Arizona: Nations and Arts was originally created for Governor Janet Napolitano’s Books for Kids program, a beloved statewide literacy resource. When the program was abruptly canceled, Walnut Canyon Press was established to carry the mission forward. +700,000 books were gifted to all Arizona’s 4th graders — as well as to every Arizona public library, U.S. Department of State embassy library worldwide, and the USO.

During visits to Title I and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, educators consistently asked for more books for their students. Caregivers — eager to support their young children — were requesting practical literacy tools for home use.

Health literacy became deeply personal for our family.

Unfortunately, I learned that when pediatric food-related health challenges enter a home, the experience is often painful and can begin a difficult journey for everyone involved. Conversations about “choices” can quickly become layered with stigma, fear, anger, and shame.

Super Me was designed to educate gently — reducing the risk of any child ever feeling singled out or “othered.”

Providing books free of charge ensures that whole-health literacy reaches all children and families, especially those who may not otherwise have access to supportive educational resources at home.

If this book helps one family avoid the trauma our family endured, then this work has mattered.