Jessica Jackson on Books, Belonging & the Bronx Children’s Museum | Season 2, Episode 6

In Season 2, Episode 6 of The Missing Book Podcast, host Luz Maria Mack sits down with author, educator, and Afro-Latina creative Jessica Jackson, Director of Education and Programs at the Bronx Children’s Museum. Jessica shares the inspiration behind her children’s books, The Otter in Charge and Mimi Can’t Camouflage, which help young readers explore conflict resolution, self-advocacy, flexibility, confidence, and celebrating what makes them unique. The conversation also explores: Jessica’s journey to becoming a traditionally published author through a work-for-hire opportunity with Capstone Why social-emotional learning belongs in children’s literature How the Bronx Children’s Museum supports local families and young readers The museum’s Book Bodega and its distribution of thousands of free books Opportunities for authors and illustrators to collaborate with community organizations The importance of book ownership, cultural representation, and accessible learning spaces Why Bronx children and families deserve joyful, creative, and affirming experiences Culturally relevant books empower Latino children by allowing them to recognize their language, neighborhoods, traditions, families, and everyday experiences in literature. They remind children that their identities matter and that their stories belong on bookshelves, in classrooms, and in museums. 🎙️ Subscribe to The Missing Book Podcast for conversations with authors, illustrators, educators, poets, and storytellers whose voices deserve to be heard. About The Missing Book Podcast: Hosted by Luz Maria Mack, The Missing Book Podcast highlights authors, illustrators, educators, and creatives whose stories deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Each episode explores the inspiration behind the work, the publishing journey, and the impact stories can have on readers, families, and communities. #TheMissingBookPodcast #BronxChildrensMuseum #JessicaJackson #ChildrensBooks #AfroLatina #BronxAuthors #RepresentationMatters #SocialEmotionalLearning #LatinoLiterature #LiteracyMatters