What are you, and why do you look that way?

James Morehead and his daughter Andrea Morehead, an Emmy-award winning television journalist and author, weave a phenomenal true story of courage, resiliency, and perseverance navigating through life with albinism. They cleverly use poetry to explain how and why James’ exterior color is white although he’s African-American.

While this book is for children with amazing illustrations, this book is for all ages, and is a comprehensive story from childhood to adulthood about being an albino, and some of the hurtful experiences he endured growing up. With poignant and sometimes sad anecdotes of bullying, the Moreheads captivate the reader with bright illustrations to complement the narrative of building self-esteem, self-love and confidence. He credits his Christian faith with being able to rise above the ridicule and sometimes loneliness.

Armed with great friends and family along the way, Morehead explains how he was able to find acceptance and success despite his outer shell. He reinforces to children that what really counts is one’s character, and how God has created everyone with a unique purpose in life. They share the lesson that our unique differences and abilities are part of God’s master plan to foster appreciation and acceptance of others. While he may be The Brightest Star among us, Morehead’s inspirational story reminds everyone that they have a special purpose to use their life to positively impact the world, and it all begins with self-love.

This is one of the few, if only, books that specifically discusses what it’s like growing up as an albino and stands as a shining example of persevering, believing in yourself, and achieving your dreams against all odds. It’s a wonderful tool for people of all ages to learn and understand albinism; have compassion and extend kindness to everyone; and recognize that our differences should be celebrated.

If you’re looking for a book to help children understand diversity and inclusion, this is it! #Kindness #Value #Worth

The foreword is written by Marvin Jones III, one of the most recognized actors who has albinism. He’s known for his amazing portrayal of the character Tobias Whale in The CW superhero series Black Lightning, and as the voice of Tombstone in the superhero film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Award-winning ABC News Weekend Anchor Linsey Davis endorses the book with her afterword: Part imagination with a dash of spirituality and a healthy serving of acceptance sprinkled with hope throughout. The Brightest Star has all the ideals of humanity baked right in. It is the recipe any parent would hope their child would follow as they learn about and embrace people who may not look like them. It is not only a reminder of God’s grace and presence in our lives, but a testament to His ability to dream bigger dreams for us than we have for ourselves. It is a much-needed light to illuminate not just what it’s like to grow up as an albino, but it is a love letter to us all about our value and beauty as God’s magnificently made creations.

The illustrator is Stephanie Hider from Oklahoma. She magnificently captures the heart and compassion of the story as her inaugural autobiography illustration project.