HerBrina Sade Shepherd, a community advocate and children’s book author, created Amara, The Brave Mermaid, which features a topic some might choose to avoid. The story’s mystical theme centers around a mermaid whose grandmother explains their history and relationship to the souls who chose freedom outside the slave trade by jumping into the sea to become merpeople. The book’s crystal-clear images, combined with soothing blue and green water-colored illustrations, are a sharp contrast to the fate of many enslaved people.

The story’s format reflects the African American tradition of oral storytelling and invites difficult conversations about U.S. history. As we know from history, some who chose to jump ship managed to swim back to their own shores.

Despite the tough topic, this book ultimately celebrates courageous decisions and the importance of seeking freedom and pursuing dreams, even in the face of an unknown future, and it’s a crucial message for today’s youth. The author #gifted an ARC for an honest review.

HerBrina Sade Shepherd serves on young professional organzational boards. Learn more about HerBrina and her books at www.herbrinasadeshepherd.com.

Join us on 1/30/25, 9 pm EST for 13 years of Read Your World Day celebration! Register for our Read Your World Virtual Party: https://readyourworld.org/virtualparty . Dive into multicultural book discussions, timely issues, and diverse recommendations, and win a 10-Book Bundle + Bonus Prizes! US and Global participants welcome. Follow #ReadYourWorld for the conversation! See you on 1/30/25!

Read Your World’s mission is to raise awareness of the need to include kids’ books celebrating diversity in homes and school bookshelves. Read about our Mission and history HERE.