Phelicia Lang is a self-published children’s author of the book series, TAY Early Reader Series. TAY features a young Black boy on various positive adventures with activities like chess club to going to the zoo.

Lang’s expertise as a mom, grandmother, a first-grade teacher with a Masters in Reading and a focus on Multicultural Literature, along with her Reading Specialist Credential helped her to see the dearth of quality children’s literature featuring Black children. “I already knew first-hand the effects of children not feeling valued because the books read by the teacher either did not reflect them or negatively reflected them. As a teacher, I was determined to have literature on my shelves that would reflect each little face,” said Lang.

The TAY Early Reader Series is just the first book series to be published. Lang is also working on a new collection for girls too. “My greatest joy comes when I hear children say, “Hey, that’s me!” Encouraging the kids to dream big dreams and be kind is the message I want to impart to them,” said Lang. Her books are available on her website, on Amazon, and on Barnes and Noble.