Changemakers is a companion series to Gamechangers, following teens outside of the GLA circle who have made a profound difference in the world or in their own communities.
If you’ve ever read who publishes the books you use in school then the name Scholastic probably sounds familiar. The illustration of an open book that’s on almost all of your textbooks. One girl knows this logo all too well as she is working with Scholastic to publish an activism guide for children and teens.
“Scholastic is the perfect partner for spreading my message of diversity, inclusion and social action,” said Dias to the Huffington Post.
We’ve all heard about girl power and #likeagirl but Dias is taking it a step further.
The book she is writing will encourage kids to use their strengths in an impactful way, while exploring common topics like social justice, inclusion and social media.
Dias is planning on releasing the book in spring of 2018 and was inspired to write it from her book drive, where it all started.
#1000BlackGirlBooks was the drive Dias created to make sure that there were more girls of diversity represented, especially in schoolbooks. She started it in the fall of 2015, hoping to get 1,000 books by the beginning of 2016.
The drive went viral, as many things do, and she has been able to donate up to 8,000 books to girls. That’s a lot!
As if writing a book and going viral from a book drive isn’t enough, Dias has also become editor of a zine for Elle.com.
It’s probably what you’re picturing, a cute picture of Dias, some fun drawings, clever taglines, and of course the hashtag #MarleyMag. If you’re curious, Google it, or check out the hashtag on social media.
For a 12-year-old, a tween almost gone teen, Dias has accomplished quite a bit! Talk about an inspiration and #goals.
So what are you waiting for, join Dias and become a game changer. The possibilities are limitless – what will you set out for?
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If you want to donate a book to Dias to help her #1000BlackGirlBooks, you can send one to the address below:
59 Main Street, Suite 323, West Orange, NJ 07052
Contributed by Samantha Watkins
