An inspiring children's picture book about the indomitable spirit of Jamaican eight-time Olympic medal winner Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce
"Pryce, who earned her fame as an illustrious athlete before putting pen to paper, remains an influential voice for young men and women the world over...She lives the promise entrusted to her."
--Jamaica Gleaner
A 2021 CCBC Choices Selection!
"A retelling of Jamaican Olympic gold medalist Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce's uplifting journey to stardom, the charming picture book encourages young readers to stay steadfast with determination to achieve their dreams."
--Island Origins Magazine
"Shelley Ann's colorful book provides fun-filled reading children will delight in exploring. Illustrated by Rachel Moss, vivid images of her triumphs in runaway races will entice any child, athletic or not."
--Caribbean Life
"I Am a Promise...takes readers on a journey from [Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce's] childhood to the Olympics. It's her story about dreaming big and turning those dreams into reality."
--New York Amsterdam News
"A choice pick for school and public library children's collections, highly recommended."
--Midwest Book Review
I Am a Promise takes readers on Shelly Ann's journey from her childhood in the tough inner-city community of Waterhouse in Kingston, Jamaica, through her development as a young athlete, to her first Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter sprint in 2008.
The story charts how Shelly Ann's commitment to hard work as well as the encouragement of loved ones helped her achieve her dreams against great odds and challenging life experiences. Most importantly, I Am a Promise encourages young readers to believe in themselves and to maximize their own promise to the world.
About the Author: Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce is, as of 2021, an eight-time Olympic medal winner and the most-decorated 100m runner in Olympic history. She holds several prestigious national and world athletic titles including the 2013 IAAF World Female Athlete of the Year. In recognizing her contribution to sport and the country as a whole, the government of Jamaica awarded Fraser Pryce the Order of Distinction, and, in 2018, unveiled a statue of her at the National Stadium. A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Fraser Pryce is also the founder of the Pocket Rocket Foundation which assists promising high school athletes, the owner of a café, Shelly's Café, and a hair salon named Lady Shelly Beauty. Fraser Pryce is married to Jason Pryce and they have a son, Zyon, who was born in August 2017.
Ashley Rousseau studied creative writing at Lesley University's MFA program. Her short stories have been published in Calabash: A Journal of Caribbean Arts and Letters and Small Axe. She was born in Jamaica, where she continues to live with her family and work as a designer with local artisans.
Rachel Moss is an illustrator in love with the bright colors and vibrant energy of the Caribbean. She was born in Jamaica and studied animation in England at UCA. Moss now lives in Jamaica where she spends her days illustrating children's books such as Abigail's Glorious Hair, Milo & Myra Learn Manners with Mr. Mongoose, and The Happiness Dress. Visit www.rachelmossillustration.com for more information.
