Suubi's Sunny Smile has attracted the attention of parents, schools, and organizations over the past several months and continues to leave a positive impact on readers! On May 28th, Ssanyu Lukoma will be doing a FREE interactive storytime reading of Suubi's Sunny Smile at the Asbury Book Cooperative in Asbury Park, NJ!

Not only will the book be read, but she will also be signing copies of Suubi's Sunny Smile and taking pictures with attendees! There will be CRAFTS and PRIZES too! Don't miss out! Make sure you come to enjoy this celebration of kindness with Ssanyu Lukoma and Suubi's Sunny Smile!

P.S. BE SURE TO WEAR YELLOW (ALL ATTENDEES) BECAUSE ALL ATTENDEES WEARING YELLOW WILL BE ENTERED INTO A RAFFLE FOR A SPECIAL PRIZE!

Asbury Book Coop | Storytime Event

Ssanyu Speaks

I am a teenage entrepreneur, author, and public speaker.

, a non-profit organization dedicated to motivating all children, but especially children of color, to read more diverse literature.

Since then, I have created an online and pop-up bookstore called The Brown Reads Bookshelf, and host a podcast called 

. I have also presented to corporations including 

 about Teenage entrepreneurship, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. In addition, I presented goal-setting workshops for public high school students. Most recently, I wrote a children’s picture book entitled 

 comprises prominent heritage and dental hygiene themes, but most importantly, has a vital anti-bullying message. I was compelled to write a story featuring Suubi, a main character of color, whose inspiring journey will show young readers that what makes us unique, can be our greatest strength.

On New Year’s Day, 2021, when I turned 16, I decided that this is the year that I will realize my dream and publish 

. To accomplish this goal, I used my birthday gifts from family and friends to edit, illustrate, and format the book. I am now looking for ways to use my unique ability to inspire and motivate others, to earn the resources needed to complete this goal.

I am looking for public speaking engagement opportunities to share my passion for diverse literature, to serve as a model that young people can make a difference, and to tell my story of how my love for reading has enhanced my life.

NEW in children’s books is Ssanyu Lukoma’s 

Moving to a new school is complicated -- but making new friends is even more of a challenge! Especially after being bullied about the gap in his teeth, Suubi struggles with his self-image. In this story, Suubi learns more about himself, confidence, and his heritage through conversations with his parents and teacher.

Suubi’s Sunny Smile combines prominent heritage and dental hygiene themes, with an important anti-bullying message. As a Black individual with an Afro-Caribbean background, Ssanyu Lukoma was compelled to write a story featuring Suubi, a main character of color as well. Suubi’s inspiring narrative will show young readers that what makes us unique, can be our greatest strength.

Hi, I'm Ssanyu (which means "Joy")

I inspire

I lead

I speak

Hi, I'm Ssanyu (which means "Joy")

I inspire

I lead

I speak

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