I’m an urban school principal who has dedicated my career to uplifting children and guiding them through life’s twists and turns. My journey hasn’t been easy—I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, where my family built a life in a beautiful two-flat brownstone after migrating from the South. Though I wasn’t born into generational poverty, I was thrust into situational poverty due to the devastating impact of the drug epidemic of the 1980s.

As a single teen mother, I faced many hardships, but I persevered. I went from working as a hotel maid to becoming a teacher assistant, then a teacher, and eventually a school principal. I was able to overcome the lasting effects of my circumstances thanks to the people in my life who saw my potential, set high expectations, and refused to let me give up. Their belief in me shaped who I am today.

While I had the privilege of attending one of the top schools in Chicago, I know that not every child gets that experience. My mission is to level the playing field—not just for children facing financial hardships but also for those struggling emotionally and socially. I missed out on milestones like prom, the opportunity to attend an HBCU or Ivy League college, and pledging a prestigious sorority. But despite those missed moments, I found my path to success, and now, I want to help children find theirs.

This book series is a labor of love. I wanted to create stories that don’t just teach life lessons but also celebrate the people who have shown me the power of perseverance, love, and kindness. Through storytelling, I hope to inspire young readers to believe in themselves—no matter where they start in life.

I also believe in the magic of reading together. In a world full of gadgets and screens, nothing can replace the warmth of a parent and child nestled together with a good book. That’s why each book includes discussion and writing prompts—tools designed to help children build strong speaking, critical thinking, and writing skills. I understand how important it is for children to become literate readers by third grade, and these prompts make that journey both fun and engaging.

My goal is to keep writing stories that share the lessons I’ve learned from childhood through adulthood—lessons that shaped the woman I am today. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Remember, with a little hope, love, and determination, we can all overcome life’s challenges and find our own path to greatness.

With love and hope,
Toyia Danielle