The third annual When I See Me™ Children’s Book Fair takes place Saturday, July 25, 2026 (11 am to 4 pm) at the Dayton Metro Library’s West Branch, in Dayton, Ohio, bringing together African American children’s authors, educators, families, and mental health professionals for a literacy experience that extends beyond traditional book fairs. The model responds to an ongoing representation gap in children’s publishing by creating spaces where diverse authors are visible, accessible, and directly connected to young readers.
Attendance at last year’s event doubled from the previous year, signaling growing community demand for culturally responsive books and family-centered literacy programming.
What began as a local children’s book fair has evolved into a broader literacy movement responding to persistent gaps in representation in children’s literature. The When I See Me™ Children’s Book Fair has raised more than $10,000 and placed books into the hands of over 1,000 children through its signature “A Book in Every Bag” effort — designed to ensure every child receives a book reflecting their identity and potential.
The book fair began after a young reader’s experience highlighted how rarely children encounter books that reflect their lives. Today, the initiative operates as a social-impact publishing model blending author visibility, family literacy, and book access.
When I See Me™ Children’s Book Fair
Event Continues After Sponsor's Messages Below...
New Self-Help Book “Blame It on the Feel of Pain” About Detangling From Past Pain
Get ready for a transformational journey toward inner peace as indie author Max W. Miller’s new self-help release, Blame It On The Feel Of Pain, inspires readers in a witty, down-to-earth book. Truth and compassion are foretold, using poetic frames called ‘The Wises,’ and the help of opinionated little emojis bringing laughter and thought-provoking conclusions throughout.
The author encourages her readers, whom she also calls partners, to stop wrestling with the hard knocks of the past. She expresses how voluntarily walking back into time precedes trauma healing. Confronting lingering pains is a step toward strength and hope for the future. ‘Blame It’ delves into the author’s life experiences, bringing to life the importance of using Full Circle Moments to find resolutions.
Throughout Blame It On The Feel Of Pain, the reader grows to understand through a unique interpretation that what we are destined to become grows out of the years we’ve already traveled. Further, our future hinges on how we address the pains of the past. Other expressions focus on how desires in the present are carved out of having a clear vision that old, lingering strongholds must be defeated. A history of suffering is a prerequisite for becoming fed up enough to demand enjoyment now!
To Get On the Road To Overcoming Your Trauma See Her Exclusive Interview
Order Her Book Blame It On The Feel Of Pain
Children’s Book Fair
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“When children see themselves in stories, it shapes how they see their future,” said Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, founder of the book fair. “This work brings books, belonging, and possibility together in one place.” The approach positions the book fair as part of a broader community-driven literacy movement rather than a standalone event.
Unlike traditional fairs, When I See Me™ integrates youth author debuts, social-emotional learning experiences, and family literacy engagement — positioning reading as both academic and emotional development.
The initiative continues to expand through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and independent authors, with organizers exploring ways to replicate the model in additional communities, laying the groundwork for expansion into additional communities nationwide.
Media coverage opportunities include youth author debuts, live social-emotional learning activities, family literacy engagement, and the growing network of independent children’s authors contributing to representation in publishing.
Event Details:
When I See Me™ Children’s Book Fair
Date/Time: Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Dayton Metro Library – West Branch, 300 Abbey Avenue, Dayton, OH 45417
For Authors: WhenISeeMe.com/Author
For Sponsors: WhenISeeMe.com/Sponsorship
About
When I See Me™ is a community-driven literacy initiative founded by author and publishing mentor, Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, to ensure children have access to books that reflect their identities, experiences, and possibilities. Through children’s book fairs, youth publishing opportunities, and family-centered literacy programming, the initiative connects diverse authors, educators, mental health professionals, and community partners to support reading, confidence, and belonging.
When I See Me™ uses publishing as a tool to support literacy, identity development, and youth voice.
Since its launch, When I See Me™ has raised more than $10,000 and placed books into the hands of over 1,000 children, with attendance growing each year. Book access is made possible through individual donors, sponsors, and community partnerships that help provide free books to participating children.
Coleman is developing the initiative’s long-term infrastructure to expand access to diverse books and youth storytelling opportunities in additional communities nationwide. Learn more at WhenISeeMe.com
For press inquiries, contact info@penofthewriter.com or 888-802-1802
Published Author in Her Family
Alexis Donald, MD, a trailblazing African American medical doctor and advocate for empowering young minds, is thrilled to announce the release of her highly anticipated children’s book, Mommy I Want to be a Doctor. Based on her own remarkable journey, this captivating story encourages children to dream big, believe in themselves, and fearlessly pursue their aspirations.
As the first medical doctor in her family, Dr. Alexis has always been driven by a passion for medicine and a desire to make a difference in the world. Her inspiring tale begins with her childhood dreams and takes readers on a heartfelt journey of determination, resilience, and triumph. To Order Her Book Click Here or on Amazon.
To see our exclusive interview with Dr. Donald Tap here.
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