AHSHAY and partners publish 20 youth-authored children's books
AHSHAY and partners have completed the first Storybook Project cohort and released The Belonging Collection, a set of 20 original children's books written by youth in Seattle. The books are now available globally through Worldreader's free BookSmart app and will be featured in Worldreader's All Families Reading Challenge in September.
Why it matters: - The Belonging Collection gives youth who have faced significant life challenges a public platform to tell stories about belonging, anxiety, fear, authenticity and disability. - The project connects literacy, creative expression and representation for young readers who may not often see their experiences reflected in children's books. - The books are available globally through Worldreader's free BookSmart app, widening access beyond the original cohort.
What happened: - AHSHAY announced the completion of the first cohort of the Storybook Project and the publication of The Belonging Collection. - The collection includes 20 original children's books authored by youth. - AHSHAY partnered with Young Authors Publishing, Worldreader, Jodi-Ann Burey and Reagan Jackson on the project. - Worldreader will include the collection in its All Families Reading Challenge in September. - Bulk orders are available by contacting hello@ahshay.org.
The details: - Youth participants shaped every element of their stories with guidance from award-winning authors Jodi-Ann Burey and Reagan Jackson. - The program included storyboarding, worldbuilding, narrative development, concept pitching and feedback practice. - The project also paired youth participants with children ages 4 to 6 to help inspire and inform the books. - Younger children and their families took part in separate sessions focused on creative freedom and family engagement in reading and storytelling. - Young Authors Publishing published the books. - AHSHAY is based in Seattle.
Between the lines: - The Storybook Project is designed to center youth creative authority rather than treating young people as passive recipients of adult-led programming. - The intergenerational structure suggests the project was built to strengthen both authorship and early childhood reading culture at the same time. - Worldreader's involvement signals an effort to move the books from a local publishing project to a broader digital audience.
What's next: - The Belonging Collection will appear in Worldreader's All Families Reading Challenge in September. - AHSHAY said bulk orders are available for organizations or groups that want to distribute the books. - The partnership model leaves room for future cohorts if the Storybook Project expands.
The bottom line: - The Storybook Project turns youth experience into published children's literature and gives the books a path to global readers.
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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