Zack's Promise-Books Should be Free

I wrote Not “So” Gifted Cody and the Really Big Problem, a book geared toward upper elementary readers with a distinct and powerful message. This book aims to address the unique challenges of identity and the common fears that some students face.

In my career, I have the opportunity to visit a number of schools and present to parents. While visiting an elementary school and presenting a workshop about how parents can help their children with reading, I was approached by a multiracial family. The parents wanted a book for their fourth grade son that featured a multiracial protagonist. I thought it would be easy to find one. Unfortunately, it wasn’t.

I searched and found very few. There are more children’s books with the main character being an animal or a truck than it is with the protagonist being a person of color. This is what motivated me to write Not “So” Gifted Cody. I believe every child deserves to see himself or herself reflected in a book.

It is my hope that this fundraiser will allow me to give one signed copy to every fourth grader in my hometown school system (Kemper County, Mississippi) and one signed copy to select fourth grade classrooms in both of the school systems where I have worked.

Additionally, I hope this fundraiser allows for the cost to make the book fully free and accessible to all students in an online PDF version and free on all electronic book platforms.

I know that with your help and support, we can make my promise come to pass. To God be the Glory.