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Why Representation in Children’s Books Matters

9/16/2024

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Ernst and I recently participated in a Hispanic Month Celebration in a neighboring community--and we will continue to do so throughout the month. We realize that although our stories may be underrepresented in children's literature, other communities face similar conundrums. As authors and publishers, we know the importance of diverse stories.

Books--whether they act as mirrors or windows--have the power to build bridges. Bridges offer people, especially children, ways to connect with others, develop empathy and understanding, and ultimately to solve problems. That's what leaders do.

I recently shared a campaign on social media about ways "Readers Become Leaders". As adults, we know the power of a shifting political and cultural landscape. We need tomorrow's leaders to be equipped with the tools they need to relate to all kinds of people no matter their cultural, religious, or ideological background. Diverse books provide a framework for readers to delve into worlds that may not be readily accessible where they live.

Additionally, diverse books, give children opportunities to see themselves within the story and to understand that their experiences are important, too. They are able to bolster a sense of self that strengthens their esteem and subsequently, their voice. When children see themselves in books, in movies, in games, and in other media, they realize they have the power to lead and solve problems, too.

If everyone in the room has the same or similar experiences, they may fail to see blind spots in plans and agendas. Having access to different experiences empowers leaders (and their teams) to develop more creative solutions to challenges we face.

The earlier children become comfortable with this reality, the more equipped they will be to function successfully in the world we actually live in.

Each story brings a unique perspective. Each story allows the audience to experience life through the eyes of another. The story can be familiar or foreign. It just needs to be told and shared. That is why representation in children's books matters.

Click on the "K" to purchase author signed copies on my publisher's website FreeSparrows.com

Keishia Lee Louis

Keishia is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She has authored three picture books for families: What's In a Name? : A Tale of Discovery, My Uncle Aaron's Farm, Wonder in the Waiting.
She has also authored an early chapter book: Wonder in the Waiting
All of her books can be purchased through FreeSparrows.com and where ever books are sold.

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How I Became a Picture Book Author: My Story

9/11/2024

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A Brief Video About My Picture Book Author Journey

I have been writing stories since middle school--the same age as my students. They will forever be my students even though I am not a teacher in the classroom this school year. But that is a story for another time... You want to know why and how I became a picture book author.

When I was a girl, I enjoyed imagining and developing characters and determining what would happen to them. After I won my first award and was featured in the local newspaper, “The Roswell Neighbor”, I was hooked. My young mind thought, “Maybe I have a grain of talent after all.” I would later learn that talent is subjective and that not every story will land with every person.
As I grew up, I enjoyed visual storytelling more. I still enjoyed books, but with the demands of school, I developed a love for watching movies and television. I also loved picking up a camera and recreating basic visual effects, like making people disappear and reappear in a new context.

I loved acting on the stage. I also enjoyed telling true stories about interesting people, so I developed an interest in journalism, playwriting, poetry, and screenwriting. I always knew that storytelling would be a big part of who I would become because words (and playing with them) occupied most of my time. I decided to apply for various college programs where I could explore those interests. I fell in love with New York University. The idea of being in New York and experiencing all of its wonders excited me, but sending a daughter to New York was concerning to my mother. The price tag was concerning to my father. However, my dad was impressed by the security at the school, and I received a wonderful scholarship. So they thought,

“Why not?”

Off I went. The experience was life-changing. I traveled the world, wrote for magazines and newspapers, and met interesting people--including my husband Ernst Louis.
Then the terror attacks of 9/11/2001 occurred and our lives were altered by the tragic events of that day. Ernst, who had been working for Merrill Lynch at the time, did not have an office building to return to. By comparison, our situation was minor. I was glad he was alive. He would be alive to raise our baby (and two future children). By 2003, we knew that we wanted to raise our small family with less hustle and bustle, so we moved to Georgia where I had grown up.

For years, I set aside the reality of writing. I had left my career to care for our family. I would do it again because those precious years allowed me to see the beauty of being a mom. We homeschooled. We grew together as people. I learned so much as they were learning. In those years, I saw picture book writing as a valuable form of storytelling because picture book reading shaped so much of our family’s life together. Homeschooling and co-ops were much of our lives for almost ten years. I wrote a few manuscripts during those years, but I never seriously sought and agent or publisher.

Then Ernst sensed he needed a career change. He wanted to write full-time. It would be my turn to go back to work. I entered the classroom--this time as a public school teacher. And I am so glad I did. I learned so much about people--young people, old people, black, white, and brown people, Christian people and people of varied faiths. It was eye-opening.

Then I received a challenge. Some students challenged me to publish a book--if I really was a writer. I did.
Through their challenge, I became a picture book author. Now I have authored four books with more on the way--God willing. Let’s see what the future holds.

Click on the "K" to purchase author signed copies on my publisher's website FreeSparrows.com

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Why Representation in Children’s Books Matters

Keishia Lee Louis

How I Became a Picture Book Author: My Story

A Brief Video About My Picture Book Author Journey

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