The feeling of self-discovery, for me, is perennial.

The stories of kids who grew up in communities like mine weren't being written about in many books for kids.

All I want kids to know is that I see them for who they are and not who everyone thinks they are.

I grew up around a whole bunch of girls, and one thing I realized is what they had on their plate was very different than what I had on mine. The things girls are made to be responsible for is a heavy burden - take care of your younger siblings, do good in school, have some extracurriculars. The pressure is intense.