Animated Character Strengthens Identity and Boosts Self Esteem in Young Girls

ATLANTA - June 3, 2013 - PRLog -- New York, NY—  “Hi, I’m Briana and this is my story!” Briana’s Neighborhood is a book series collection that introduces to children a spunky and inquisitive eight year old girl who always has tons to say. Written from a child’s perspective, Briana’s Neighborhood illustrates the experiences children face from different cultures and backgrounds. The themes in the collection of stories can be used to give meaning and context to children’s lives, guide their perceptions, and help shape their decisions.  Through these colorful narratives children from varying walks of life are able to understand and embrace cultures and experiences that may be different from their own.

Briana’s Neighborhood allows children from diverse cultures to see themselves in these books, and to understand the reality of the multicultural society and the world we live in. Briana deals with issues such as self-esteem, peer pressure, physical fitness, healthy eating, environmental causes, imagination, bullying, financial literacy and friendship that make Briana’s Neighborhood both relevant and timely.

It’s Me Briana, is the parent company behind the brand and their mission is to bring the element of excitement and curiosity back into literacy providing the tools to stimulate a child’s curiosity and creativity by increasing one’s confidence through words and self-discovery. In addition to strengthening family and friend relationships through games, activities, workshops, programs and events which enrich young minds with the gift and vision of knowing that anything is possible when you dream big!

Author, Sahar Simmons, is on a constant journey of evolving the age old art of literature and making a difference in education, literacy, physical fitness, healthy eating, environmental awareness, self-expression and development. Briana’s Neighborhood is much more than the actual books themselves, it is a movement to unite children across the globe, empowering them and daring them to Dream Big no matter the circumstance.  The first three books in the series All About Me, Boys Will Be Boys and Briana Goes Green are all available for purchase as hardcover books as well as in e-book format for both the Nook and Kindle.  

”Briana helps today’s child navigate life experiences as a little person and becomes your child’s friend as they naturally develop a rapport.” // Brandon J. Hutton., Child Therapist

Briana and her “neighborhood” will be embarking on a local summer series in the Atlanta metro area as well as on a national school tour for fall 2013. “The big plan is to create avenues and extensions of the brand that build presence and awareness through various mediums. Those mediums include: the ongoing development of children's book literature, curriculum created and geared towards specific grade levels, theatrical and television development and music. We want to see Briana as a character who has a strong community presence which also translates into mainstream appeal. Briana is our girl next door...,” said Sahar Simmons.

“What a gift it was to find the Briana book series! The stories are so well written and the illustrations are life like. Briana’s journeys cross racial lines and speak to young girls of any nationality. The Briana series is a must have in any child’s library.” // Keisha Noel Director of Community Relations and Multiculturalism, St. Martin’s Episcopal School

With Briana’s “Dare to Dream” non-profit organization already making a difference in communities both here and abroad, it’s no wonder that Briana’s movement has gained recognition and support near and far.  Partnerships have included McDonalds, the Atlanta Dream, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Macy’s and Chick-Fil-A to name a few.  

To learn more about Briana,” her neighborhood” and how you too can Dream Big, visit www.brianasneighborhood.com