Representationmatters Stories

Tori Anderson's life shattered the night she found her fiancé in bed with her best friend. Broken and betrayed, the 26-year-old interior designer makes a radical choice: accept a full scholarship to a prestigious design program in Kyoto, Japan-and leave everything behind. But healing isn't as simple as running away. As the only Black woman in her cohort, Tori navigates hypervisibility, culture shock, and the weight of past trauma while learning the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi-finding beauty in imperfection. With the help of unexpected friends and the ancient art of kintsugi (golden repair), she begins to rebuild herself piece by fragile piece. Then she meets Ren-brilliant, beautiful, and utterly unavailable. A commitment-phobic architectural designer with his own hidden wounds, Ren has perfected the art of intimacy without connection. But when their late-night workshops and vulnerable conversations crack both their carefully constructed walls, neither can ignore what's growing between them. Can two broken people learn to trust again? Can gold fill the cracks between them? A story about survival, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to love after loss-Kintsugi is an achingly beautiful journey of a woman learning that healing isn't about becoming unbroken. It's about honoring the scars that made you whole. ©️ Relle H

When Darcy and Everett Swanson discover an abandoned egg, their quiet life on Mistvale Pond is forever changed. Taking a leap of faith, the two swans decide to become fathers to the strange new hatchling they name River. As River grows, her very nature clashes with the tranquil traditions of the pond, making her a target for whispers and unkind judgments. Together with her dads, River struggles to navigate a world that doesn't understand her while trying to hold onto her unique spirit. After a difficult experience at traditional school, they all begin to wonder if River will ever find her place in the world. This is a moving story about family, identity, and the extraordinary power of love to help a young alligator finally make her own way in the world.

Aija managed to get the Àvo. Zuri is with Nala. Ze is ready to take on new responsibilities. And Thieron, Luka, and Nala are on their side. They have saved the human race - for now. But they are caught in a new War - the Leadership's altercation with the Gale. The six of them have been through their own intense journeys, bringing them face to face with their newfound feelings, taking some relationships to the next level and some...not. Their stories continue in the third part of The Earthen Series, as Aija, Zuri, Ze, Thieron, Luka, Nala, Xan, Goldstar, Aa'di Irih'va and Ja'wri Ruyanir grapple with their feelings, new realities, new challenges, and new threats. Just as they consider the peril to the human race done, new ones crop up - from the most unexpected of people, changing all of their lives. Forever.

Single Puerto Rican mother, Ariella Barnes, tries to keep her family together while going through financial problems, but her life takes an unexpected turn, changing everything and everyone, starting with her kids, when a not so stranger, stranger, shows up at the front porch with a casserole. All Copyright reserved

📖 Melody's Malindi Christmas Adventure - Part One: Seven Days of Magic Written by Jillian Stellar Genre: African Children's Adventure | Ages 4-10 This Christmas, five-year-old Melody leaves behind cartoons and city streets for a magical seaside holiday with her Kenyan grandparents in the coastal town of Malindi. What begins as a simple visit becomes a week full of "firsts"-from her first glimpse of the sparkling Indian Ocean to snorkeling with rainbow fish, exploring ancient ruins, and chasing butterflies under the sun. Each day brings new wonder: 🌊 Day 1: Melody sees the ocean for the very first time-endless, blue, and more magical than in any cartoon. 🦅 Day 2: Birds, butterflies, and proud Swahili history greet her at local museums and landmarks. 🏜️ Day 3: Sand dunes, river songs, and wild laughter fill the golden afternoon. 🎨 Day 4: Earth's canyon colors and a floating boardwalk through magical mangroves. 🐠 Day 5: Melody braves her first boat ride and dives into an underwater world of coral and sea creatures. 👣 Day 6: A peaceful beach day with family, seashells, and soft ocean waves. 🛍️ Day 7: The final day is for shopping in vibrant markets, getting her own handmade dera, and relaxing by the pool with fresh fruit and stories from Grandma and Grandpa. Surrounded by love, laughter, and the rich culture of the Kenyan coast, Melody discovers more than beauty-she finds courage, connection, and the joy of being truly present. A proudly African children's story celebrating family, culture, and the magic of first adventures.

