Liam's First Cut Turns 4! Celebrating Representation and Neurodiversity

Today marks the four-year anniversary of my debut picture book, Liam's First Cut, and I can hardly believe how far the journey has taken us! It feels like just yesterday I was nervously sending the manuscript off to publishers, hopeful yet uncertain about what lay ahead. Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to share that Liam's First Cut has sold over 8,000 copies worldwide! For context, the average indie author sells just a few hundred copies in their lifetime. For that reason, this milestone feels particularly special!

The Inspiration Behind Liam's First Cut

This book was born from a lightbulb moment: I noticed a serious lack of stories where Black kids took center stage, and even fewer that featured characters with disabilities. It hit me like a ton of bricks—where were the tales that reflected the vibrant, diverse experiences of so many young readers? I realized we needed a story that not only filled this gap but celebrated it. So, I set out on a mission to create a narrative that would make every child feel seen and heard. This wasn’t just a nice-to-have; it was essential!

Groundbreaking Representation for Neurodiversity

Liam 's First Cut  is proud to be one of the first books to highlight a Black autistic boy as a protagonist, helping to normalize the experiences of being Black and autistic. I recall my publisher even learning so much about neurodiversity and autism specifically during the process.

The feedback from readers (across ages and backgrounds) has shown me just how crucial it is to have diverse and inclusive voices in literature, and I’m proud to contribute to that movement. The conversations sparked by this story have been inspiring and heartwarming, affirming the importance of representation- because everyone should BE SEEN & HEARD! 

The Heart of the Story: Father and Son (and an endearing barber)

At the core of Liam's First Cut  lies the beautiful relationship between a father and son. Their bond unfolds against the backdrop of a barbershop— a space that holds immense cultural significance in our communities. For many, barbershops are more than just places to get a haircut; they are sanctuaries where conversations flow freely, stories and secrets are shared, traditions are passed down and life lessons are imparted. In Liam's First Cut, the barbershop serves as a meaningful setting that fosters connection, growth, and understanding between the barber Mr. Jay, father and son.

Reflecting on the Journey

Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of hearing from readers who’ve connected deeply with Liam’s journey. Many boys have told me they see themselves in Liam. I've had autistic girls thank me for writing a story that shows them as "normal people". Many grown ups have shared how the story has helped their family manage expectations and anxiety in preparation for a first trip to the barbershop. And others have shared how the book helped to spark meaningful conversations about autism, fatherhood, and the importance of representation in literature. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how a story can inspire dialogue and foster empathy across readers of all ages, races, and identities.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

As I reflect on this milestone, I am filled with gratitude—for the readers who’ve added the book to their home and school libraries, the advocates for neurodiversity who’ve championed the book, and the communities that continue to uplift diverse voices and inclusive narratives. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Here’s to many more stories that celebrate the richness of our experiences and the power of connection.

If you haven’t yet picked up Liam's First Cut, or if you know someone who would benefit from this story, I invite you to join us on this adventure. Let’s continue to celebrate diverse voices and support stories that matter. Here’s to the next chapter!