Books by Valerie Joseph

This is What Maisie Believes Book Cover

This is What 


Maisie Believes

Valerie Joseph’s first book features the voice of Maisie, a thoughtful, energetic, happy and deeply spiritual little girl. Maisie describes her relationship with God through a series of matter-of-fact and simple declarations. Maisie's understandings about God are incontrovertible, clear and to the point. She is infused with love, joy and acceptance for who she is, who God is, and for her African heritage. 

Maisie has an incipient sense of racial subjection and its internalization and has a strong belief that people's absorption of God's fundamental precept of love will ameliorate even the most virulent hatred.

This book, beautifully illustrated by Michael LaRiccia, is designed for children aged 6 and up, however its messages of affirmation and God's love will find resonance in people of all ages. Amplifying Maisie's statements are Adinkra symbols–representations of spiritual and cultural values from the Akan peoples of West Africa.

This is What Masie Believes is published by 691 Wreath.

 Purchase

 Events

At Smith College

  • “A great book for children (and adults who need reminding) how we are all beautiful at our human core.”

  • “This foray into spirituality hits all the right notes. It is a full throated endorsement of self love and introduces the same via the affirmations on these pages. Maisie looks happy and loved as she shares what she believes. The blank pages are an invitation to explore what beliefs might emerge. Beautifully illustrated…the cover explodes out of the box! Enjoy!”

  • “This story is so beautifully written with gorgeous illustrations! I love the story and Adinkra symbols embedded in the pictures. This is the perfect gift!”

  • “This book connects children to their African ancestry. Helps them to be proud of their African heritage.”

  • “I really valued this. What a delightful book. Kids will love it. Its illustrations are awesome. And the message is great and moving!”

  • “Valerie Joseph's book is the expression of what is essential in the development of a young Black girl : a sense of self and beauty, a love of God, and a spiritual and cultural connection to Motherland Africa and the Caribbean. There is no better way a young, developing reader can learn these most important life lessons than through the eyes of Maisie, for This is What Maisie Believes.”

Purchase