Empowering Young Readers Through Fantasy: Interview with Jacquitta A. McManus
At Worlds To Discover, every book begins with a mission: to inspire, empower, and include. In this featured interview with Canvas Rebel, I had the chance to talk about my journey as an author, my passion for diverse storytelling, and the importance of helping kids see themselves as heroes in imaginative worlds.
"My passion is creating stories that celebrate diversity and empower young readers to see themselves as heroes in imaginative worlds."
— Jacquitta A. McManus, Canvas Rebel Interview
In our conversation, I discussed:
- Why I began writing fantasy stories that center girls of color
- How I build magical worlds that reflect real struggles and dreams
- What inspires characters like Anyia and Baby Princess
- The challenges and joys of self-publishing for a niche audience
- How my thyroid cancer journey reshaped my focus and deepened my commitment to telling empowering stories
I also shared my core belief: that children deserve stories where they feel seen and powerful—especially in genres like fantasy where they’ve often been left out.
Why This Interview Matters
Every time I get to speak about my work, it’s a chance to connect with readers, parents, educators, and fellow writers who believe in the power of representation. I’m grateful to CanvasRebel for giving space to this conversation—and for allowing me to reflect not only on what I create, but why it matters now more than ever.
👉 Read the full interview here
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