2023 Local Author Spotlight: Reginald Thomas

 

Reginald Thomas wants young people to dream big. A veteran author, Thomas last year released his latest children's book "A Big Dream" 

The book is about a little girl who wonders because she doesn’t know what to think of her big dream. Her father assures her that the sky is the limit. You can do or be whatever you decide to be in life. He also wrote "A Big Dream" activity workbook that has educational activities that includes word puzzles, letter and number tracing.

Thomas will be among 30 authors at the 2023 Birmingham Public Library Local Authors Expo on Saturday, Nov. 4. The free authors event will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Central Library downtown. 

 In an interview with BPL, Thomas said he loves writing children's books that help build reading and literacy. "A Big Dream" was inspired by his grandsons, Steven and Benjamin. He hopes readers learn "that dreams do come true." 

 Thomas favorite author is James Baldwin "because his writing was riveting and impacted the culture of the nation." James Baldwin is featured in the Men of Change exhibit currently open at the Central Library downtown and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

A native of Brighton who currently lives in Bessemer, Reginald Thomas spent 26 years in retail management. He ha a Bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Thomas currently serves as a chaplain at Medical West in Bessemer. Last year, he did a mission trip to Kampala, Uganda. 

 Learn more about Reginald Thomas by clicking on his author website.  

 Besides A Big Dream, Thomas has written several others books. His first book, "One Man's Journey" is a reflection of Thomas' life’s journey told in poetry.  In Thomas second poetry book, "Another Look" he contemplates his past, present, and future. He concludes that after all is said and done, the heart of a man is what holds the greatest value. 

 Thomas third book, "Career Day," was his first foray into children's book publishing. Career Day focused on encouraging children that dreams do come true and you can be whatever you put your mind to. He also has a "Career Day Workbook." 

 "Saying Goodbye," written by Thomas with Chris Skipper, is a book designed for children ages 3-7 to help with the process of grief and loss. He also has a "Saying Goodbye Workbook" 

Thomas has also written these books: I Am Black History Workbook, All About Dinosaurs, All About Monster Trucks, Principles of Prayer Workbook, Dream Write Repeat, Your Dream Your Purpose Your Destiny Writing Journal.