We’re pleased to announce the 2013 Mascot Books Author of the Year. As in year’s past, this award recognizes superior achievement in storytelling, writing, and a demonstrated passion for literature. This year’s winner, Sherri Graves Smith, personifies these values and so much more.
Sherri is the creator and author of the Game Day Rules (GDR) children’s book series. GDR are licensed by collegiate and professional teams and encourage young readers to think about issues relating to character, civility, and sportsmanship. Visit Sherri’s website at www.GameDayRules.com for more information.
Sherri told us, “I want to help children enjoy their childhood to its fullest potential. I want to provide products that are wholesome, fun, safe, and that pull on the heart strings. I want them to inspire families in continuing traditions and starting new ones. Childhood comes only once, and there is an innocence and whimsy that belongs to it. It is a time when character is molded, and a child’s outlook on life can be tremendously influenced during this time. As a way of giving back and as a way to show the gratitude I have for my childhood, the products I created come from my heart and are a love letter to my parents and a thank you to them and God for my childhood and my life.”
Prior to creating GDR, Sherri worked at The Coca-Cola Company’s Legal Division as an attorney. Her career came to an unexpected halt after a routine visit to the doctor revealed that Sherri had cancer. In November 2007 at the age of 36, Sherri was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and immediately began an aggressive course of treatments that included chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Despite the many curveballs thrown her way, Sherri has maintained an upbeat attitude and is an inspiration to us all at Mascot Books.
In recognition of being named Mascot Books Author of the Year, we are pleased to make a $1,000 donation in Sherri’s name to the Atlanta Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF) an organization that Sherri supports as a volunteer. For more information about ACCF, visit www.AtlantaCancerCareFoundation.org.