About
The project
Welcome to Empowering Imaginations — a space for enlightenment, inspiration, and the celebration of diverse stories. Through children’s and young adult literature, we explore paths toward a more inclusive, vibrant, and compassionate world.
This project grew from a simple belief: books shape our worldviews. Children’s and young adult literature have the power to introduce young readers to new perspectives, cultures, and identities. Stories can challenge assumptions, build empathy, and help every child see themselves and others with dignity and joy.
Empowering Imaginations aims to highlight the importance of diverse narratives and to share books that honour a wide range of voices. Here, you’ll find reflections, resources, and insights that encourage more inclusive literature for young people. I hope that this space inspires readers, educators, caregivers, and fellow book lovers to explore stories that broaden our collective imagination.
The author
Amanda is a PhD candidate researching representations of diversity in Brazilian and British children’s literature. Through her work, she examines how stories shape cultural understanding, identity, and belonging, emphasising how inclusive books can empower young readers.
A lifelong bookworm, youth librarian, and mom of two, Amanda brings both academic knowledge and personal passion to her work. Her fascination with multicultural narratives began long before her research studies, being rooted in her own lived experiences of navigating different cultures and finding pieces of herself within books.
With a master’s degree in Library and Information Science focused on youth services, Amanda has dedicated her professional career to studying, sharing, and promoting children’s literature. She has worked closely with young readers, families, and educators, always advocating for access to stories that reflect a wide range of identities, backgrounds, and realities.
Through Empowering Imaginations, Amanda hopes to combine research, practice, and heart, creating a space where diverse stories are celebrated and where every child can find their place on the page.