In 2016, as parents of two active boys, Dr. Nosakhere Griffin-EL (Picture left) And Eliada Griffin-EL (Right) I have diligently searched for non-fiction and fiction books with black main characters.

Nosakhere and Eliada wanted the books to promote diverse heroes, creativity and imaginative thinking, as well as innovative problem-solving and social and emotional well-being. When the couple realised this was a challenge for many parents, they sprang into action.

Determined to find unique stories that could inspire their sons to dream, Nosakhere and Eliada turned their frustration into motivation and began the search.

Their efforts led them to find great authors and illustrators who create unique stories that inspire young people.

In 2022, they founded Young Dreamers’ Bookstore, a mobile bookselling startup for young children and their families.

Young Dreamers’ Bookstore features a large collection of children’s books featuring characters of African descent from around the world, written by talented and culturally diverse authors.

Books are selected to normalize cultural inclusion and inspire children’s imagination and confidence. Everyone who works at The Young Dreamers’ Bookstore understands the power of books in a child’s life and is committed to providing children with meaningful, inclusive stories that help shape their views of themselves and the world.

Young Dreamers’ Bookstore is a spin-off of Dreamocracy Learning Lab, a young children’s literacy social enterprise that offers innovative book-based and dream-inspired learning experiences.

The bookstore also draws inspiration for its book content from the global community of over 1,000 passionate members of its private Facebook group called “The Young Dreamers Book Club.”

Visit the bookstore website at www.youngdreamersbookstore.com for more information on learning labs, book fairs, book lists and recommendations, events – and to purchase an amazing selection of books for your young dreamer.

About the author