Former school leaders Dr. Sheka Houston and Dr. Tammy Taylor have released a new children’s book designed to strengthen academic engagement and cultural awareness among Black youth. Their book, Amir’s Awakening: His Amazing Journey to Ancient Egypt – From Classroom to Consciousness, is the first title in the five-book Resilience Series and draws on the authors’ more than 25 years of combined experience as school principals in South Carolina.
The illustrated story introduces children to African history through the lens of ancient Egypt, emphasizing intellectual legacy, leadership, and curiosity rather than trauma. Houston and Taylor say the book was created to give parents, educators, and mentors a practical way to engage Black students at a time when culturally relevant materials are increasingly challenged or removed from classrooms.
Alongside the story, the authors highlight research showing that African-centered education can significantly improve Black student performance on standardized tests. Additional studies cited by the educators indicate that early exposure to culturally responsive teaching and Black educators is linked to higher college enrollment rates for Black students.
Beyond publishing, Houston and Taylor also lead professional development work through their podcast, The REALL Academy, which has reached nearly 200,000 educators globally. Through books, podcasts, and training resources, the pair focus on supporting schools and families with tools that connect identity, learning, and long-term academic success.
Why It Matters
For Delaware—where educators and families continue to address achievement gaps and student engagement—Amir’s Awakening offers a culturally grounded learning resource that can be used at home, in classrooms, and in community programs. As districts look for ways to improve literacy and student confidence, materials that reflect students’ history and identity are increasingly viewed as essential rather than supplemental.
The book’s approach connects local needs in Delaware to a broader national shift toward culturally responsive education. By linking identity-affirming content with academic outcomes, Houston and Taylor’s work provides Delaware parents, teachers, and organizations with an accessible tool to support Black children’s learning while reinforcing pride, curiosity, and long-term educational opportunity.
