Gary R. Gray, Jr. (he/him)
“Seeing ourselves in stories can give us a sense of belonging and inspire us to pursue our dreams. When we read about characters like us achieving their goals, we’re encouraged to believe in our potential and strive for success in our own lives with renewed confidence.”
Biography
Gary R. Gray, Jr. has taught internationally for over ten years, specifically focusing on the Primary Years Program, Reading and Writing Workshop, and United Nations Sustainability Development Goals. He has an M.Ed in Early Elementary Pedagogy with a focus on Culturally Responsive Teaching. He has taught in lower and upper elementary classrooms consisting of children from many different countries around the world and currently teaches Grade 2 in Singapore.
Gary is a Black Canadian. He grew up in Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada’s oldest Indigenous Black community. His debut picture book, I’m From, illustrated by Oge Mora, was a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award honoree. His second book, Spendin’ Time, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell, is scheduled for 2026.
When he is not in the classroom, Gary enjoys coaching basketball, storytelling, sneaker shopping, traveling, and hanging out with family.
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