If given the chance, would young people in our community like to become published authors? What stories can children read that will help them feel like they belong? These were just two of the questions posed by the staff of Allies in Healthier Systems for Health and Abundance in Youth (AHSHAY) before they launched the Storybook Project in February.
 
Through AHSHAY, directed by Benjamin Danielson, MD, 20 local youth ages 16 to 26 have successfully penned children’s books. What began with a pilot program with two cohorts of young authors culminated in a 20-book launch and celebration for the youth and their families on June 23 at the Northwest African American Museum. The stories are currently in the process of being illustrated by professional artists and will be published through World Reader, a digital platform for books with worldwide reach.
 
“I think youth deserve to be able to just try things on,” said Janell Jordan, AHSHAY’s program manager. “Whether it’s experiences, programs, or it’s a sport. They should have a breadth of different pathways so that they know what is possible for them.”
 
Read more at South Seattle Emerald