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Children’s book series honors ‘Papa Lemon’
A self-published author from north Minneapolis is honoring his late grandfather through a children's book series that puts history — and healing — in a whole new light.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A north Minneapolis author is honoring his late grandfather through a children's book series that puts history — and healing — in a whole new light.
A grandfather's legacy comes to life
What we know:
Lehman Riley grew up fascinated by his grandfather, and now he's turning those memories into something that could shape a whole new generation.
Riley, an African American author from North Minneapolis, created a series of children's books centered on a character called "Papa Lemon" — the nickname his real grandfather carried.
The books follow a group of kids called the Little Wanderers, who travel back in time on a magical train to learn about figures and events like Dr. Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman and the California Gold Rush — all from a fresh point of view.
"It's the way for me to let people know how I felt about Papa Lemon and how important he was to our family," said Lehman Riley, author.
Riley says the idea took root in the early 1990s, sparked by the severe beating of Rodney King, an African American man, by several Los Angeles police officers. He wanted to respond by creating something meaningful for children.
"I just wanted to make history fun because it's so important that we learn our history and understand where we came from and who was involved in history and what cultures have impacted American history," said Riley.
Tackling tough topics for young readers
Dig deeper:
So far, Riley has written nine books aimed at readers in the third through sixth grade.
But the series goes beyond history. After his daughter Lizzie passed away, Riley expanded the books to address heavier subjects like depression, bullying and grief.
"We need to learn how to talk about grief and get it out, you know," said Riley. "We need to know how to learn about trauma."
His self-published books are already being used in several school districts around the Twin Cities, and Riley says he hopes to keep the momentum going.