Why I Write Children’s Books that Tackle Tough Stuff
When I sit down to write, I don’t just think about stories — I think about the kids who will be holding those books. I think about the families who are navigating grief, change, or fear, and I ask myself: What story would have helped me when I was little?
That’s why my My Family series doesn’t shy away from the hard topics. Kids notice more than we realize. They pick up on emotions, on absences, on struggles in the home. If we don’t give them words to understand what’s happening, they’re left to carry it alone. These books are my way of saying, “You’re not alone. Other families go through this too. And it’s okay to talk about it.”
I believe kids deserve honesty wrapped in gentleness. They deserve stories that don’t sugarcoat life, but that also don’t steal away hope. That’s the balance I strive for every time I write: real conversations, safe storytelling, and emotional truth.
Where We’ve Been (Wave 1)
So far, the series has introduced five books:
My Family – Says Goodbye to Grandma (grief and loss)
My Family – Says Adoption is Love (adoption story)
My Family – Is More Than One Color (multicultural family identity)
My Family – Lives Apart (divorce/separation)
My Family – Uses a Wheelchair (disability and inclusion)
Each one opens a doorway for children and parents to talk about feelings, belonging, and family in ways that are gentle, honest, and hopeful.
Where We’re Going (Wave 2 & Beyond)
I’m not stopping there. These books are just the beginning.
Wave 2 (Next in Line)
My Family – Lives with PTSD
My Family – Is Temporary (Foster)
My Family – Helped My Friend Be Safe
My Family – Taught Me Body Safety
My Family – Has Someone Who’s Sick
These titles dive deeper into resilience, safety, and compassion. They’re tough subjects, but they also empower kids with understanding and language to face real-life challenges.
Wave 3 (Future Plans)
My Family – Lost a Baby (miscarriage/stillbirth)
My Family – Misses Our Pet (pet loss)
My Family – Doesn’t Have a Lot Right Now (financial hardship)
My Family – Said Goodbye to Our House (moving/eviction)
My Family – Has Big Feelings (parental depression/anxiety)
My Family – Has Two Dads / Two Mommies (representation & love)
This way, the series balances the hard conversations with healing and hope. Families will have a whole library of stories they can pull from depending on what life throws their way.
Why It Matters
I’ve lived enough life to know kids aren’t blind to hardship. They hear the whispers, they feel the tension, they notice when things don’t add up. Pretending they don’t only makes them feel more alone.
Writing these books is personal. I know what it’s like to face situations as a child that didn’t have neat explanations or safe conversations attached to them. These stories don’t pretend to fix everything — but they do open the door to connection.
Because at the end of the day, kids don’t need perfect answers. They need honesty, love, and the reassurance that no matter what happens, their family is still their family.
