About — Charnaie Gordon

I give inspiring talks on Diversity and Inclusion, provide strategies for diversifying your bookshelves and empower families to instill a love of reading and curiosity in their children.

About Me

Hi, I’m Charnaie and I love to read! I love connecting people with diverse and inclusive books, kid-friendly products and family experiences they will love. Let me help you instill a love of reading, lifelong learning, and curiosity in the children in your lives.

I’ve been reading aloud with both of my children daily since they were born. I understand the importance of reading aloud to children and want to foster a love of reading in my children.

I’m a wife, mom, and former Computer Programmer by education turned DEI Subject Matter Expert, Content Creator, and Author. I have over 15 years of experience in the Information Technology field. I have both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science/Information Technology. I am also a Distinguished Toastmaster and huge literacy advocate/champion.

my mission

My blog, Here Wee Read, is where I express my creativity and passion for reading, diverse literature, and literacy. More than anything else, I care about connecting people with terrific books that they love because I believe that books are an absolute necessity . My passion for diversity and inclusion is driven by a desire for everyone to have his or her own voice, whether it be through books, television, or other media. I believe it’s important that people of all races, and all ethnicities, can see themselves represented and included.

my work

In addition to my blog and social media, you can find my work at Brightly as a contributing writer. I’m also the founder of my children’s literacy organization 50 States 50 Books where they collect and donate diverse children’s books to deserving kids in each of the 50 U.S. states. Together me and my family collected and donated 2,500 diverse children’s books to children in need in each of the 50 U.S. states in just nine months in 2019. I am the author of A Kids Book About Diversity , Race Cars: A Children’s Book About White Privilege, Lift Every Voice and Change: A Sound Book: A Celebration of Black Leaders and the Words that Inspire Generations, and co-Author of A Friend Like You and A Planet Like Ours. My forthcoming books include: Heroic Heart and Etta Extraordinaire. You can find my podcast, Here Wee Read: A Bookish Podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Podcasts I’ve Been Featured On

Other Press Features

my Manifesto

When I wake up in the morning, the very first thought on my mind is: “Thank you Lord for letting me live to see this day.” And after that: “Let’s conquer the day and work!”

My heart glows when hear my children laugh. I also love seeing the look on my kids’ faces when they figure out how to do something on their own or learn a new skill. My heart breaks whenever I hear about innocent children or animals being physically or sexually abused.

My followers/supporters are my book-loving community. More than anything else, I care about helping them to build their family culture around books and a love of shared reading with their children. In my world…books are an absolute necessity.

Eating good food is always a fabulous idea. Yes, I’m a total foodie, but you would never guess just by looking at me.

Reality television shows are overrated and settling for less than you deserve is a definite NO.

Fantasizing about having Olivia Pope’s wardrobe and meeting Oprah Winfrey is totally reasonable.

Striving for success and being the best version of me is a definite must.

But at the end of the day, family, love, good health, laughter, and the television show Little Fires Everywhere are that really matter.

When I die, I want to be remembered as a person who instilled a love of reading, lifelong learning, and curiosity in her children. And who inspired others to do the same with their children.

What’s your manifesto?

work with me

I am currently available for:

Sponsored Blog Posts, Campaigns & Sponsored Content for Brands (I only work with brands that align with my overall goals and mission) (On my blog hereweeread.com)
Exclusive Book Cover Reveals (On my blog hereweeread.com)
Public Speaking Events including Conference Guest Speaker
Affiliate Programs (On my blog hereweeread.com)
Author School Visits (In-person and virtual)

Media kit available upon request.

I give inspiring talks on Diversity and Inclusion, provide strategies for diversifying your bookshelves and empower families to instill a love of reading and curiosity in their children. About Me