The Earthen Series Part Two**Find out what happens, as your favourite characters try to unscramble their troubles and get back to working towards their original motive - save the Earth. As the humans work towards an Earth with humans on it and the aliens work towards an Earth without the humans on it, it's evident that the Avo is an essential key to capture absolute control of the Earth. Who will get their hands on the Avo - the Humans or the Ytai? Regular teens Aija, Zuri, and Ze, had their lives take a dark-turn after their encounter with a new world - aliens. The Ker'zan does not go well - for anyone, either good or bad. Aija chose to return to her enemies but never made it. Ze decided to escape to a new planet, while Zuri gets caught under the crumbling building after losing Kuna to a Gale operative. And the question remains - whatever happened to Thieron? Follow the humans and the ytai as they race towards getting the Avo on new territories - Ytean, and struggle as new feelings threaten to pull apart friends, and as the truth changes the course of the entire quest of who takes over the Earth. **** Frequently updated as and when a new chapter is ready. Follow the official Instagram account: @theafirebook.

Love comes when you least expect it !! It can turn into your soul mate if your lucky . Love is Love no matter what gender you are. It shouldn't matter to anyone who you love but yourself .#representationmatters #Loveislove Mariah a business woman and Tessa a musician and song writer fall in love from the first moment they set eyes on one another, and so begins an epic love story/

🌍✨ In the Land of Obas: Melody's Royal Adventure ✨👑 Written by Jillian Stella Five-year-old Melody was born in a quiet world-locked down and longing. Her Nigerian grandparents were just smiling faces through screens... until the day her magical passport sparkled to life. Now, she's off to Edo State, Nigeria-the ancient Kingdom of the Obas. From red earth paths and coral beads to legendary moats and bronze leopards, Melody steps into a world where history breathes and royalty walks among everyday people. She tastes fire in stew, stumbles under yam baskets, and discovers the greatness of a land once hailed by ancient explorers as the most organized and powerful city they'd ever seen. This heartwarming tale celebrates legacy, identity, and the spirit of Africa's royal past-all seen through the wide eyes of a curious little girl. 📚 A magical, cultural journey for children and families. 🌟 Perfect for readers who love African stories, heritage adventures, and joyful representation. 🧳 Includes themes of family, travel, tradition, and pride.

**Phoenix Frost** was a gymnast long before she ever fell in love with professional wrestling, and her years of rigorous training left her with unmatched flexibility and agility. Her body moved with grace and precision, making her a standout in the sport. Gymnastics was her first love, her passion, and it gave her a sense of control and power that she cherished. However, a devastating accident during a competition shattered that dream, leaving her unable to continue in gymnastics. The injury was more than physical-it fractured her spirit, forcing her to reimagine her future. But Phoenix is nothing if not resilient. Though the accident ended her gymnastics career, it also led her to discover pro wrestling, where she found a new way to channel her strength, agility, and drive. Wrestling gave her purpose again, though the transition was far from easy. The same agility that once earned her praise in gymnastics now helped her in the ring, making her moves sharp and unpredictable, but the emotional scars from her accident left her fighting with an intensity fueled by both ambition and lingering pain. Phoenix pushes herself harder than anyone, determined to prove that her injury didn't define her, and that she would still become a trailblazer in WWE, representing not just Black women, but every woman who's had to rebuild herself after being broken.

After a long and tiring day at karate class, Melody-our spirited little adventurer-comes home feeling frustrated and ready to quit. "Maybe I'm not strong enough," she whispers, slumping at the dinner table. Her mother smiles gently, prepares her a warm meal, and says, "Let me tell you about some women who never gave up." What follows is a magical, cozy, and inspiring bedtime journey where Melody listens to true stories of powerful warrior queens, fierce revolutionaries, fearless leaders, and brave defenders of their people. Each night, a new story is told-one chapter per historical woman-showcasing how real-life "sheroes" faced battles, protected their people, and changed history forever. The book combines vivid storytelling, history, and magic through Melody's imagination. As she dreams, she often sees herself standing alongside these women-learning, fighting, and growing stronger.

