This teen’s ‘The Honey Bunch Kids’ series makes reading fun for kids

Chental-Song Bembry always had a passion for reading, writing and watching cartoons.

At 10 years old, Bembry decided to combine all her loves by creating her first book, The Honey Bunch Kids.

That would be the beginning of a successful writing career for Bembry. At 11 years old, Bembry attended a writing camp, where she developed themes and main characters before self-publishing her first book at age 13.

The books focus on a group of middle school children who teach the values of kindness, patience and respect for one another all while being kids and having fun. After the initial release and positive feedback of Bembry’s first book, she followed up with two more to begin The Honey Bunch Kids series.

Besides writing and promoting her books, Bembry created a literacy campaign in which she traveled to different schools reading to children and stressing the importance of reading. Years later, Bembry, now a Hampton University sophomore, continues to encourage children through her book series, and hopes The Honey Bunch Kids will become an animated cartoon someday.

Her mission hasn’t gone unnoticed. Bembry has received many accolades, including HBCU Buzz Top 30 Under 30 and the New Jersey Nets Hometown Hero Award. She was also a BET Honors “Early Riser.”

Last year, Bembry was BET’s Black Girls Rock! M.A.D. (Making A Difference) winner for her efforts to increase literacy among black children.

“It was amazing,” Bembry said of her BET Honors recognition in an interview. “I’m so thankful for it and it was an honor to bet there. I grew up watching the different shows on a lot of networks, but to be recognized by a successful network is unbelievable and a blessing. I’m looking forward to inspiring more people and to keep telling people, continue what you started and to not give up.”

Watch as Bembry is honored by BET here.