Read to Me Day Community Spotlight: Author Tonee B. Shelton

In celebration of Read to Me Day, the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight local author, speaker, and literacy advocate Tonee B. Shelton.

Tonee’s journey as a writer began with poetry, where she spent years capturing her thoughts and creativity in journals and on her phone. During the shift to remote work in 2020, she made a personal commitment to pursue writing more intentionally—an important step that led her to begin publishing her work and sharing her voice with others.

In 2021, Tonee self-published her first book, In Search of Freedom, launching it at a local barbershop in Waco. With just 40 copies on hand, she quickly sold out—and that affirmed her path forward as an author. She continued building on that momentum with her 2022 release, Identity Crisis, which became her most popular volume of poetry to date.

In 2023, Tonee expanded into children’s literature with The Scared Frog Takes the Leap!, a story inspired by her own experiences with growth and change. Drawing from a time when she was navigating personal and professional transitions, Tonee crafted a story that reflects the courage it takes to step outside of one’s comfort zone.

Today, Tonee is a self-published author of multiple works who uses storytelling, poetry, and public speaking to connect with audiences and promote literacy. Through classroom visits, workshops, and community engagement, she strives to inspire young readers and encourage creativity.

“When I walk into a classroom and read to children, I hope to spark the next author,” Tonee shared. “I want kids to be excited about books and excited about themselves.”

Her children’s books thoughtfully explore themes such as fear, anxiety, and personal growth, presenting them in a way that is both engaging and accessible for young readers. Tonee believes in the power of storytelling to shape confidence, imagination, and lifelong learning.

To continue promoting literacy beyond Read to Me Day, Tonee will host a Story Time event on March 21, 2026 at 1 PM at Starbucks, 2108 S. Clear Creek Rd, Killeen, giving families an opportunity to enjoy an interactive reading experience.

The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce is proud to highlight individuals like Tonee who are making a positive impact and helping to foster a culture of literacy, creativity, and community engagement.