I am excited to share a series of books coming soon introducing DNA to children.

• You, Me, and DNA: The scientific approach to why we look the way we do (Available now!)

I have always dreamed about sharing with children the impact that three letters make in their lives: D-N-A. DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, normally is not introduced in schools until middle school or even as late as high school. Yet, children are smart. They can learn anything that we, as adults, share with them. Children can understand complex topics when the topic is explained in a simple way. That reminds me of the KISS process I learned in school. I have slightly adapted the process to Keep It Simple, Student (KISS) because we are all students in life as life-long learners. Therefore, “student” refers to anyone in the learning process, regardless of where in the learning spectrum the student is currently located.

DNA can be a complex concept; yet, when explained simply, it can be easily understood by children or students of all ages. When taking the scientific approach and understanding the “why”, a child’s self-esteem will soar because he will learn to appreciate why he/she looks the way he does. Also, each child will understand the “why” and value the diversity in others by appreciating the similarities and the differences. It’s simple. The answer is DNA.

Each family in this book is inspired by a real family that I personally know and value. The idea for this book came about as a need to help one of my nephews understand and value why he looks the way he does. While in grade school, he was being bullied for being biracial. I initially explained to him “why” he looks the way he does while bridging the DNA concept to increase his self-esteem.

Eventually, explaining the “why” through DNA will allow us to create an inclusive environment while combating racism, bullying, and other negative behaviors by impacting one child at a time with one letter at a time: D-N-A.

• You, Me, and DNA: My Workbook (Coming early 2022!)

Now that you have your personal You, Me, & DNA book, let’s put it to use! This workbook will guide you to intentionally and effectively use the blank pages in your You, Me, & DNA book. This set, book and workbook, is about you and for you! Let’s get to work.

• You, Me, and DNA: My Family (Coming late 2022!)

In You, Me, & DNA, DNA was originally introduced as a link from child to biological parents. Yet, as the case with my son, a child may be adopted. Also, a child may have stepparents, biological parents, and adopted parents. This book explains to children the difference between a biological parent and an adopted or stepparent. Ultimately, the message is that love makes a family not just DNA.