Writing the Books We Wanted as Children 🔆

I recently attended a local children’s book event and was amazed by the similarities between the stories of the presenting authors. Their journeys reflected my own. So many of us write the stories we wish we could have read as kids.

Growing up, I never read a story with a character like me. I yearned for the story of a young girl living at a crossroads who looked like me. I regularly asked our local librarian for stories I could relate to and borrow from the library. Did they have a book about a girl who grew up in the city, lived in the suburbs, and loved spending time running around in the country? Too nuanced? How about an African American girl dealing with the ups and downs of life at home and school who has a loving relationship with both her mom and her dad? Still no? Last try, did they have a book about an African American girl growing up in a predominantly Caucasian neighborhood and how she navigates friendships and relationships? Any of those would have been very helpful to young me!

I know now that I wasn’t alone. Many kids were, and still are, looking for books that help them navigate the world. We all seek connection in this great, big world. Kids dealing with transitions like moving to a new state, starting a new school, or coping with loss all need stories that reflect their experiences. Kids who’ve been through adoption or foster care, kids navigating life with differing physical abilities, and kids whose bodies are growing and changing—every one of them benefits from seeing themselves in the stories they read.

That’s why I wrote The Independents. Avery and her friends are all navigating transitions and building connections in a suburban neighborhood during the 1980s. They face challenges with friendships, family, and self-discovery, all while tackling a bit of mystery along the way. The story offers representation and relatability for readers of all ages. I hope that The Independents becomes a source of comfort and connection for kids searching for something familiar to hold on to.

I’m grateful to my fellow authors who, like me, wrote their stories and offered connection through characters to all those seeking it. We wrote the stories we wished were available to us as young readers. We shared them with the world. And we hope they find the readers who need them. 🥰