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Every child deserves to open a book and see themselves as the hero.
At the When I See Me™ Children’s Book Fair, we make that vision a reality. Each year, we gather diverse authors, families, and children in Dayton, Ohio, to celebrate stories that reflect every face and culture. Thanks to supporters like you, every child leaves with a book of their choice—free of charge.
Hello, I’m Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, founder of the When I See Me™, author, publisher, and advocate for representation in children’s literature.
I know what it feels like to search the pages of a book and not see anyone who looks like you — to feel invisible in stories meant to inspire. That memory fuels my mission today:
✨ Every child deserves to see themselves as the hero of their own story.
The Vision
When I See Me™ creates joyful, high-impact book fairs that put free, culturally relevant books directly into the hands of children who need them most.
Our goal for 2026 is simple and powerful:
Raise $4,000 to give 400 children a book they can see themselves in.
What Your Support Makes Possible
Your donation helps us:
- Purchase 400 books by BIPOC authors featuring diverse, uplifting characters
- Create A Book in Every Bag literacy kits (a book, journal, and multicultural crayons for each child)
- Bring authors and illustrators into schools to read and inspire young minds
- Expand to new schools and community centers in underserved neighborhoods
Every dollar brings us closer to a world where children don’t just read stories—they believe in their power to write their own.
Impact in Action
In past years, donors helped us:
- Provide 1,000 children with books of their choice
- Partner with Dayton Public Schools, community organizations, and volunteers
- Fill little hands with big dreams through events full of joy, learning, and belonging
Now, we’re growing that dream. With your help, 2026 will be our most impactful year yet.
How Your Gift Helps
$10 = One child leaves with a culturally relevant book
$25 = Two children receive full “A Book in Every Bag” kits
$500 = Sponsors an entire classroom
$1,000 = Brings the fair to a new school or center
Every gift matters. Every story matters. Every child matters.
Join the Movement
Please help us raise $4,000 to ensure that every child we serve this year walks away with a story that looks like them.
Donate. Share. Believe.
Because when children see themselves in books, they see what’s possible in life.
With gratitude,
Valerie J. Lewis Coleman
Founder, When I See Me™
Dayton, Ohio
