At the close of 2024, I wrote my first children’s picture book, Joan of Art, about being brave to be who God called you to be right where you live. The book’s theme is taken from Saint Joan of Arc, who shouted as she went into battle, “I am not afraid, I was born to do this.”
Little did I know that my children’s book would introduce me to an abundance of brave women leaders writing for and reading to Dallas’ next generation.
I reconnected with a some of the women I met during my book readings and asked why they concentrate on children and where they find hope in the next generation.
I spoke with an independent bookstore owner, a librarian, and a few fellow children’s book authors.
Opinion
Get smart opinions on the topics North Texans care about.
Claudia Vega, founder of Whose Books in Oak Cliff: “Our community story times unite families of all backgrounds through the magic of read-alouds. Showing how books can share perspectives, teach lessons, celebrate culture, and transport us across the world.”
Vega also established a book access nonprofit in conjunction with the store: “Through our nonprofit ARCO, ‘Activating Reading Communities Organization,’ we gift copies of the highlighted book to the first 10 families who attend — helping to create book access and build home libraries within our community.”
Jessica Lucero, librarian in Balch Springs: “One of my favorite things about being a librarian is hearing the kiddos talk about the books they love! When choosing books for the library, I look for books that will reflect our community and keep the reader hooked from start to finish. My staff and I like to say that the library is more than books — it’s a community hub.”
Little Coleman, Texas-based author, tells students: “There is no such thing as a bad writer. Writing is an exploration of this world. If you write what you feel, see, experience or observe, that makes you a writer.”
Why Coleman wrote her book:, “I knew how I felt when I was told I could be a doctor but didn’t grow up seeing doctors that looked like me. I observed a need for children to see African Americans in different careers, and that is how my book ABC That Could Be Me came to life.”
Angela Henderson Smith, Dallas author, speaker, and writing coach: “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that our role isn’t just to pour knowledge into kids, but to draw out the greatness and creativity already within them.”
Smith continues, “When we read and write with kids, we’re not just teaching them — we’re helping them discover their ideas and bring them into reality. That’s what keeps me going because that’s what matters most. Imitating our Creator must put a smile on God’s face!”
Ann Katagiri, Fort Worth author and entrepreneur: “For me, publishing my three bilingual books meant that I could provide more bilingual books to the world I didn’t grow up with. As a former teacher and a halfie (”person of mixed blood”) who grew up in a multicultural environment, I hope to spread understanding but also encouragement that you can be who you are wherever you go.”
Karen Weiss, Dallas artist and author: “One of life’s greatest joys is sharing a book with children and watching them light up with imagination and wonder. This nurturing time of bonding, learning and inspiration is priceless.”
Hands down the best part of reading to kids is the brave, uncensored conversations afterward. At two different readings, I spoke with two remarkable Eleanors.
When I asked who she was born to be, the first Eleanor said, “I was meant to be a person who stands up for what I believe and teach with a strong voice. I was named after Eleanor Roosevelt.”
Fellow reader and future writer, the second Eleanor came prepared to my reading: “I really like your book. Now I have ideas for more books from you.” I said, “Should I get something to take notes with?” Eleanor proceeded with two incredible book ideas.
When I feel ill-equipped to actually make a difference, I think of Joan of Arc, an unlikely, uneducated farm girl whom God called to protect her country. Saint Joan said yes, gathered an army and declared: “Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well.”
When we find ourselves overwhelmed by the need or the news, look around your world for the brave leaders doing good work, — there are plenty, — and ask to join them.
Lesa Engelthaler is a freelance journalist in Dallas.
