Whether it’s asking for a promotion or confronting the school bully, writer Luvvie Ajayi Jones has become an expert on overcoming fears and speaking up.

Jones’ books urge everyone to become what she calls a “Troublemaker,” or someone who pushes for positive change.

She’s guiding adults, teens and now even little kids. Her latest children’s book, “Little Troublemaker Defends Her Name,” encourages kids to stand up for themselves and their unique names.

(Courtesy of Penguin Random House)

Jones said her experience immigrating to the United States from Nigeria as a child inspired her work in children’s books. Despite adjusting to her new life, Jones said, she remained outspoken in her youth. She said it’s important to make children feel seen, especially when they come from unique cultural backgrounds.

“Growing up, I always got in trouble for my mouth,” said Jones. “To kids who have a hard time speaking up, I always want to remind them that their voice matters. Your name is worth defending. I knew what it was like to feel othered, when my name was different for the first time.”

The book, the second in a series, comes after her first children’s book, “Little Troublemaker Makes a Mess,” which came out in May 2023. The two picture books follow the main character Little Luvvie and her adventures with her family and at school. The books tackle how to respond when someone mispronounces your name and how to fix things when you make a mistake.

Her other books, “Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual” and “I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual” guide teens and adults to advocate for themselves even when it’s hard.

Jones said her books are much needed in a time when many kids are navigating a turbulent world. But she also noted that adults can learn a thing or two from the “Little Troublemaker” guides.

“I know a lot of adults who never got permission to be bold,” said Jones. “So many people have experienced having their names mispronounced.”

For both young and old, the books are making a positive impact among families and classrooms.

“To hear that kids are going to bookshelves and picking it [the book] out repeatedly is such a gift,” said Jones. “I heard from a teacher that kids were being kinder to international kids because of this book.”

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