🌍 Sixteen countries. Sixteen voices. One mission. In the heart of Seoul, a radical new reality show is born - not to find the most famous teen, but the most authentic one. No auditions. No filters. Just truth. The first stop? Kurdistan. In a mall outside Duhok, surrounded by face masks and K-pop posters, the crew finds her - Mira. Sixteen. Fierce. Invisible to the world, but impossible to ignore. With just one look into the camera, Mira turns the whole project upside down. 🎬 "Because I come from a place people forget exists. I know what it feels like to be invisible." By the end of the day, she's not just a contestant. She's a statement. A spark. A risk. And she's only just begun.

Minerva Manchester, an 11-12 year old girl living in Berlin NH falls for an 11 year old boy named Evan Butterfield at her school, but the only catch is that her feelings towards him aren't in the traditional sense that everyone else feels.

When the sun shines brightest and the drums begin to beat, Melody and her magical cat, Kitty Paws, are swept into a dazzling celebration unlike any other - The Great Melanin Parade! From cocoa to caramel, bronze to ebony, children from all over the world gather to celebrate the beautiful shades of their skin. Dressed in vibrant prints, shimmering beads, and big bold smiles, Melody joins the joyful march through a magical land where every hue is honored and every child shines. With music, laughter, and magical moments at every turn, Melody learns that melanin is more than just skin - it's heritage, power, and pride. And when it's her turn to shine on the float of courage, she discovers that her voice, her hair, her dreams - all are perfect, just as they are. A radiant tale of self-love, cultural pride, and unity, Melody and the Great Melanin Parade is a joyful tribute to every child who deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and magical in their own skin.

Melody is back - and her magical passport is ready for more stamps! In this second journey across Africa, Melody explores 10 incredible countries, from the misty gorilla forests of Rwanda to the sparkling blue waters of Seychelles. She glides through the mighty Nile in Uganda, hears the thunder of Victoria Falls in Zambia, dances to forest drums in Cameroon, and slides down glowing dunes in Namibia. Each country brings new friends, magical moments, and a unique stamp in her passport - a passport full of dreams. Perfect for young adventurers, this book celebrates African beauty, culture, and nature in a fun, memorable way. ✨ Join Melody as she discovers the heartbeat of Africa - one magical stamp at a time! ✨

This is a collection of 1-2 part stories written by yours truly for SKZ fans who are black woman and want to imagine what it would be like to date them. This is just for fun and obviously isn't real, anyone can read. Enjoy!

Melody is back - and her magical passport is glowing again! With 20 countries explored, this bold little traveler sets off on her third journey across Africa, uncovering new stories, flavors, dances, and dreams in ten more amazing countries. From the starry waters of Lake Malawi to snowy mountain trails in Lesotho, royal dances in Eswatini, island spices in Comoros...

Earthen Series Part One**Follow Aija, Zuri and Ze, as they are plunged into the dark world of aliens who are working to destroy the human race and take over the Earth; as they are faced with difficult decisions regarding love, feelings, abilities, the meaning of friendship, and most importantly - saving the human race. Seven hundred years have passed since the Wars. The Earth is half destroyed, and the human organization - the Leadership - has taken complete control of the way the new world works. Humans live in temperature-controlled, air purified Cities, with significant decisions of their lives being taken care of by the Leadership. But is it all as well and peaceful as it seems? Kidnappings and missing people reports continue to haunt the residents, and no one has found out who is doing it all. A new threat to the human race is brewing unbeknownst to several humans. FOLLOW the OFFICIAL ACCOUNT on INSTAGRAM - @theafirebook **** AFIRE added to the Asian Reads Reading List - The Other World (24th Aug 2020) AFIRE featured on The Warrior Goddess Reading List - Of Women and Galaxies (23rd Mar 2021) RANKINGS ACHIEVED: No.1: Diverse - 17th July - 3rd August 2019 No.1: RepresentationMatters - Dec 2019, Jan, Feb 2020 No.2: Diverse - August 2019 No.2: Southasian - Jan 2020 No.3: Climate - June 2019, July 2019, August 2019 No.4: South Asian - Feb 2020, Mar 2020 No.6: Climate change - June 2019, July 2019 No.9: Asiansinlit - July 2019, August 2019

A possible prologue to a 100% owned-by-me rewrite of my fan fiction as a novel.