“Looking back at the children’s books I read and reading statistics online, it is clear that the children’s book industry lacks diversity, from authors to characters in the books.”
By Luke Kellersohn
Serving as a player on AFC Ann Arbor’s women’s team, board member of The Mighty Oak Project (AFC Ann Arbor’s non-profit affiliate), and a volunteer coach for Community Kicks and CLR Academy, Emily Eitzman has had more than her fair share of involvement with the club. A rising sophomore at the University of Michigan, Emily began dedicating large portions of her time to the team and their service events during her junior year of high school. Seeing her dedication, club Chair Bilal Saeed brought Emily into AFCAA’s community programs and projects as soon as he could.
“It has been one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life. I have met and connected with so many amazing people, from my fellow board members to the members of many different communities,” said Eitzman.
Just recently, Emily added the title of author to her resume following the publishing of her new children’s book, Grandpa’s Advice. An uplifting story following the relationship between a young girl and her grandfather, Grandpa’s Advice teaches young readers to seize every day, practice gratitude, and take advantage of every moment.
Despite having her first work published at such a young age, Emily’s desire to produce a book like this has been present for many years.
“I have always loved writing and I have always wanted to write a children's book,” explained Emily, “childhood plays such an important role in molding someone's beliefs and outlook and I want kids to learn impactful life lessons as soon as they can read or listen to their first books.”
Demonstrating values of kindness, hard work, gratitude, and more, Grandpa’s Advice provides readers with positive takeaways that reinforce a strong moral foundation. The story even features an interracial family, something that was hardly present in children’s books that Emily grew up with.
“Growing up, I realized I never read a book with a family that looked like mine. Looking back at the children’s books I read and reading statistics online, it is clear that the children’s book industry lacks diversity, from authors to characters in the books,” she stated.
Emily understands the impact that children’s books can have on adolescents and is doing everything in her power to help provide stories that represent diverse families and celebrate different cultures and ethnicities. Her own personal project, Raising Good People, aspires to increase diversity in the children’s book industry in order to promote acceptance, empathy, and a love for others at a young age.
Grandpa’s Advice, not only written but also illustrated by Emily, has an even larger importance to her as it pays homage to her own grandfather.
“This book also means a lot to me as many of these lessons within the book are lessons I learned from my grandfather who passed away recently. He was an amazing man, and this story is dedicated to him,” explained Emily.
With an undying passion to make change and a truly great heart, AFCAA’s very own Emily Eitzman is making strides towards new standards of diversity and inclusivity within the children’s book industry.
“I strongly believe children’s books are incredible tools to help children make connections with their own lives and better acknowledge and appreciate those of others. In the end, children’s books that reflect a more accurate society can create a more empathetic, inclusive world.”
Grandpa’s Advice can be purchased on Emily’s website raisinggoodpeople.org and updates about her project and future endeavors can be found on Instagram @raising.good.people!