Detroit and WDIV Channel 4.

"I wrote this children’s book because my hometown of Detroit has always been a place of wonder and inspiration for me," said Walker, of Birmingham. "Growing up with a mother who was a librarian, I was surrounded by stories from an early age, and I fell in love with reading. Detroit’s rich tapestry of history, from its groundbreaking innovations to its vibrant culture, has always sparked my imagination. Through this book, I wanted to share the magic of Detroit with young readers, showing them that their hometowns, too, are full of stories and possibilities. Detroit has played a significant role in shaping the world, and I hope this book inspires children to see the extraordinary in their own communities and to cherish the stories that make them unique."

Walker described Super Cities! Detroit as a cross between a historical book and graphic novel.

“We talk about Detroit with images, we talk about the history of Belle Isle, we talk about how Detroit was founded, we talk about various monuments in Detroit,” she explained. “It has a lot of just cool gems and historical facts, at a third-grade level.”

Winning a writing contest in 8th grade cemented her path to become an author

During eighth grade at Redford Lutheran Middle School in Redford, Walker wrote a play and entered it in a contest, where the school’s drama team chose the winner. Walker won the contest, and her play was produced and performed by high school students.

“I realized just how beautiful it was to put pen to paper and see my words come to life,” she recalled. “I was hooked!”

After graduating from Communication and Media Arts High School in Detroit, Walker attended Eastern Michigan University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in communications and theatre arts. She later earned her MBA from Davenport University. She has penned eight books in 10 years.

HFC Pre-Education Director Dr. Carolyn Casale invited Walker to HFC. After Walker finishes her book presentation, she will take questions from the audience and sign copies of Super Cities! Detroit.

“Daralynn is an amazing artist and dynamic woman who brings Detroit to life,” said Casale. “We are excited to host her on our campus. We are planning to use her book as a model for local school children to create a similar book on Dearborn.”

The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. For questions or more information about this event, contact Casale at 313-317-6580 or ccasale@hfcc.edu.