Our story
Alicia L Jenkins Books is dedicated to fostering education, literacy, and personal growth through storytelling and community engagement. Founded by author and Detroit native Alicia L. Jenkins, the initiative began with heartfelt works such as Isaac Can Do It and Isaac Breathes Through It, which teach resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence to young readers. Alicia’s mission is deeply rooted in supporting underserved youth, particularly in areas with low literacy rates, to ensure every child has the tools they need to thrive academically and emotionally.
History
Alicia L Jenkins Books began as a deeply personal project following the loss of Alicia’s son, Isaac, in 2020. Writing became a way for Alicia to honor Isaac’s memory and share important lessons of resilience and emotional growth. While the initiative blossomed into a legitimate business in January 2024, Alicia’s efforts in education and growing through grief started well before then.
Over time, her work evolved into a mission-driven initiative aimed at creating representation in children’s literature and providing educational resources to underserved communities. Through partnerships, book donations, and author visits, Alicia’s impact has grown from storytelling to fostering a sense of community and connection. Today, her focus remains on empowering young readers and supporting local Detroit businesses, driving positive change and inspiration.
CORE MISSION
Alicia L Jenkins Books aims to bridge educational gaps by providing accessible, inspiring, and culturally affirming literature to children and families. Representation matters—Alicia’s books feature relatable characters and experiences that resonate with children from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to see themselves in stories and feel empowered.
Key offerings
- Book Distributions: Providing books to schools, community centers, and families to encourage reading and foster a love for learning.
- Author Visits and Read-Alouds: Engaging with students in schools and community programs to discuss her books and promote literacy.
- Educational Workshops: Collaborating with educators and nonprofits to host workshops that integrate her books into learning modules focusing on resilience, mindfulness, and growth mindset.
- Events and Literacy Initiatives: Partnering with local organizations for events that emphasize literacy and education, fostering a supportive reading culture in underserved areas.
Community impact
Alicia L Jenkins Books focuses on empowering children to see themselves as capable learners and dreamers through stories that reflect their realities. By prioritizing representation and promoting a positive self-image, Alicia seeks to break cycles of educational inequity and inspire self-belief, contributing to a community where every child has the opportunity to succeed and grow into a confident reader and individual.