Located in sunny San Diego, California, Jah Jah Books was created in 2014 by author Kalif Price, as an independent publishing company that encourages literacy in children and families by sharing the rich cultural heritage of storytelling.
Under the Jah Jah Books name, we publish non-fiction, historical fiction, fiction, poetry and picture books that span across the "motherland" and throughout the African diaspora.
Under the Jah Jah Books name, we publish non-fiction, historical fiction, fiction, poetry and picture books that span across the "motherland" and throughout the African diaspora.
Our Goal is to encourage children of color to become active readers. At present, most of our youth do not have healthy and regular reading practices. As a result, thirty-three percent of 4th grade public school students are at a below the “Basic” level on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading test. Among 4th graders, 53 percent of African American students, 52 percent of Hispanic students and 48 percent of American Indian students scored below the “Basic” level on the NAEP reading test. Among 8th graders, 44 percent of African American students, 41 percent of Hispanic students and 37 percent of American Indian students scored below the “Basic” level on the NAEP reading test (NCES, 2009).
There are several factors that contribute to the poor outcomes of reading in children of color. Of 3,200 children’s books published in 2013, just 93 were about black people, according to a study by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin. Out of those 93 books published, the majority of them lack positive images and subject matter that is related to the culture of black youth.
Jah Jah Books intends on addressing this literary disparity by focusing on publishing books that carry a positive message and promote self-love to children of color. Jah Jah Books also offers literature that is relevant and relatable to the culture and exposes its readers to the rich diversity of storytelling throughout the African diaspora and other cultures related to people of color.
In addition, Jah Jah Books has developed its Roots, Culture and Literacy Program and host monthly community reading events at various libraries, schools and community centers. If you would like us to come to your event or want more information, click here Roots, Culture and Literacy.
There are several factors that contribute to the poor outcomes of reading in children of color. Of 3,200 children’s books published in 2013, just 93 were about black people, according to a study by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin. Out of those 93 books published, the majority of them lack positive images and subject matter that is related to the culture of black youth.
Jah Jah Books intends on addressing this literary disparity by focusing on publishing books that carry a positive message and promote self-love to children of color. Jah Jah Books also offers literature that is relevant and relatable to the culture and exposes its readers to the rich diversity of storytelling throughout the African diaspora and other cultures related to people of color.
In addition, Jah Jah Books has developed its Roots, Culture and Literacy Program and host monthly community reading events at various libraries, schools and community centers. If you would like us to come to your event or want more information, click here Roots, Culture and Literacy.