Jas Girlz and The Fund Raiser

 

Together, we can change the world one book at a time.

Read Your World is a non-profit whose mission is to raise awareness about children’s books that celebrate diversity and to get more of these books into the hands of readers. Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen founded this non-profit children’s literacy initiative 13 years ago. They are two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural, diverse books and authors on the market while also working to get those books into the hands of young readers and educators.

With the alarming increase in children’s books being challenged and banned, giving kids access to diverse stories is more important than ever.
We do this by donating books to reviewers and classroom libraries.
We provide book lists and classroom kits to help parents, guardians, teachers, librarians, and readers find the diverse children’s books that they need.
Our weekly Ig Live Interview series also highlights children's book creators.

Author Shaquana Jackson is a storyteller who embraces the power of diversity in her books. "Jas Girlz and The Fund Raiser" is a children's book marketed for readers ages 5-9. This book is the first one in a series of three. It makes for a great read-aloud in the classroom or at home, intertwining discussion throughout the book. Three girls, Jy, Asia' Lynn, and Starya are diverse characters representing three cultures who are drawn together to help others in need. They are always up for a challenge to help others. At the park, the girls meet Sam, a girl who is sad because her dog needs medical treatment that her family can't afford. The three friends brainstorm ways to help her. They decide on a Fundraiser with a T-Shirt Fashion Show. The girls get some help from their moms and one of their friend's grandfathers for supplies.  At one point, the girls get sidetracked when the T-shirts they make get messed up with unwanted paint and glitter. Their friendship gets compromised when each one blames the other for their troubles. Asia'Lynn's mother listens patiently and gives them some ideas to get back on track to work as a team.

What I enjoyed about the storyline is the fact there is a problem, but the girls, rather than the adults, brainstorm ideas on how to help raise money for Sam and her dog's treatment. 

Compassion and empathy are at the heart of the story. Teamwork with problem-solving drives the storyline. The last page of the story ensures the readers will use their creativity to design their own T-shirt, providing a blank T-shirt design.     

Suggested classroom activities

Create a fundraiser or food drive for a specific cause for the school and/ or classroom to participate in.

Using a variety of materials, design a T-shirt from the book page. Construct a clothesline in the classroom, and attach shirts to the line with clothespins.   

                                         All About The Author

Shaquana Jackson 

Born and raised in the heart of Louisiana, Shaquana Jackson has always been a storyteller at heart. A passionate author of children’s books, fiction, and inspirational works, her mission is to spark imagination, foster empowerment, and inspire resilience through every page she writes.

Shaquana's journey into writing began at the tender age of ten, driven by a deep desire to express herself and connect with others. Today, she’s the proud founder of Sophisticated Real-Life Publications, a publishing company dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and creating impactful stories that resonate with readers of all ages.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Business Administration, Shaquana blends her academic background with a unique understanding of human emotions and entrepreneurial spirit. Beyond her literary achievements, she holds a Texas Real Estate License, demonstrating her multifaceted skills and drive to help others achieve their dreams in every aspect of life.

As a proud mother to a beautiful daughter, Shaquana finds daily inspiration in the journey of parenthood, which enriches her writing and fuels her determination to make a difference. Whether through her books or her motivating speeches, Shaquana is on a mission to leave an indelible mark on the world, proving that every story has the power to transform lives.   

Sue Ready is a freelance writer, food blogger, book reviewer of all genres, and former elementary and middle school teacher.

Shaquana Jackson, author, and owner of Sophisticated Real-Life Publications, for gifting me this book.   

Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors
Founder's Circle:
Mia Wenjen (Pragmaticmom) and Valarie Budayr (Audreypress.com)
Medallion Sponsors:
🏅 Super Platinum Sponsor: Author Deedee Cummings and Make A Way Media
🏅 Platinum Sponsors: Publisher Spotlight and Language Lizard Bilingual Books in 60 Languages
🏅 Gold Sponsors: Third State Books
🏅 Silver Sponsors: Red Comet Press and Lerner Books
🏅 Silver Corporate Sponsor: Scholastic Books
🏅 Bronze Sponsors: Lee and Low
🏅 Corporate Sponsor: Crayola Education and Scholastic
Author Sponsors:
Stephanie M. Wildman, Martha Seif Simpson, Anna Jennings, Gwen Jackson, Afsaneh Moradian, Josh Funk, Nancy Tupper Ling, Kathleen Burkinshaw, Gea Meijering, Eugenia Chu, Dorktales Story Time, Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, Authors J.C. Kato and J.C.², Cynthia Levinson, Diana Huang, Rochelle Melander, Lisa Chong, Lisa Stringfellow, Brunella Costaglioga, Lindsey Rowe Parker, Rachel C. Katz, Tonya Duncan Ellis, Shifa Safadi, Lisa Rogers, Sylvia Liu, Eva Clarke

Read Your World is Honored to be Supported by our CoHosts and Global CoHosts and by our Partner Organizations! 

Check out RYW’s Multicultural Books for Kids Pinterest Board!

📌 FREE RESOURCES from Read Your World Day

• RYW2025 Poster

• Mental Health Support for Stressful Times Classroom Kit

• Diversity Book Lists & Activities for Teachers and Parents

• Homeschool Diverse Kidlit Booklist & Activity Kit

• FREE Teacher Classroom Activism and Activists Kit

• FREE Teacher Classroom Empathy Kit

• FREE Teacher Classroom Kindness Kit

• FREE Teacher Classroom Physical and Developmental Challenges Kit

• FREE Teacher Classroom Poverty Kit

• Gallery of Our Free Posters

• FREE Diversity Book for Classrooms Program