The Belonging Collection is a series of children’s books written by the youth authors of AHSHAY’s Storybook Project. The synopses below are a glimpse into each story. For physical copies, please contact us at hello@ahshay.org.

A Hero’s Journey

When the stars begin disappearing across the galaxy, Hero and their friends must travel farther than ever before to save their town.

Along the journey, Hero discovers mysterious wormholes, unlikely friendships, giant monsters, and a powerful lesson about courage. With the help of new friends-and the words their mother always says— Hero learns that bravery isn’t about never being afraid.

It’s about facing fear anyway.

A Hero’s Journey is an exciting space adventure filled with friendship, teamwork, and the power of believing in yourself.

A Long Walk to Another World

Timmy is tired of sharing everything with his little brother Tommy.

When a mysterious glowing apple tree transports him to a world where he can finally have everything to himself, Timmy is thrilled at first. But after getting all the toys, treats, and freedom he ever wanted, he realizes something important is missing.

A Long Walk to Another World is a soulful story about family, gratitude, sibling love, and discovering that happiness means more when it’s shared.

A Message for You, Precious Black Son

A Message for You, Precious Black Son is a powerful love letter celebrating the beauty, strength, softness, and brilliance of Black boys everywhere. Through affirming words and heartfelt messages, this inspiring picture book challenges harmful stereotypes while reminding young readers that they are worthy, capable, and deeply loved.

Rooted in culture, community, and generational strength, this moving story serves as both a mirror and a love letter to Black sons everywhere.

Perfect for families, classrooms, and communities, A Message for You, Precious Black Son is a timeless reminder that Black boys deserve to be seen, celebrated, protected, and loved exactly as they are.

Beau the Bear

Beau the Bear is curious, kind—and easily distracted.

When a tiny blue flower leads him away from his mother, Beau finds himself lost in a big, unfamiliar forest. Along the way, he faces fear, harsh words, and growing self-doubt. But through an unexpected encounter, Beau begins to see himself in a new light.

Beau the Bear is a poignant story about self-acceptance, courage, and discovering that what makes you different can also make you strong. Perfect for young readers learning to embrace who they are—just as they are.

Birth of a Star

Before there were planets, stars, or even sound… there was nothing.

Join an unforgettable journey through the birth of the universe, the creation of galaxies, and the formation of stars—all while discovering an important truth: every child shines in their own special way.

Birth of a Star is an imaginative and inspiring picture book that blends science, self-love, and wonder to remind readers that they are one of a kind.

Cam Makes New Friends

Cam the Chameleon loves playing with blocks, but being shy makes it hard to ask for help. When the blocks run out, he quietly takes from classmates. At first, no one notices… but every block Cam takes changes the color of his skin! Soon, his secret becomes impossible to hide, and the entire classroom discovers what he has done.

Embarrassed and alone, Cam fears the worst. But with a kind teacher and understanding friends, he learns that everyone feels shy sometimes — and that friendship begins with honesty and the courage to ask for help when you need it most.

A resonant story about belonging, communication, and learning to trust others.

Cat + Caterpillar

Cat and Caterpillar have always been the best of friends-different in every way, yet perfectly matched. But when Caterpillar leaves and promises to come back different, Cat begins to worry.

What does “different” really mean?

As Cat waits, her worries grow bigger and bigger. What if things aren’t the same anymore?

With warmth, humor, and emotional honesty, Cat + Caterpillar is a tender story about friendship, anxiety, and growing through life’s changes.

Thoughtfully crafted for young readers, it offers both comfort and practical tools-reminding children that while change can feel scary, it can also lead to something beautiful.

Elisa Finds Her Roots

Elisa is excited to visit Puerto Rico with her mom and little sister, but she’s also nervous about meeting family she barely remembers.

From dancing with her titi to making empanadas in the kitchen and spending sunny days at the beach, Elisa slowly begins to feel connected to her family, culture, and herself. Along the way, she learns that home can live in traditions, laughter, music, and the people who love you.

Elisa Finds Her Roots is a emotive story about family, culture, belonging, and discovering pride in every part of who you are.

Hurry Up, Little Brother

Elijah is used to making it to the bus stop right on time. But today is different—it’s Jeffrey’s very first day of school.

As Elijah tries to help his little brother get ready, the morning spirals into chaos: hiding from monsters, ninja moves, endless questions, and missing shoes.

Frustrated and running late, Elijah discovers that patience and play can solve problems better than rushing ever could.

Hurry Up, Little Brother is a touching picture book about sibling bonds and imagination.

Immaculate

Syvyn wakes up late for school to find a gigantic, tangled fro on top of her head. With no time to fix it, she heads out feeling embarrassed and different from everyone else.

As whispers fill the classroom, Syvyn starts believing something is wrong with the way she looks. But when her teacher, Ms. Immie, takes time to care for her hair and speak life into her confidence, Syvyn discovers something powerful: her beauty was never missing.

