Books—the foundation of life itself—nurture the creativity and imagination of young minds. Yet, the lack of cultural diversity in children's literature often dims that spark, leaving many without stories that truly reflect their world.

Hello from the Platt Branch Library, where we are working on a Teens Leading Change project exploring cultural diversity in our community.

Every Saturday as a twelve-year-old, I'd awaken to the sound of my dad starting his SUV, the exhaust stirring in the wet morning fog. I would sleepily stumble into the backseat as the smell of McDonald's hotcakes and hash browns filled the interior of the car.

A spring morning had arrived, and the entire world was bright and fresh. A joyous feeling resonated in every heart. Mountains glowed off the distance as the fresh, melting snow reflected the sun's glare. It was like a faraway land, out of reach.