Nationwide — Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, a passionate advocate for diversity in children’s literature and a former educator of more than 20 years, will host the highly anticipated When I See Me™ BIPOC Children’s Book Fair. It will take place on Saturday, July 27, from 11am to 4pm at the West Branch Library, 300 Abbey Avenue, Dayton, OH 45417. This vibrant event promises to be a delightful and enriching experience for children up to twelve years old, parents, teachers, and child advocates.
Featuring seventeen talented authors, the When I See Me™ BIPOC Children’s Book Fair will showcase books that highlight black and brown babies, providing a mirror for children to see themselves in the stories they read. Our goal is to foster a love for reading and help children avoid the summer slide.
Exciting Activities and Giveaways
Thanks to their generous sponsors, children will enjoy a variety of exciting giveaways including Chick-Fil-A gift cards, drawstring bags, writing journals, sweet treats, and more! The book fair also offers interactive activities designed to engage young minds and inspire a lifelong love of reading. A complete list of the sponsors is available at bit.ly/2024WISM
A Book in Every Bag
Valerie is thrilled to announce that donations to her organization’s A Book in Every Bag initiative have exceeded $3,000! This incredible support ensures that every child who attends the fair will leave with a book of their choice from one of our featured authors.
Inspiring Panel Discussions
Aspiring children’s book authors won’t want to miss our engaging panel discussions! Learn from our featured authors as they share insights, tips, and their personal journeys in writing and publishing children’s books. It’s a golden opportunity to get inspired and gain valuable knowledge from experienced professionals.
Join Us for a Day of Fun and Learning
The When I See Me™ BIPOC Children’s Book Fair is not just an event—it’s a celebration of culture, diversity, and the joy of reading. Bring your family, friends, and students for a day filled with fun, learning, and community spirit.
For more information or to make a donation, visit the official web site at WhenISeeMe.com
Also, be sure to join the Facebook group at Facebook.com/groups/WhenISeeMe for updates and sneak peeks of what’s in store!
Valerie comments, “Let’s come together to inspire the next generation of readers and celebrate the beauty of diversity in children’s literature.”
About the Organizer
Valerie J. Lewis Coleman is a passionate advocate for diversity in children’s literature. As the author of the bestselling, award-winning children’s book Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me, she is committed to creating spaces where BIPOC voices are amplified and celebrated.
About
The When I See Me™ BIPOC Children’s Book Fair aims to celebrate and promote diversity in children’s literature by showcasing the work of BIPOC authors and providing a platform for meaningful engagement with young readers and aspiring writers. Through author signings, interactive activities, and panel discussions, the event seeks to inspire a love for reading and writing while fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among BIPOC children and their communities.
For press inquiries, contact Valerie J. Lewis Coleman at info@penofthewriter.com or 888-802-1802.
