Help Bring “Deangelo and the Dandelion” to Life

My name is Roy Kinsey—Chicago-based rapper, librarian, and founder of the Rapbrary. I’m writing my first children’s book, Deangelo and the Dandelion, and I need your help to bring it to life.

This is a story I wish I had as a child.

Deangelo and the Dandelion is about a dark-skinned, effeminate boy growing up in Chicago. He’s called names. He’s bullied for being different. But he finds strength in the very things people try to weed out of him—his softness, his voice, his love of beauty.

Deangelo sees himself as a dandelion: often dismissed, but deeply healing.

This story honors all the children who’ve been told they were “too much” or “not enough”—especially Black queer kids. It’s poetic, powerful, and personal.

Deangelo and the Dandelion – Giving Levels

Every gift sows a seed. These are the ways you can support—and be honored as part of this legacy.

Total Goal: $18,000

1. Illustrations & Art Direction – $7,500

Commissioning full-color, high-quality illustrations

Art direction, character consistency, and layout supervision

2. Printing & Production – $4,000

Initial run of softcover and hardcover books (including proofs and shipping)

High-quality materials for vibrant, durable children’s books

3. Publishing & Packaging – $2,500

ISBN registration, barcoding, and interior layout

Packaging for retail/distribution (book sleeves, shrink wrap, etc.)

4. Marketing & PR – $2,000

Social media ads, press kits, and launch campaign

Promo materials for bookstores, events, and press outlets

5. Shipping & Fulfillment – $1,000

Postage for donor gifts, early review copies, and store distribution

Materials: mailers, labels, tape, stuffing

6. Admin, Fees & Contingency – $1,000

GoFundMe platform fees (~3%)

Buffer for unforeseen costs (edits, revisions, vendor delays)

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