I have two young daughters. And though they are beautiful, kind, and delightful, they often have trouble believing it. They share with me their self-doubts about their beauty and worth. Their hair is curly, why can’t it be straight? Their skin is dark, why can’t it be light? It breaks my heart to hear them say they’d rather be something else, when who they are is wonderful.

I love stories. And I know their power. A story can make you believe that you have magic, that you can fly with a little fairy dust, that you can achieve more than you ever imagined with just a tiny bit of faith. When I was a little girl, I loved to read. But most of the stories I enjoyed were of and about people who didn’t look like me. And, as a little girl, I began to wonder if, maybe, the stories weren’t for me. That those people could do those things, but not me. The girl with blue eyes and straight hair would be chosen by the prince, but not the brown girl with thick, coarse hair. She wasn’t worthy. She didn’t even exist.

There are certainly more diverse books around now than there were when I was growing up, and I am grateful for that. But there is still more work to be done. And so, I write. For my girls, for yours, and especially the ones who have heard the cruel lies of the world around them and maybe have started to believe them.

Women are amazing. We are resilient, influential, beautiful, and worthy. I want my girls to know that. And that is why Olawu matters.

Olawu is a girl who is told over and over again that she does not matter. That she isn’t worthy. And perhaps, if those were the only words she ever heard, she might believe them. But Olawu has a secret weapon. The person she loves most, the person with the most influence over her life, is her father. And he has shown her that she is capable, worthy, and loved. That message holds more weight than any other. It anchors her and solidifies her view of herself. She knows who she is, and knowing who you are is powerful.

Olawu’s story is one that declares, in a loud voice, that we don’t have to believe the lies told to us. Her story also serves as a reminder that our children carry our words with them. Speaking life into them from an early age is so important. Just as important as having stories they can see themselves in.

If you’re like me and love to read about women and girls being and doing amazing things, I hope you’ll give Olawu a chance. She’s worth it.