About the Author
About the Author
Shavelaney Dorsett-Culpepper and Praises Culpepper
Shavelaney Dorsett-Culpepper and Praises Culpepper are dedicated children’s book authors. Their work is anchored in a shared mission to empower young readers through uplifting narratives that celebrate identity and strength. Deeply rooted in faith and family, they write with a heart for fostering self-love and confidence in every child. They are immensely grateful for their community of Destiny Helpers, whose support fuels their creative purpose. The authors also honor the powerful example of Lawanda Davis Dorsett, whose enduring legacy of love and resilience continues to inspire their storytelling.
In My Happy Place – The Classroom
When I step into my classroom, I’m not just a teacher holding a book—I’m a Jesus Girl walking in my calling. For 19 years, I’ve been an Early-Childhood Educator, helping children fall in love with reading, writing, and stories that look like them. Sing Your Song, Beautiful Black Girl! is one of those dreams turned into reality, written with my daughter, Praises JoyFull. My favorite scripture, Isaiah 58:11, reminds me that the Lord guides me continually and restores my strength. I feel this every time I sit on the carpet with my students and a good book. With my background in early childhood education and curriculum development, I view this space as more than a classroom—it’s a well-tended garden where little minds and big dreams are nurtured every single day.
Proud Mama of a Second Grade Graduate
This picture of Praises JoyFull holding a doll with her name on it melts my heart every time. She is a true Daughter of the King who loves to praise and worship Jesus with all her might. Her favorite scripture is Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,” and I see that trust in her smile. From being valedictorian of her Pre-K class to graduating Kindergarten with high honors, she has always shone brightly. Now, gracefully seven years young and in first grade, she still loves school, church, people, and helping others. When I look at her in this photo, I see a little scholar who knows she is loved, covered, and created on purpose—and I’m so grateful God chose me to be her mama.
Celebrating My Little Graduate
This celebration picture says so much about who we are. I’m dressed up, smiling wide, and Praises is beside me in her boots and braids, standing with that confident little stance I adore. As a Jesus Girl and destiny helper, I love mentoring young ladies into their God-given purpose, and it starts right here at home with my own daughter. We weren’t just at a party—we were marking another moment in the journey God has us on together. My favorite scripture, Isaiah 58:11, reminds me that the Lord will guide me continually and make me like a well-watered garden. On this day, I could feel that overflow as we laughed, posed, and thanked God for how far He has brought us and how far He’ll still take her.
Hand in Hand on Graduation Day
This picture captures one of those moments I prayed for long before I ever held Praises in my arms. Standing beside her in her cap and gown, diploma in hand, I see a Daughter of the King who loves Jesus, loves learning, and walks boldly in Psalm 23:1 — “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” As a Jesus Girl and an Early-Childhood Educator, I’ve spent 19 years cheering other people’s children on, so to cheer on my own little scholar like this is a priceless gift. Under that big, beautiful tree, I felt Isaiah 58:11 come alive—God guiding us, strengthening us, and watering our journey. Hand in hand, we’re celebrating not just a grade completed, but the amazing destiny God has prepared for her.