When I See Me™ Children's Book Fair

Because every child deserves to see themselves as the hero

The Challenge

  • Less than 27% of all children’s books feature BIPOC protagonists.
  • Research shows representation boosts self-esteem and academic performance.
  • Future leaders need to see themselves in stories today.

The Solution: When I See Me™ Children’s Book Fair

  • Access to books featuring BIPOC heroes
  • Author interactions
  • Mental health and social-emotional learning integration
  • Family engagement and community pride

Benefits and Return on Investment

For Schools & Organizations:

  • Increased literacy
  • Parent engagement
  • Reputation boost

For Scholars:

  • Pride and identity
  • Literacy confidence

For Families:

  • Cost-free access
  • Joy and community support

Case Study:

Roosevelt Elementary

  • 350 student vouchers funded
  • Scores of students redeemed vouchers on the spot, while hundreds more took home lasting memories and excitement
  • 7 diverse authors engage students and autographed books
  • 1 mental health therapist facilitated social-emotional learning (SEL) sessions
  • 4 community partners participated
  • Nearly 200 guests transformed the school into a hub of literacy and joy

What Leaders Are Saying

“This book fair was more than an event. It was a celebration of identity, imagination, and the power of representation. When children see characters that look like them and live like them, they begin to believe more deeply in their own potential. We were proud to host When I See Me at Roosevelt.”

Therman C. Sampson, II, EdD

Roosevelt Elementary Principal

“Our experience in the When I See Me Book Fair at Roosevelt Elementary School was transformative for students and families. We are grateful.”

Ashton Dupler

Executive Director of The Dayton Equity Center

“When I See Me Book Fair featured diverse, vibrant authors with an array of amazing books. I love that it was open to our students, surrounding neighborhoods, and community partners. Valerie is a visionary who provided these valuable resources to us.”

Mary Taylor

Roosevelt Elementary Media Specialist

What the Scholars are Saying

Partnership & Investment Options

All In

  • 300+ scholars gets a branded voucher

  • Mental health therapist facilitating SEL activities

  • Multiple author signings (5–10 authors)

  • Family engagement activities

  • Recognition in media, eblasts, and social media

Next Level

  • 200+ scholars receive branded vouchers

  • Multiple author signings (3–5 authors)

  • Student literacy activities

  • Recognition in eblasts and social media

First Step

  • 50+ scholars receive vouchers

  • One author presentation

  • General book fair access

  • Recognition in eblasts and social media

Sponsorship Add-Ons:

  • Businesses can sponsor vouchers, author visits, or activity stations

  • Sponsors recognized via logos, media, and social shout-outs

Let’s bring When I See Me™ Book Fairs to your scholars!

Contact: Valerie J. Lewis Coleman

Because every child deserves to see themselves as the hero.

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