Nationwide — What happens when a child finally sees themselves as the hero of a story? For more than 1,000 children, that moment has sparked confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading through the When I See Me™ literacy movement. Now, founder and author, Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, is expanding that mission beyond books by introducing three guided journals designed to help children write the next chapter of their own lives.
The new journals — I Am Amazing! (ages 5–8), I Am Growing Every Day! (ages 5–8), and My Voice Matters! (ages 9–12) — make their public debut at the Third Annual When I See Me™ Children’s Book Fair on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Designed for children ages 5–12 through age-specific editions, the journals encourage young people to explore their thoughts, celebrate their strengths, express their emotions, and dream boldly through guided writing prompts, creative activities, and confidence-building exercises. The first three titles in the seven-journal collection were created to help children discover their voice, build confidence, and embrace their limitless potential.
“When children see themselves reflected in what they read and write, something changes,” said Coleman. “They begin to believe their ideas matter, their voices deserve to be heard, and their future is filled with possibilities. These journals give children a safe place to celebrate who they are while imagining who they can become.” Since its founding, the When I See Me™ movement has grown into one of Dayton’s most impactful community literacy initiatives, connecting children with culturally relevant books, diverse authors, and enriching experiences that affirm identity while inspiring a love of reading.
Through its signature A Book in Every Bag™ initiative, more than 1,000 children have received free books to begin or grow their home libraries. The annual book fair brings together authors, educators, families, community organizations, and volunteers for a day of storytelling, literacy activities, social-emotional learning, and family engagement.
The debut of the When I See Me™ Journal Collection marks the next chapter of a movement that’s helping children move from seeing themselves in stories to believing they have stories worth telling. One parent described the impact this way: “My daughter lit up when she saw a character who looked like her. Now she’s writing her own stories. That confidence is something you can’t put a price on.”
This year’s When I See Me™ Children’s Book Fair features author meet-and-greets, live read-alouds, interactive workshops, giveaways, family activities, and the official launch of the new journal collection.
Educators, librarians, literacy organizations, youth-serving agencies, conference planners, and community groups are invited to learn how the When I See Me™ movement is helping children strengthen literacy, confidence, and self-expression through books, journals, school programs, and speaking engagements.
Event Information:
Third Annual When I See Me™ Children’s Book Fair
Saturday, July 25, 2026
11:00AM to 4:00 PM
Dayton Metro Library – West Branch
300 Abbey Avenue, Dayton, OH 45417
Admission is free.
Learn more about the event and the complete When I See Me™ Journal Collection at WhenISeeMe.com/journals
About
When I See Me™ is a literacy and confidence-building movement dedicated to helping children discover their voice, build confidence, and realize their limitless potential through culturally relevant books, guided journals, author experiences, and community literacy events.
Every child deserves more than a book. Every child deserves to see themselves as the hero of their own story. Through books, journals, and community experiences, When I See Me™ is making sure they do.
For media interviews, speaking engagements, school visits, conference presentations, or additional information, contact info@penofthewriter.com or 888-802-1802