When I See Me™ Children's Book Fair 2026

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 third annual event is Saturday, July 25, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio. The day includes

• Author signings
• Fun activities that encourage reading and writing
• Social-emotional learning with a licensed mental health therapist
• 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 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
• 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 interact with amazing authors and purchase books featuring Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) children. These talented writers will autograph books, speak about their craft, and share their stories about the importance of representation in children’s literature. While supplies last, every child gets a voucher to exchange for a FREE book of their choice, writing journal, multicultural crayons, and Chick-fil-A gift cards. Attending guests will be entered into a drawing for an Amazon gift card.

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

Info: Mayor Shenise Turner-Sloss is the second Black woman to serve as Mayor of Dayton and a former Dayton City Commissioner. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Fisk University and a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. A servant leader and co-founder of Neighborhoods Over Politics, Mayor Turner-Sloss is committed to neighborhood redevelopment, housing, economic sustainability, human security, civic engagement, and transparent, accountable government.

At 11:30 AM, Mayor Turner-Sloss will read aloud to children at the When I See Me™ Children’s Book Fair. Reading aloud helps children build vocabulary, listening skills, imagination, confidence, emotional connection, and a lifelong love of books. Her participation reminds children that leaders read, stories matter, and every child deserves to see themselves as the hero.

Info: Think of this session as a literary traffic light: our panel of award-winning authors will flash the “green” techniques that keep kids turning pages—and the “red” mistakes that make young readers slam on the brakes. Leave with a clear road map to craft stories that delight gate-keeping parents, librarians, and (most important) children themselves.

Info: DaQuan Neal is a community advocate, youth mentor, children’s book co-author, and candidate for Ohio State Representative, District 39. A proud Central State University graduate and Honors College scholar, DaQuan earned dual degrees in Psychology and Political Science, with additional studies in Philosophy. His leadership includes experience in both chambers of Ohio state government and a passion for helping young people grow in confidence, purpose, and civic awareness. DaQuan also co-created anti-bullying and multicultural education programs for elementary students and co-authored Color Shouldn’t Matter — Be Proud of Who You Are, a children’s book that teaches kindness, inclusion, and self-pride.
At 1:30 PM, DaQuan will read aloud to children at the When I See Me™ Children’s Book Fair. Reading aloud helps children build vocabulary, listening skills, imagination, emotional connection, confidence, and a lifelong love of books.

Info: A picture may be worth a thousand words—but the right picture can be worth a thousand extra sales. Discover how to scout, vet, and collaborate with illustrators who amplify your story’s magic without exploding your budget. You’ll gain insider tips, contracts 101, and real-world success stories. If you want children to enjoy your well-illustrated book, this session is for you. Facilitated by book fair host, Valerie J. Lewis Coleman

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Dayton Metro Library - West Branch, 300 Abbey Avenue, Dayton, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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