Author Regina Lewis-Ward - Inspiring Stories and Advocacy through Literature

Regina Lewis-Ward, a native of Brooklyn, New York, grew up in public housing and attended New York City public schools. She earned a BBA in Computer Systems from Bernard M. Baruch College in New York and an MA in Political Science from Clayton State University in Georgia. 

As an author, Lewis-Ward's works span children’s and educational literature, blending enrichment with thought-provoking themes. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, she approaches children’s stories with a focus on social issues, captivating young readers with titles like Jason Keeps a Secret and Malik Likes Mayonnaise. Her stories encourage reflection and discussion through engaging storytelling. 

Lewis-Ward’s contributions to educational literature offer a unique perspective on American governance, shaped by her extensive background in public service and academia. Her book, The Dynamics of American State and Local Governments, delves into the complexities of governance, addressing contemporary social, economic, and political challenges faced by state and local institutions. 

Known for her vivid prose and ability to connect across genres, Lewis-Ward weaves themes of gender, power, and social justice into her work, sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring readers of all ages. 

---

1. Representative Regina Lewis-Ward, you’ve had an impressive career in public service. What inspired you to shift from politics to writing children’s books? 

Thank you for the question, but I have not abandoned public service to write children's books. I currently serve as Georgia’s state representative for District 115. The desire to make a long-lasting positive impact led me to highlight children's issues through storytelling, hoping to shape the world for future generations. Writing for children allows me to connect directly with parents and younger generations, inspiring creativity, empathy, and curiosity. While public service and writing may seem distinct, they both share a commitment to understanding people and fostering change, whether through the government framework or a young reader's mind. 

2. How did your experiences growing up in Breukelen public housing and your journey to becoming Georgia’s first African American representative in the 109th district shape your approach to storytelling? 

Including African American and diverse characters in both of my children's books reflects a commitment to representation. Children deserve to see themselves in the stories they read, which fosters a sense of belonging and pride in their identities. Growing up in public housing in New York taught me the value of powerful dreams. Dreaming of a brighter future kept me focused and hopeful, and today, I am happy to carry those lessons forward, using my journey to inspire others to believe in possibilities and learn about the world around them. 

3. Both of your books, Jason’s Secret Best Friend and Malik Likes Mayonnaise, tackle important lessons for children. What drove you to write about these themes, particularly focusing on friendship and bullying? 

I have always had a strong interest in computers, which led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer systems. This focus continued through graduate school, where my academic dissertation, The United States Federal Government and Lags in Protecting Personally Identifiable Information, provided more insight into the misuse of data collected in the digital age. For example, child human trafficking is a devastating crime that has found new avenues over the internet, often exploited as a tool for predators to groom and traffic children across states. Everyone must work together to create a safe digital environment by promoting awareness, implementing stricter safeguards, and teaching children about online safety. 

Social media platforms facilitate bullying, which can erode self-esteem and lead to feelings of inadequacy or anxiety. Malik Likes Mayonnaise aims to demonstrate that bullying has many forms, not limited to social media, with varying outcomes. 

4. Jason Keeps a Secret delves into the topic of online friendships. How important is it for you to educate young readers about online safety through your storytelling?  

Jason Keeps a Secret tells the story of a young boy who connects with a friend online, and the friendship remains a secret. While the digital world offers opportunities for connection, it also comes with potential risks. It is important for children to be aware of making friends online because profiles can be misleading, and not everyone is who they claim to be. Awareness also encourages children to seek advice or share concerns with parents or guardians when unsure about an online interaction. 

5. How does your work in political advocacy, especially on issues related to youth empowerment and social justice, influence your writing? 

Engagement as an elected official fosters an understanding of how interconnected issues shape our world and encourages broader public dialogue. Youth empowerment influenced my approach to writing Jason Keeps a Secret and Malik Likes Mayonnaise, aiming to raise awareness about the human interactions that our children navigate today. Relatable and compelling stories make complex issues seem real but also contribute to a collective movement toward a more empathetic society. 

6. Could you share the process of creating your books, from brainstorming ideas to crafting the final message for children and their parents? 

As previously mentioned, I hold a BBA in computer systems and an MA in political science. My thesis research, along with my increasing understanding of human trafficking, sparked an interest in the online safety of children. I believe children should be aware of the risks of sharing personal information, such as their address, school, birthday, and other details, online. This led to a surge of creativity, inspiring me to write and incorporate a study guide in my work to help parents reinforce the lessons conveyed in each story. 

7. What challenges have you faced transitioning from public service and teaching to writing children’s books? How did you overcome them? 

As of the time of this interview, I still serve as a public servant and have been elected for the third time as a Georgia state representative. I will continue my academic career as an adjunct professor, introducing students to the inner workings of state legislatures and municipalities. My first academic textbook, The Dynamics of American State and Local Governments, demonstrates democracy and who gets what. 

8. Malik Likes Mayonnaise addresses bullying in a relatable way. How did you ensure the story was approachable yet impactful for young readers?  

Ensuring that Malik Likes Mayonnaise is impactful required me to think about the content regarding the age of the readers, using plain language and familiarity with friendships and universal experiences. It was my goal to have a story with an easy-to-follow problem. 

9. Who are some authors or books that inspired you as a child, and did any of them influence your approach to writing? 

The writings for both children’s books were inspired by the current social climate and issues that our children encounter daily. The Dynamics of American State and Local Governments, my first higher education academic textbook, was inspired by students who craved more information regarding democracy and civic engagement. 

10. What advice would you give to aspiring authors, particularly those interested in writing children’s literature that imparts meaningful lessons? 

Aspiring authors should study different genres and authors, commit to writing daily, and not be afraid to edit and re-edit their work. 

reginalewisward.com