Interview with Ana Maria Medici, author of 'You Are Your Superpower'
Ana Maria Medici is (the loveliest!) Pre-Kindergarten teacher, based in San Francisco Ana has written a children’s book, You Are Your Superpower, that we at Your Zen Mama are obsessed with! It is one of the most beautiful, inspiring, and empowering books promoting girl power and celebrating racially and culturally diverse characters from around the world. As an educator, Ana saw firsthand that there simply weren't enough mainstream kids’ books that featured and celebrated diversity, she combined that with her passion for creating strong female characters who are fearless in the pursuit of their goals and dreams, and thus You Are Your Superpower was born!
From space exploration to fashion design, You Are Your Superpower takes little (and big!) readers on a journey around the world to discover the unique story of ten girls, all united by a commitment to their passions. Readers will learn the power of persistence, and finding what makes you feel your very best.
We were lucky enough to sit down with Ana and discuss everything from the writing process, to the importance of the messaging behind the book and why it’s important to foster self belief and ‘super powers’ from a young age, as well as a little sneak peak into her new book dropping next week!
Thank you for being the talented, creative brains behind one of the most extraordinary children's books for young girls! Before we get into the book, can you please tell us a little about your story?
I currently live and teach in San Francisco, and I tend to pour a lot of passion into my teaching. Every September I devote an entire month to empowerment exercises for my students and work on boosting their confidence and self-help skills. It’s amazing to transfer this lesson through the power of storytelling and children's literature.
What do you love most about being a pre-kindergarten teacher?
Children remind me how to live. Kids are naturally curious about the world around them, and they carry an energy of excitement that is contagious. They will play with sticks and blades of grass, and treat it as a treasure. Their imaginations are like gateways to other dimensions. A child will greet a ladybug and follow it as it flies off. How often do we as adults disconnect enough, to quietly observe the miracle of a living insect that crawls past us?
What makes you feel your very best?
My morning routine. I read Tools of Titans by Tim Ferris, and learned about the transformational effect of morning routines. I start each day with meditation, then write out a list of goals and intentions. I’m also diligent about not looking at my phone or computer until about an hour after I wake up. My morning routine puts me in a state of positive energy, and keeps me focused on what's important.
Your book has the most beautiful, powerful message - can you please share the impetus behind You Are Your Superpower?
I had just finished writing a manuscript for a different book, and recognized how empowering writing was for me personally. I wanted to share this feeling, and prompt kids to discover what makes them feel their best, their happiest, their most powerful.
What was the writing process like?
The author Eckhart Tolle writes a lot about the creative process, and I’ve found it to be the most accurate articulation of the experience. Creativity is born when we are quiet enough to listen. This means removing nagging thoughts from our minds, and eliminating distractions. This period of silence can be when we are alone in nature, listening to music, or simply sitting quietly. These are the moments when ideas are free to flow in.
I believe impactful creativity comes when our mind is ready, filled with positivity, love, and purpose. Removing negativity, whether it’s people, environment, or thoughts helps the creative process flow more fluidly.
How did you choose the locations, passions and superpower for each character?
I knew I wanted to highlight cities from around the world, for a more global, connected feeling, and I wanted their passions and superpowers to showcase excellence in different fields. Everything from athletics, to science, to the arts, and politics.
Why, do you believe, is it important to foster passion and self belief from a young age?
Kids will encounter all kinds of obstacles, from playground dynamics, to self-defeating thoughts. Fostering confidence and self belief will help them navigate life challenges more successfully.
There are many small steps we can take to help boost a child’s confidence. Giving them chores at home (even if they make a mess) and allowing your child to take on more responsibilities helps create a powerful mindset, where they begin to realize their own abilities, and a deeper understanding of how intelligent and capable they are. Embracing failures is also key, so that when they do find their passion, they will proceed with resilience and grit.
What would you say are the key messages throughout the book?
There were two goals when creating the book. First, to spotlight the beauty of diversity. Through exposure of various cultures, and by creating diverse characters that readers could cheer for and celebrate. Second, to empower young girls and remind them of their unique, unlimited potential.
I love the 'One Day....' line on each page, how did you come up with that message?
The intention was for the readers to recognize that it starts with them! When we uplift girls, and encourage their confidence and interests, they grow into powerful women of the world, living lives they dream of and choose for themselves.
What is your superpower?
Writing is my superpower. With it I am able to serve children and society in a much greater way than ever imagined.
This is such an important book that the world needs, especially right now, why was it important for you to put out into the world?
This is an exciting time for females. We are seeing more women step into powers of position, and while we are progressing there is still a lot that needs to be done. As a teacher, I realized that if I could successfully cast a wider net, and instill important social emotional lessons across cities and time, then I could really make an impact.
What was your reaction when you physically held the book for the first time?
Holding the book for the first time was exciting! It felt like a marathon had just been completed.
Can you tell us more about the Books for Africa special initiative?
Books for Africa (BFA) is an organization that aims to end the book famine in Africa. They collect and ship books to students of all ages, and work towards building a culture of literacy. Within BFA there is a special initiative, The Girls Empowerment Collection, that sends a curated set of books intended to inspire and empower girls. You Are Your Superpower is included in the collection.
What has the feedback from You Are Your Superpower been so far?
Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging. I’m often sent photos and videos of children reading the book, which is so fulfilling.
The one piece of advice you'd give every little girl in the world right now?
Your power is within. Be aware of it, and nurture it.
Adults can help young girls understand this when we validate their minds, their voice, their interests and dreams. Society has programmed so many of us to comment to girls on their appearance, but we have the power to change the conversation in how we speak to girls. In doing so, we allow them to see that their value comes from within.
Any favorite teacher tricks to foster empathy?
Definitely. There is a great TED talk by Bob Thurman (We Can Be Buddhas) that shares how when we are so deeply concerned with ourselves, we are almost always miserable. But, when we start to wake up and think of what we can do for others, and how we can help, we miraculously transform into happier, more whole beings.
I use this in the classroom! We call ourselves “helpers” and we find ways to help each other in class, in our community and with our loved ones at home.
What’s next?
My next children’s book, Marley and the Magical Candy Cane is a holiday book and will be released September 15, 2020. It’s a story set in San Francisco that brings awareness to poverty, and promotes community and empathy.
