kUSHE-O!
My name is Aminata and I am the author of the picture book, “The Biggest Little Brother” and “The Taste of Home”—a 2025 Children’s Africana Book Award winner. Thank you for visiting Readers Inspired. I truly believe that books have the power to ignite imagination, build empathy, and inspire readers of all ages.
As a Sierra Leonean growing up in the United States, I often felt caught between two worlds. The Africa I knew — vibrant, diverse, full of life — was rarely the Africa I saw reflected in the books and media around me. Although there’s been meaningful progress in how African stories are portrayed, the world of children’s literature still has more work to do.
I created Readers Inspired for four key reasons:
To highlight and celebrate children's books featuring dynamic African lead characters,
To foster conversations about diversity and inclusion in children's picture books,
To share tips for supporting diverse children's literature and amplifying underrepresented authors,
To offer insight into the journey of writing and publishing children’s books.
When young readers have access to books that serve as both mirrors and windows to the world, they grow in cultural competency, empathy, and curiosity. It’s my hope that through Readers Inspired, we can continue to open doors for more stories to be told—and celebrated.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
- Aminata