Smart Girl, Pretty Girl

Build Confidence in Your Children by Reading to Them.

A recent road trip brought me to the amazing town of Flint, MI, a little book store crammed to the ceiling with opportunity and inspiration, and an author who is striving to make her hometown a safer and better place in which to thrive.

Now, to call Flint "amazing" might be a massive stretch for many, but I like to see a city by the everyday people who live there and call it "home". Flint has gotten a pretty bad wrap, but it is not about the factories that closed and put thousands out of jobs in the late 90s, or the poor decisions by some that led to water contamination, the high poverty rates, or the list of other things that have caused many to leave and never look back. It is about the folks who have decided to stick it out right through the hard times, and work to sustain their communities and rebuild after events that sent others away to greener pastures.

One of those people is Danielle Green, author of the Hey, Girl book series for children. Growing up in a community ravaged by violence and negativity, Green has invested years working to build up not only self-confidence in the people around her, but opportunities for people of all ages, including children who are in danger of falling into the shadows of our society. As the founder and Director of Empower, and active community member, Green works to help youths become the best versions of themselves through education, encouragement and opportunity.

The Hey, Girl book series is just a small part of what makes people like author, Danielle Green, and illustrator, Bea Jackson, amazing. It is not only beautifully created, but represents cultural diversity and delivers powerful messages of individuality and self-confidence. Introduced during a weekly, community story hour (hosted by Totem Books) by the author, it was plain to see that the kids immediately fell in love with the colorful and expressive illustrations and relatable story. The title, Hey, Smart Girl has now been gifted to my little niece, and I am positive that it will be a book that she will continue to enjoy and learn from as she grows up and becomes more aware of the (often) discouraging social expectations and demands to which we all experience throughout every stage of our lives.

Isn't it important that we prepare our children for those trials? Every single child should have the right to live and pursue the paths that God has created them for. I am so thankful for people like Green who work tirelessly for the rights and opportunities of others, and for people like the owners and employees at Totem Books, who gladly welcome friends and strangers into their space, and provide them with a safe haven for expression, growth and community.

Let us continue (or start) to put our talents and skills to even better use, and serve those around us and build up our communities.

P.S. It doesn't do any good to lean on our fences with grimaces of envy over our neighbors' lush and beautiful lawns. We must do the best we can with our own lots to find true happiness.

Another Note: :) A few places to check out while in Flint, MI:

Totem Books - Great eats, coffee and selection of media that nearly every book or music lover will fall head over heals for. If you have kids and are in town on the weekend, check out the story hour. The free event includes a story, snack and an activity.

Flint Crepe Co. Flint-roasted coffee, locally sourced farm-to-fork ingredients and an unbelievable menu which include options for nearly every palate. . . well, I don't really need to say anything else.

Flint Institute of the Arts - Looking for a bit of culture? How about a glass-blowing demonstration or lecture? Maybe you are a local and want to take up painting? FIA is the place to go. A stroll through the museum is a treat to the eyes and imagination, and the glass-blowing demonstration by the Fire Keepers is pretty mind. . . blowing. (Did you know they have to keep the glass they are sculpting heated to temperatures over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit?)

The Capitol Theatre - This theatre, originally constructed in 1928, has been restored and currently hosts a variety of shows and events. Even if you can't stick around for that evenings entertainment, if you love architecture, interior design or just have an appreciation for anything "1920s", take a look inside.