Storybooks are used to teach children basic life lessons like the importance of brushing their teeth. not talking to strangers. But, what about using a storybook to teach self-acceptance?
That is exactly what Myles E. Johnson is aiming to do with Large Fears.
Large Fears is teaching queer Black boys to embrace the qualities that make them unique.
In his first children’s book, illustrated by Kendrick Daye, we meet Jeremiah Nebula — a Black boy who loves pink things.
Alienated by the other young Black boys, because he is different, Jeremiah believes if he goes to Mars he will be among people who accept him.
Johnson told the Huffington Post, “Maybe the next time they see a black boy who wants to jump rope instead of play football, he won’t be strange or a sissy. He’ll be human, he’ll be himself, or he will be ‘just like Jeremiah Nebula.’”
The story follows Jeremiah’s journey and uses space travel explain to children how Jeremiah overcomes his insecurities. As readers travel with him, he lands on different stars that symbolize different fears he has on his quest to Mars.
Workshops and events that cancel out expected gender roles such as Jeremiah’s Cosmic Tea Party, are also part of Johnson’s arsenal to teach young children to be confident in the characteristics that make them unique.
Growing up we all had moments where we felt like we were Jeremiah, now we may even know a Jeremiah, and Large Fears can be used help all of the little “Jeremiahs” out there that it gets better and they are not alone.
You can find out more information on Large Fears and its events here.