CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – “What are you?”
This is an innocent enough question and one that may not hold much weight for most. However, for some children hearing this question will become a lifelong pet peeve that makes them want to scream out in frustration. This is exactly the situation that author Hannah Carmona Dias lived as a child.
For those unfamiliar, being asked “What are you?” is a common question for a person who appears ethnically ambiguous. Maybe their complexion is what causes you to wonder what their ethnicity is, or their hair, or eyes. Often people who are asked this question are mixed with more than one ethnic background, and to the world they don’t quite fit in the typical boxes.
It was when Hannah’s oldest daughter (only two at the time) was asked this exact question in the store one day that she knew she wanted to do something about it. It took a year of writing and revisions, and over 100 rejections from agents and publishers, before her debut book Beautiful, Wonderful, Strong Little Me found a home with Eifrig Publishing.
This book is made for girls ages 4-7 years old and Hannah hopes that it will shed light on this important subject matter.
About the Author: Hannah Carmona Dias is a homeschooling mother of two, founder of Collective Art School of Tennessee, YouTuber, introvert, and Slytherin. You can find her at www.hannahcarmonadias.com or connect with her on Twitter and Instagram @hannahcdias.
Book Synopsis: Dark skin, curly hair, freckles, and full lips. Smart, strong, funny, and friendly. Lilly knows that she does not look like her friends, and others have noticed. Through playful, lyrical lines, Lilly speaks up for every child who has been asked “What are you?” in this celebration of self-love and acceptance.
Beautiful, Wonderful, Strong Little Me is now available for pre-order on Amazon.