“Every time we open a book, we are not just giving voice to the author or character, we are accepting the possibility that we may be forever changed.”
~Melissa Hendrickx
(from Stories as Acts of Bravery 2024 newsletter)
Storytelling is at the heart of AmazeWorks. Since our founding in 1996, we’ve used picture books to introduce children and adults to new perspectives, build empathy, and bring belonging to life. Over and over again, we’ve seen books spark cycles of transformation.
Why is storytelling so powerful? Because as humans, our brains are wired for empathy. When we engage with stories that move us, our brains synthesize oxytocin. This oxytocin builds trust and compassion, increases our social awareness, and motivates us to help others.
Simply put, stories make us better people. That’s why book censorship is so harmful. Not only do book bans limit learning, but they also limit our ability to show up for each other. Stories increase our capacity for empathy. Stories deepen our relationships. Stories create more connected and supportive communities.
In anticipation of Banned Books Week from October 5-11, this newsletter shares stories and resources that invite transformation. Because identity-affirming stories should be amplified—not censored.
AmazeWorks is proud to partner with We Are Stronger Than Censorship to highlight identity-affirming books by independent publishers. ✨
Efforts to restrict the availability of books featuring Black, Queer, and other under-represented stories are at an all-time high. What isn’t widely known about book bans is the impact of the chilling effect, where librarians and teachers worry about bringing in any diverse titles even when they know the books would help their students and patrons.
The chilling effect disproportionately impacts independent presses, many of whom are mission-driven and focus on publishing voices from the very communities that are targeted by censorship. Most of all, book banning hurts kids—further marginalizing those with less privilege, access, and representation.
That’s why AmazeWorks is creating 20 free discussion guides for families, educators, and caregivers to use in the fight for inclusive storytelling. One of the best ways we can resist book censorship is by diving deeper into stories that matter.
In I’ll Be the Moon, a young girl embarks on a journey north, guided by the light of the moon as she seeks to reunite with her father across the U.S.-Mexico border. Immigration has become a highly polarized, politicized topic, creating an unwelcome and sometimes hostile environment in schools and communities for migrant and refugee children and families, regardless of immigration status.
Because it focuses on the experience of the migrant journey through the eyes of a child, I’ll Be the Moon is an important book to share with children as an opportunity to discuss this topic in a way that depoliticizes immigration. This story builds empathy for the experiences of migrant and refugee children, inviting the possibility that our biases, prejudices, and stereotypes may be forever changed.
Let’s revisit the quote that introduces this newsletter:
“Every time we open a book, we are not just giving voice to the author or character, we are accepting the possibility that we may be forever changed.” ~Melissa Hendrickx
Reading someone’s story invites personal transformation. How can we open ourselves up to this kind of change in everyday moments? By engaging meaningfully and respectfully in conversations, we accept the possibility of change through new perspectives. When we shut down people’s stories and voices in real time, we also shut down the opportunity for personal and relational growth.
For this month’s Ethos in Action, we encourage you to explore this middle school lesson on Respectful Conversations. At AmazeWorks, we know that what’s good for children is also good for adults. Consider how you can apply this lesson’s learnings to your interactions at work, home, and other community spaces.
In the midst of heartbreak and division, we believe belonging is an instrument of prevention, healing, and resistance.
That’s why we’re launching our #WeAreEnough campaign—a peer-to-peer fundraiser inviting you to share your story, raise your voice, and rally your community for belonging.
Here’s how it works:
Together, our goal is to raise $30,000 by December 15. Already, five fundraisers have raised $2,370 toward that vision.
Will you join us in championing belonging as a path of resistance? Click here to create your fundraiser today. ❤️
Whether you raise $50 or $500, your voice and effort will help create spaces where every person is seen, heard, and valued.
AmazeWorks Persona Dolls are on sale! For the rest of 2025, you can bring Persona Dolls into your classroom for only $275—that’s $25 OFF the full price!
Persona Dolls can transform your classroom, strengthening social-emotional learning skills and nurturing empathy. Shop the dolls today!
You’re invited to join the We Are Stronger Than Censorship Town Hall for Supporters on Friday Oct 3, 2025 at 12PM CT (10AM Pacific)! It’s a one-hour online community event on the latest for We Are Stronger Than Censorship, community questions, and idea crowd-sourcing to scale up the fight for the freedom to read! Register here to attend.
AmazeWorks is excited to exhibit at Shout Out Loud MN’s 6th Suicide Prevention Wellness Carnival! This event aims to normalize conversations about suicide prevention and teach coping skills to support children’s mental wellness.
Join us for activities and games,interactive art, local resources, food trucks, and more! Here are the details: