Cummings

Children’s Author

Therapist, Attorney, & CEO

Travels from: Louisville, KY

“Daughters learn their place in the world by watching their mothers claim theirs.” – Deedee Cummings

As a therapist, attorney, CEO of Make A Way Media, and author of fifteen children’s books, Deedee Cummings has a passion for ensuring equality, inclusion, and social justice for the next generation. Since her first book published in 2014, Cummings has been on a mission to help young dreamers and doers “see themselves” in the pages of the books they read.

This #OWNVOICES author has fifteen diverse children’s books to her credit, including the Rapid Release of her Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess five-book series. All fifteen of Cummings’ diverse picture, poetry, and workbooks for kids reflect her professional knowledge and love of life.

Cummings is also the founder and creator of the Louisville Book Festival, a literacy-based celebration in Louisville, KY, celebrated in October.

Cummings has spent more than two decades working within the family therapy and support field, and much of her writing shares her experiences of working with kids in therapeutic foster care. Using therapeutic techniques in her stories to teach coping skills, Cummings also strives to lessen the stigma that some people feel when it comes to receiving mental health assistance.

Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess (Books 1-5)

Make a Way Media |

June 1, 2021

Children’s

Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess is a heartwarming story about family, role models, dreams, and discovering a determination for growth. This five-part diverse picture book series shines the spotlight on a little Brown girl who loves musical theatre and never lets anything get in the way of her dreams. It seems that everyone else has an idea for who she should be, but in the end, she discovers that she is the one who gets to decide.

The story also reveals the very special family dynamic that Kayla shares with her mom- a hard-working woman who struggles with the guilt of not being as available for her young daughter as she would like. But as the story progresses, Kayla and her mom realize the impact of valuing the time they have together as well as the importance of seeing each other acknowledge (and pursue) their individual dreams. {ages 4 to 8}

Written by veteran author, Deedee Cummings, the Kayla: Modern-Day Princess series is inspired by her own real-life princess and Broadway actress, Kayla Pecchioni.

BIPOC Authors, Black Voices, Coming of Age, Female Author, Fiction, Friendship & Community, Grades K-5

If a Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I?

Make a Way Media |

August 27, 2020

Children’s

If A Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I is a fun and thought-provoking journal that encourages readers to turn their thoughts, ideas, and dreams into things that will enhance their lives while also making the world a better place. It is never too early for kids to declare and begin working towards their dreams. This journal and coloring book is not only a roadmap, but a time capsule of hopes and dreams for tomorrow’s future leaders!

Schools across the country are using this diverse workbook in special groups as a fun and therapeutic way to offer creative outlets for stress and anxiety relief, while also promoting powerful discussions on the sensitive topics that are facing our children today.

BIPOC Authors, Black Voices, Coming of Age, Diversity & Inclusion, Female Author

In the Nick of Time

Make a Way Media |

June 21, 2020

Children’s

Nick Saint never really put a lot of thought into his name until one snowy day in December when he accidentally receives a letter meant for Saint Nick. Realizing there is not much time left until Christmas, Nick opens the letter. The unexpected message inside ultimately leads him on a journey of understanding poverty, gratitude, and service to others while discovering the real meaning of the holiday spirit.

Nick’s actions and kindness are filled with heartwarming results that even please Santa Claus himself! An endearing story of a little brown boy who helps Santa save Christmas.

Children of all ages and backgrounds who read In the Nick of Time will understand that sometimes the smallest act of kindness can take up the biggest space in someone else’s heart.