Through patience, love, and self-discovery, she learns to embrace every curl, every puff, and every part of herself.

Warm, funny, and emotionally honest, Immaculate is an uplifting picture book celebrating Black hair, self-esteem, and the beauty of individuality.

Jellyfish Jellyfish, I Have a Wish

A lonely jellyfish dreams of living somewhere else.

From the deep ocean to the stars above, the jellyfish journeys through reefs, skies, planets, and galaxies—always believing another world must be better than its own. But at the edge of the universe, the jellyfish discovers a powerful truth: belonging was never something it had to search for.

Poetic, luminous, and deeply moving, Jellyfish Jellyfish, I Have a Wish is a captivating story about self-worth, identity, and learning to see the beauty within yourself.

Lindy and the Garden Market

Lindy is ready for the biggest day of the year—the grand opening of the Garden Farmers Market! But when her friend Cyle lets jealousy get the best of him, one bad choice turns celebration into chaos.

With the help of her community, Lindy must rebuild what was lost and decide what it really means to be kind.

Lindy and the Garden Market is a powerful story about friendship, accountability, and learning that you can care for others while still protecting yourself.

Marcus and the Magic Mirror

Every morning, Marcus gazes into his magic mirror and sees a version of himself bursting with color, creativity, and confidence — bold outfits that reflect exactly who he is. But when it’s time for school, fear wins, and he changes into plain clothes, hiding the real Marcus away.

When the mirror’s magic begins to fade, Marcus discovers a surprising truth: the magic was never in the mirror. It was in him all along.

With his mom’s encouragement, Marcus finally embraces his own unique style — and learns that being different is beautiful, self-expression is powerful, and the brightest thing you can wear is confidence.

Marcus and the Magic Mirror is a vibrant, uplifting picture book that inspires children to celebrate who they are and shine boldly as themselves.

Mashed and Stashed

Michael loves his mom’s cooking… except for one thing: mashed potatoes.

Afraid to hurt his mom’s feelings, Michael comes up with a hilarious plan to hide his dinner instead of telling the truth. But as mashed potatoes start appearing everywhere, Michael quickly learns that honesty is always better than hiding your feelings.

Mashed and Stashed is a funny and tender story about communication, courage, and the love between a mother and son.

Milton Has Fears

Milton is afraid of the dark.

One night, after falling asleep, he enters a strange world filled with shadowy fears, hurtful memories, and mysterious creatures hiding in the darkness. Just when Milton feels completely alone, he meets Julio—an unexpected friend who helps him discover that bravery has been inside him all along.

Milton Has Fears is a heartfelt and imaginative story about courage, self-confidence, and learning that fear does not have to control you.

Spacehead’s Show and Tell

Spacehead has big dreams—and an even bigger imagination.

During show and tell, Spacehead shares all the amazing things they can become someday: a scientist, an astronaut, a gardener, and so much more. But when doubts begin to creep in, Spacehead and their classmates discover that imagination, curiosity, and courage can open endless possibilities.

Filled with creativity, wonder, and heart, Spacehead’s Show and Tell is an inspiring story that encourages children to dream boldly and believe in themselves.

The Garden of Living Recipes

Lila loves helping in her grandma’s magical garden, where giant pumpkins, glowing flowers, and sweet strawberries seem almost too amazing to be real. But when Lila accidentally mixes up Grandma’s “living recipes,” the garden transforms into a wild world of glowing plants and tangled creations.

Together, Lila and Grandma must learn how every living thing is built from small parts working together. The Garden of Living Recipes is a heartwarming story about curiosity, creativity, and the wonder hidden inside nature itself.

The Wild Hamster

In The Wild Hamster, CC is overjoyed to bring home her new pet—but quickly realizes something is wrong when her hamster hides and refuses to come out.

Determined to help, CC starts asking questions and discovers how hamsters live in the wild. With each new insight, she transforms her hamster’s environment. Slowly, her hamster begins to change, growing more active, confident, and at ease.

Through curiosity and a willingness to learn, CC discovers that even small changes can make a big difference. The Wild Hamster is a thoughtful, engaging story about empathy, responsibility, and creating spaces where others can truly thrive.

Thomas the Singer

Thomas loves to sing—but starting over in a new city feels scary.

After moving from Los Angeles to Seattle, Thomas struggles to fit in at his new school. When he decides to audition for the school musical, his nerves begin to grow even bigger than his voice. But with encouragement from his dad and the courage to keep trying, Thomas discovers that confidence comes one deep breath at a time.

Thomas the Singer is an emotive story about perseverance, friendship, and finding your voice.

True Roots

In a garden full of ordinary trees, one little tree shines brighter than the rest.

Its colorful leaves, glowing branches, and joyful spirit attract animals from all around—but not everyone in the garden celebrates what makes the tree different. As whispers and jealousy spread, the once-vibrant tree begins to lose its light.

True Roots is a touching and beautifully symbolic story about identity, belonging, self-acceptance, and the healing power of community.