Thirteen (Paperback)

Thirteen delivers an authentic ensemble of experiences from the eyes of a 13 year old African American. Tamia is best known for her essay Freedom, which won a local award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Editor's Choice recognition from TeenInk magazine. This book is a perfect fit for anyone looking to understand the world through the lens of a teenage girl. Tamia is often quoted as saying, "I'm thinking, I'm thinking, I'm always thinking". Her work focuses on reflections from daily life, love, family, inner turmoil, and the lived experience of being black, female, and in America. At the age of 10, Tamia prayed that God would give her a baby sister for Christmas. Her sister, Aaliyah Lili was born December 20th that same year. Her book, Thirteen is dedicated to Lili.

Tamia lives in north Texas with her sister, parents, and dog, Fred. She enjoys finding just the right words and her inspiration for writing comes from observations in her daily life and the world around her. At the age of five she declared herself The Rose That Fights . Those who know her are well acquainted with her as a gentle, kind soul, and as a fiercely outspoken individual. Tamia is active in the community and earned the Gold President's Volunteer Service Award in 2016. She is an active Girl Scout and earned the Silver Award in 2016. Her after school activities include participation in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Omicron Mu Omega Chapter's Cachet Youth Program and Omega Alpha Omega Chapter ASCEND program. Tamia is a black belt in MMA and on the Varsity Power Lifting Team at her high school. Tamia LOVES reading books from diverse authors and subjects. Some of her favorite authors are Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, John Layman and Neil Gaiman.