Dr. Artika Tyner
By Dr. Artika Tyner, dr.artikatyner@gmail.com
Books inspire our youth to dream big. The kind of dreams that are bold, audacious, and transformative. These dreams ignite a passion for hard work and the courage to embark on leadership journeys that shape a brighter tomorrow. Dreams fill the pages of books, and with every turn of the page, children are invited into a world of infinite possibilities.
This month’s column features an inspiring interview with award-winning author Isaiah Allen. He shares his vision of a future where books serve as a powerful catalyst by motivating our youth to discover and embrace their limitless potential.
Q: What motivated you to write A Smile?
A: Growing up, I didn’t see myself in the books or media I consumed. In the early 2000s, if a Black character showed up in a sitcom or movie, they were almost always the sidekick – the support in someone else’s story. As a young Black kid, that limited view left me feeling like a supporting character in my own life. But thanks to a family that believed in me and a wild imagination, I started picturing a world beyond those roles. My parents introduced me to Black doctors, engineers, educators, making it clear I, too, could go big. They gave me that foundation – the vision to be the main character in my own story.
When I wrote A Smile, I wanted to center someone who looked like me. It’s not a fairytale; it’s a real-world story of resilience, positivity, and hope. The main character? A young Black boy based on myself. A Smile gives young readers of color a mirror, a chance to see themselves in a positive, central role. It’s not about being a sidekick; it’s about standing in the spotlight. I wanted to break the mold – to create a character with depth and purpose who could be a role model, not an afterthought.
Q: Why does representation in children’s books matter?
A: Representation matters because it reflects reality and shapes perspectives. According to the 2022 Diversity in Children’s Literature study by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, only 13.4% of children’s books featured Black characters and less than 2% featured Indigenous characters. These numbers are improving slowly, but the gap remains glaring. When stories don’t include diverse voices, they send an unspoken message about whose stories are worth telling.
Now, I’m working on a fairytale, a genre where people who look like me are often missing. This time, I’m bringing my perspective into a space that’s rarely made room for us. While A Smile was about real-world representation, this fairytale project is about owning space in the realm of imagination. In both stories, I’m showing that Black children – and all children of color – can be the heroes, the dreamers, and the adventurers.
But real representation goes beyond diversity quotas. Adding characters just to “check a box” can feel shallow, sometimes even harmful. Authentic representation means creating stories that resonate, stories that young people can see themselves in. My books aren’t about “filling a gap”; they’re about showing what’s possible when we build stories from our own experiences and potential. When I write, it’s not about appearances; it’s about impact, about creating something that speaks to those who need it.
And this isn’t just for the kids. Adults need this message too. Growing up without seeing yourself authentically in stories shapes how you see your place in the world. For many adults, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, the lack of representation can lead to a sense of invisibility – a feeling that sticks. Seeing ourselves, our stories, reflected back at us is just as necessary for us as it is for the next generation. When we back stories that uplift, that show all of us in our strength, we’re supporting a world where everyone is valued.
Q: What is your vision for the future?
A: Representation isn’t just something we can achieve once and be done with. It’s a commitment we make – to telling and supporting narratives that reflect the world we live in and the world we want. By doing this, we’re proving that anyone, at any age, deserves to be the hero in their story. That’s the legacy we’re building – a future where every child and adult sees their worth, their strength, and their potential.
In a world where so many feel sidelined, storytelling becomes a tool for change. We all deserve to be the heroes in our own lives, and by writing these narratives, we’re building a world where every child – and every grown-up– sees themselves, in full color, at the center of their own story. Representation is more than a goal. It’s a journey that keeps going, with every new story we tell.
A Call to Action
Former president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, wisely stated: “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” Inspiring our children to dream big is a call to action. It is an opportunity for all caring adults to support our children as they learn, grow, and lead by serving as First Educators.
First Educator: refers to the fundamental primary role that parents and caregivers play in a person’s early development and education. They instill essential life skills, morals and behaviors. Through her organization, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, Dr. Artika Tyner offers resources to foster literacy and education.
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