Liu Light
Illustrator
Light graduated with a BFA in Painting and Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016. Since graduating, they have been actively involved in the DIY music and art community in Richmond, VA, created music and performed under the moniker Yaya, and curated experimental shows and art projects with two other collaborators in their art space, 3 Moons. They developed a strong interest in and compassion for supporting people, especially youth, who are marginalized by their identities, cultures, and disabilities. Recently, they have rekindled their love for illustration, comics, and animated media, and hopes to pursue their many talents and passions as far as they can go. See more of their work at: www.liu-light.tumblr.com.
Liu Light illustrated:
by Ashley, Daequan, and Rico of Reach Incorporated
Story: Da’Monte walks home deflated after watching a friend get bullied. Afraid, he did nothing. Wishing he was braver, he confided in his grandmother, who provided a powerful surprise. With a magical hoodie provided by the family matriarch, Da’Monte becomes brave and bold. The bullies better watch out.
Story Behind the Story: In this fresh take on a superhero story, these teen authors reclaim the hoodie as a symbol not of intimidation or threat, but of courage and selflessness. Hoodie is the new Cape. In the context of continued racial profiling of and violence towards young black men in this country, this reimagining could not be more timely, or more necessary.
ISBN: 978-0692300787
Age: 4-9
Lexile: 600L
Page Count: 36
Published: Fall 2014
by Karta, Darne'sha, and Zorita of Reach Incorporated
Story: Meet Princess McKenzie as she shows you around her castle, the Fort Hill Homeless Shelter. McKenzie shows the power of imagination in overcoming difficult circumstances. Missing her mom, Princess McKenzie leaves the shelter in search of the queen and finds something far more important.
Story Behind the Story: In this bold and imaginative story, these teen authors address a challenge they know some of their readers know personally, but that we rarely see represented in children's literature: living in a homeless shelter. They wanted to portray the shelter as a safe and helpful place where families can rebuild and get the support they need, while also exploring the complex relationship issues that can be caused by financial struggle.
ISBN: 978-0692300763
Age: 4-9
Lexile: 550L
Page Count: 36
Published: Fall 2014
by Rashaan, Sejal, DaQuan, and Zorita of Reach Incorporated
How often do our stories for children explore sadness, loneliness, and disruption? While these children’s books are rare, the reality is all too present for many of our young people. Teen authors Rashaan, Sejal, DaQuan, and Zorita took on this challenging topic through the eyes of Larry, the lonely (rapping) camel.
ISBN: 9780996927468
Age: 4-9
Lexile: 600L
Page Count: 37
Published: Fall 2013
by Jordan, Rico, and Brandon of Reach Incorporated
Jealousy. Envy. Loneliness. We’ve all felt these emotions. In this incredible story of frustration and friendship, teen authors Jordan, Rico, and Brandon share the silly things we do when feeling bad about ourselves. Bobby, the editor of the school newspaper at REACH Middle School, is jealous of a popular threesome. His plan: break up the trio. Does it work?
ISBN: 9780996927499
Age: 4-9
Lexile: 590L
Page Count: 40
Published: Fall 2013
by Trevon and Kahliya of Reach Incorporated
Where can you go to grill half-smokes, captain pirate ships, shoot hoops, feed ducks, and watch the sun set magnificently over the river? Welcome to historic Anacostia Park, in Southeast Washington, D.C. Join us on an adventure through this local landmark through the eyes of D.C.’s youngest residents, and feel the ordinary become extraordinary.
ISBN: 978-1-945434-94-5
Age: 2-4
Lexile: 500L
Page Count: 32
Published: Fall 2018