Sourcebooks is partnering with author, educator, and social impact strategist Lavaille Lavette on a new children’s imprint, Joyful Pen Books, which will focus on inclusive stories that aim to promote empowerment. The list will include picture books, graphic stories, and series for younger readers written by athletes, innovators, advocates, and other cultural figures.
Jennifer Gonzalez, SVP and children’s publisher at Sourcebooks, said in a statement, “We are thrilled to be launching Joyful Pen with Lavaille. Her deep passion for storytelling, commitment to equity, and ability to bring together such impactful voices align beautifully with our mission at Sourcebooks.”
Lavaille added, “Joyful Pen was created to honor the powerof storytelling, spark curiosity, and remind young readers that their voices and dreams matter. My team and I are honored to partner with Sourcebooks to elevate inspiring stories that help children see their limitless potential and the joy of being who they are.”
The fall launch list will feature the first in the Terysa Solves It picture book series by Terysa Ridgeway, Google program manager and author, highlighting the creativity and problem-solving brilliance of girls in STEM. Future seasons will include The Golden Gavel younger reader series and Junior Ben: A Children’s Graphic Story Book Series by civil rights attorney Ben Crump; The Humble Gray Lion by Micah Parsons, defensive end with the Green Bay Packers, a picture book promoting strength through humility; the You Don’t Know Me Yet young reader series by Lavette, a trio of books spotlighting lesser-known heroes from history; and Sadie and the Speech Adventures by inclusion advocate Alysia Anderson, a picture book about courage and self-confidence.
