When I See Me™ BIPOC Children's Book Fair 2025

Children need to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. This need is especially true for children of color. According to research conducted by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC), only 39% of children’s books published in 2022 featured Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) children as the main character. In 2018, BIPOC representation was only 23%.

In an effort to bridge the gap, was created to pique children’s curiosity, boost their confidence, and enhance their ability to connect with the world around them by featuring books with characters that look like them.

The event is Saturday, July 26, 2025 in Dayton, Ohio. The day includes

• Author signings
• Fun activities that encourage reading and writing
• Giveaways
• Panel discussions for aspiring children’s book authors
• And more!

Donate to A Book in Every Bag to ensure each attending child leaves with a book of their choice from one of our particpating authors. Visit bit.ly/WhenISeeMe for details.

For updates and announcements, join the Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/wheniseeme

Author Details

Set-up begins at 10:00 AM EST. Tables must be completely set-up by 10:45 AM. The book fair starts promptly at 11:00 AM.

Your registration includes:

• One participant badge
• One uncovered table and two chairs
• One lunch
• Listing in the When I See Me™ program book, which is full-color and 8.5" x 11".
• Online presence at WhenISeeMe.com
• Tons of proven strategies to help you promote your book and sell more copies
• Corporate marketing including social media, postcards, radio, and TV

NOTE: One author per table

Registration is a two-phase process:

1. Reserve your table using this EventBrite form
2. Provide your contact and book information using a Google form. The link is provided in the welcome email from [email protected].

Once registration is complete, you'll receive a confirmation email from [email protected] with details about set-up, panelist opportunities, and participating in the POWER Kids area.

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No refunds

Info: Guests will have the opportunity to interact with amazing authors and purchase their books featuring Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) children. These talented writers will sign copies of their books, speak about their craft, and share their stories about the importance of representation in children’s literature.

Info: Young readers will be encouraged to dream big at the Imagination Station. Children can read books and participate in the following activities: The Magic of Emotionsville Adventures in Feelings with licensed therapist, Lamarr E. Lewis (LewisFamilyConsulting.net), Create Your Own Story Stone, and more.

Info: Children need to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. This need is especially true for children of color. According to research conducted by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, only 39% of children’s books published in 2022 featured BIPOC children as the main character. In 2018, BIPOC representation was only 23%. This panel discusses strategies to write books that inspire, encourage, and empower BIPOC children.

Info: No more going around in circles trying to figure out how to publish your children’s book. Whether you’re struggling to finish, tired of fighting with illustrators, or want to avoid the pitfalls of publishing, Valerie J. Lewis Coleman explains how she published her bestselling, award-winning children’s book, Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me, to help you make quantum leaps toward the success of your book.

Info: Having to seek-n-find the perfect illustrator for your children’s book can be downright frustrating. Moreover, if you don’t understand the components of an effective illustration agreement, you can get tagged with delays, overpayments, and lawsuits. If you want children to enjoy your well-illustrated book, this panel discussion is for you.

Host or Publisher Pen of the Writer