Reach

I’m Samaria. I was 15 years old when I wrote my book. I like to draw and paint anything, especially people and landscapes. This is my first book with Reach and Shout Mouse. I wanted to write this book because I like to express myself with art, and now I get to do it with words! I hope that when kids read our book they learn that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.

My name is Joseph (he/him). I was a junior in high school when I wrote my first book with Shout Mouse Press and I was a senior when I wrote my story, “Democracy How?,” in What It Cost Us. At this moment in my life, I am trying to find a balance. I have not yet, but I will let you know when I do! In the future, I plan to go to grad school and study medicine in hopes of becoming a radiology oncologist. I want readers of this book to know that you are never alone. I want parents to know that it’s okay to listen to kids. And I want kids to know that their feelings matter, and it’s okay to speak up.

I’m Danya. I was a 16-year-old 11th grader at Anacostia High School when I wrote my book. When there’s not a pandemic, I like to go to the mall with friends or go to parks with my family. I hope this book helps young readers learn about problem solving and good communication.

My name is Damarco and I was a 17-year-old senior at Luke C. Moore High School in Washington, DC when he wrote his book. I enjoy basketball and making clothing. I’ll be dropping a new clothing line soon, and I hope you’ll check it out! This is my first book. I hope that this story will provide all our readers some understanding of the impact of police violence.

I am Emilie, and I was 15 years old. when I wrote my book. I am a sophomore at Coolidge High School in Washington, DC. I like playing sports, writing, baking, and cooking. This is my first book. I wrote this book because in this world there is a lot of injustice against African Americans, and letting kids learn about this through story is a good way to spread the word and get them talking.

My name is Geralyn, GiGi for short. I was a 16-year-old junior at Anacostia High School when I wrote my book. Outside of school, I enjoy hanging out with friends and shopping. I hope to build on my love of people through a career in psychology or sociology. I want young readers of our book to know that just because they’re little doesn’t mean they can’t make a difference in the world.

My name is Shatyia, and I was a sophomore at H.D. Woodson High School when I wrote my book. My favorite activities are drawing, reading, and cooking. This is my first book. I hope that my young readers recognize that someone like you can have a huge impact on others, whether big or small. I hope this story inspires you to be a better person, and to always stand up for what you believe in.

My name Is Daveena. I was 15 years old when I wrote my book. I like to dance and cheer. I wrote this book because I want children to be able to talk about what’s going on in their daily lives, and to discuss why Black people are in the position we are in. I hope readers understand that you can change things in this world. You can always help out the people you love.

My name is Anthony, and I was a junior at H.D. Woodson High School in Washington, DC when I wrote my book. I am a bit of a quiet person and I love to be outdoors. This is my first book. I hope that all our readers will enjoy this story that we wrote. We wrote it for you.

My name is Diarou and I was a fifteen-year-old sophomore at Calvin Coolidge High School when I wrote my book. I really like fashion and I love to do hair. My most important purpose is to make money and make my mom proud. This is my first book. I wrote this story to help kids who have a hard time adapting to a new environment, like I did when I came to this country. I want them to know that just because you are living in a new environment, with people of different backgrounds, it does not make you an outsider. You will always find someone you can relate to.

Japan was in the 10th grade at Anacostia High School when she wrote her book. Japan loves studying anatomy and biology. She also loves being in the music studio.

Joacktavious was fifteen years old and a sophomore at Ballou High School when he wrote Georgia In The Jungle. His favorite subject is math. He loves to play basketball and football. This is his first book. He wrote this book to encourage kids to read and also to help students get through grief.

Riley was a student at Ballou Senior High School when she wrote her books. She likes to do artistic things, travel, and listen to music. She wrote Man Up because toxic masculinity is a topic that isn’t talked about, but is a major problem in our society. She hopes readers understand that gender is a social construct — you can be whoever you want to be. She wrote Diarou’s Not So Different because everyone deserves to be heard, and there’s a place for everyone in the world everywhere!