Star of Apple TV+’s ‘Severance’ Tramell Tillman reads ‘Abdul’s Story’ for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Storyline Online®

Tramell Tillman reads for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s children’s literacy program Storyline Online® / Photo courtesy of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation

Actor Tramell Tillman, star of the hit Apple TV+ series Severance, is the newest storyteller to brings his talents and love of reading to SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Emmy-nominated children’s literacy program Storyline Online®. Tillman, a SAG and Independent Spirit Award nominee, chose to read the winner of the 2022 New York Public Library Best Book for Kids – Abdul’s Story.

Written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Tiffany Rose and published by Salaam Reads, an imprint of Simon and Schuster for Young Readers, Abdul’s Story is about a little boy who loves telling stories, yet he struggles when it comes to putting his words down on paper. Convinced that his stories aren’t meant for the page, Abdul’s perspective shifts when a new guest visits his class. Mr. Muhammad shows him that even published authors – and superheroes – make mistakes. Mr. Muhammad not only encourages Abdul to embrace his “messy” process, but to “write new stories with new superheroes.”

Abdul’s Story illustrates an honest portrayal of learning differences and demonstrates the importance of children having strong and relatable role models to help them overcome their fears and personal challenges, and develop their own unique voices.

Author Thompkins-Bigelow has gained acclaim for her literary contributions featuring young Black Muslim protagonists. Her writings have garnered recognition from reputable voices in literature, including the American Library Association. SAG-AFTRA Foundation President Courtney B. Vance is thrilled to include Abdul’s Story in Storyline Online’s growing catalog of diverse stories.

“With a celebrated author like Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, you need a storyteller as thoughtful and gifted as Tramell TiIllman to bring her work to life. Tramell is an actor’s actor who has supported the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and his fellow actors in the past, so we were not surprised when he volunteered to step up to read for Storyline Online and chose Abdul’s Story. This is a powerful story and is a must-see – and read – for any child who is struggling to learn something new.”

As with all Storyline Online read-alouds, Abdul’s Story comes with a supplemental activity guide for teachers that aligns with Common Core Standards to strengthen verbal, written and comprehension skills. The activity guide that is recommended for 2nd-4th grade students, and explores themes like differences, making mistakes, perseverance, and role models.

Tramell Tillman joins the beloved cast of Storyline Online readers including Angela Bassett, Kristen Bell, Connie Britton, Keith Carradine, Terry Crews, Viola Davis, Rosario Dawson, Cynthia Erivo, Sutton Foster, Jennifer Garner, Allison Janney, Melanie Lynskey, John Lithgow, Simu Liu, Rami Malek, Seth Meyers, Bob Odenkirk, Holly Robinson Peete, Chris Pine, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Kyra Sedgwick, Justin Theroux, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Yeoh, and dozens more who have volunteered their time and talent to promote literacy and inspire a love of reading in hundreds of millions of children worldwide.

To watch Abdul’s Story and all of Storyline Online’s read-alouds, visit storylineonline.net. Keep up with new videos by subscribing to Storyline Online on YouTube and following Storyline Online on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Tramell Tillman’s reading of Abdul’s Story is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Apple TV+. For more information about becoming a Storyline Online sponsor, please email sponsorship@sagaftra.foundation.