Amara Inspires at YMCA Healthy Kids Day in St. Augustine

On April 26, 2025, something special bloomed beneath the palm trees of the YMCA in St. Augustine, Florida. While kids dashed between games, crafts, and fitness demos at the First Coast YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, one familiar face stood out—Amara Adesina, the bold and curious heroine of Amara’s Adventures.

The event was buzzing with energy as families enjoyed the outdoor festivities. But the moment children spotted Amara’s life-sized stand-up figure and vibrant book covers, everything changed. Curiosity sparked. Smiles widened. And just like that, Amara wasn’t just a character in a book—she became a real part of their day.

More Than Just a Book Table

Set up along the walkways of the YMCA grounds, the Amara’s Adventures booth brought color, purpose, and storytelling magic to the event. Children posed with Amara, flipped through the pages of her journey through Jacksonville’s African American museums, and chatted with team members about her mission to explore, learn, and uplift.

The event featured giveaways of Amara’s Adventures: A Trip to the African American Museums in Jacksonville, Florida, engaging young readers and opening conversations about cultural heritage and literacy. Each book is more than just a story—it's a window into Black excellence, curiosity, and empowerment.

Why This Matters: Representation, Literacy & Legacy

Author and veteran filmmaker Nola D. Oracle—creator of Amara’s Adventures—has said:

“Literacy is important for the next decision-makers... especially kids that look like me. Seeing themselves is very important.”

This belief echoed loudly through Healthy Kids Day. By integrating Amara’s Adventures into a family-focused event, Nola D. Oracle and the YMCA offered children something powerful: a mirror.

Amara’s presence helps kids of all backgrounds see a Black girl as the heroine, the explorer, the student, and the leader. In a world where representation still lags, Amara’s Adventures brings visibility—and possibility.

Hands-On Joy & Family Moments

From coloring stations and activity bags to impromptu storytime circles, the day brought Amara’s Adventures to life in playful and interactive ways. Families were gifted books to take home, and the joy was unmistakable.

How to Bring Amara to Your Community

Missed the event? You can still join Amara’s mission to make history, learning, and literacy fun. Here’s how:

Buy the Book:

Order your copy of Amara’s Adventures and start the journey with your family, school, or library.

Request a Visit or Book Donation:

Want to bring Amara to your classroom or event? Email info@dwhispersbooks.com to schedule a visit or sponsor a donation.

Support the Mission:

10% of book sales support environmental causes like tree planting. Donate directly or follow @dwhispersbooks on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

A Day to Remember, A Mission to Continue

Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA wasn't just about movement and fun—it was about planting seeds. Seeds of representation. Seeds of curiosity. Seeds of literacy.

And as Amara would say, “I love to learn new things!”

Let’s make sure every child hears that message—and believes it.