Creating Black Children’s Books With Purpose: Andre Wright and Ryan Lion
By Lana Reid | August 10, 2022
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Andre Wright, author and creator of the Ryan Lion children’s book series, to discuss the importance of representation in children’s literature. Andre shares how seeing oneself reflected in books shapes confidence, imagination, and identity for Black children. He reflects on the responsibility of intentional storytelling and how children’s books can influence how young readers understand themselves and the world around them.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Andre Wright explores the role storytelling plays in shaping confidence, creativity, and self-image in children.
Andre explains how the Ryan Lion book series was created to provide Black children with positive, imaginative representations of themselves — stories where they are centered, empowered, and seen as capable of adventure, curiosity, and leadership. He discusses how the absence of representation in early reading experiences can subtly affect how children view their own potential.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Andre examine children’s publishing as both a creative and social responsibility. Andre emphasizes that storytelling for young audiences must be intentional, thoughtful, and rooted in care, because the narratives children absorb often become part of their identity formation.
The discussion also highlights entrepreneurship and creative ownership. Andre shares insights into building a children’s book brand, navigating publishing, and maintaining authenticity while creating content that uplifts and affirms Black children. He underscores the importance of creators shaping narratives rather than relying on systems that have historically excluded diverse voices.
This episode offers a meaningful conversation about representation, creativity, and the power of children’s literature to shape imagination, confidence, and self-worth.
About the Guest
Andre Wright is the author and creator of the Ryan Lion children’s book series. His work focuses on representation, creativity, and providing Black children with positive, imaginative stories that affirm identity and possibility.
For more information on Andre Wright:
https://www.ryanlionbooks.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ryanlionbookz/
https://www.facebook.com/RyanLionbooks/
https://www.lionsdenunderwear.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lionsdenunderwear/
https://www.instagram.com/dadswhatwedo/
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men as creators, authors, and entrepreneurs who shape culture through intentional storytelling and representation.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives
THE MALE PERSPECTIVE
The purpose of The Male Perspective is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and the sharing of personal experiences that highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
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Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood is an intergenerational community of Black women who come together for relaxed, non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in everyday life.
TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards honors local communities and showcases the creativity, brilliance, and lived experiences of Black voices across the United States.