Jil Marie RossAuthor, "Shenanigans Series ™" of Children's Books 'Necessity' really was the mother of invention for this Chicago mother... Ironically enough, it took the voice of a child to kick-start author Jil Marie Ross's career. The 20+ year airline industry veteran and mother of two was first inspired to pen chapter books for Black children (between the ages of 7-11) back in 1993, writing about her son and daughter's shenanigans in an African American-themed series filled with fun, but grounded with moral lessons. She saw first hand that there was a huge need for chapter books that featured African American characters. She found plenty of books on slavery, history but nothing current day and 'relevant.' Even the line of chapter books in the American Girl® series that features an African American fictional character (Addie) is set in the post civil war era. "Although children of all races and nationalities enjoy the series, I found a need in my own community," she explains. This was especially troubling to her after reading statistics that revealed how Black and Hispanic children are most affected by discouragingly low reading scores, (compared to other ethnic groups). "If children can identify with the picture of the character they see on the cover of a book, maybe they will be more inclined to read." She believes that her series will keep children curious, motivated and engaged. "I want to be a part of conquering this crisis."Ironically, in spite of her findings she did not know how to 'get started writing.' The stories are loosely inspired on a real-life experience of her two children, as well as the childhood of herself and her husband. For years Ross promised her children that she would one day publish the "Shenanigans Series™" and share her vision with the world, but 10 years later, the books were still collecting dust. Finally, in 2003, while doing some spring cleaning, Ross's then 11-year-old son laid down a challenge...he looked at a pile of notes that his mother had collected and said: 'If you're not going to do anything with the stories, just throw them away.'"That was my call to action. In that moment I realized that my son needed to see me complete this. I was leading by example," Jil explained. Luckily for children everywhere, Ross did not throw the Shenanigans Series™ away. Instead, she stepped up to her son's expectations and, in 2004, published "Marie Plays Homeless." "These are the kinds of stories that aren't funny when they happen, but when you look back on them, you laugh," Ross said. "They also teach an important lesson."Indeed, the Shenanigans Series™ tells clear, but gently told life lesson, vocabulary guide, as well as questions that provoke group discussion and written responses. Ross's subsequent works include "Foster the Mummy," "What's the Matter, Mr. Ticklebritches," "The Real Nitty-Gritty" and "The Blake Family Vacation and Foster and that bad, BADD bully!" Her books are now available for purchase online at Borders Books, Walden Books, Amazon, on www.shenaniganseries.com and are distributed through National Book Network. Despite growing attention to her artistry, Ross will never forget the disappointed little voice that got her started. Jil Ross is proud knows that she is making a difference in literacy choices. Articles about Jil Ross have appeared in:* Chicago Sun Times, January 2009* Catholic Harold, January 2009* Diversity MBA, January 2008* Chicago Tribune, January 2008* Chicago Parent Magazine, February 2008* The Beverly Review June 2008 * January 2008* Interview with Stan West on City Voices WNUA Radio