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About the Book
What is Perri's Pencil Problem about? Perri's Pencil Problem is a children's picture book about an African American girl named Perri whose classmate puts pencils into her afro at school. Through Perri's story, young readers learn the difference between sweet, kind words and sour microaggressions — and discover that their hair, their feelings, and their voice all matter.
Who is Perri's Pencil Problem written for? The book is written for children ages 5–8, but it is just as much a resource for the adults in their lives. Parents, teachers, librarians, and caregivers will find it a powerful tool for opening meaningful conversations about race, identity, kindness, and belonging.
Is this story based on real events? Yes. Author Marleigh Brown drew directly from her own childhood experience. She wrote the book she wished she had as a little girl — one that told her her hair was beautiful, her feelings were valid, and her voice mattered.
What age range is this book best suited for? Perri's Pencil Problem is designed for children ages 5–8, making it ideal for kindergarten through third grade classrooms and home read-alouds.
What is the message of the book? At its heart, Perri's Pencil Problem is about identity, self-worth, and the power of kind words. It teaches children that microaggressions — even unintentional ones — cause real harm, and that choosing sweet words over sour ones makes our schools, homes, and communities better for everyone.
About the Author
Who is Marleigh Brown? Marleigh Brown is a Northeast-based high school student, teen children's book author, business owner who advocate for diverse representation. Inspired by her own experiences with microaggressions as a child, she writes stories that speak directly to the hearts of Black children and equip families and educators with tools for meaningful conversation. Perri's Pencil Problem is her debut picture book.
Why did Marleigh write this book? Marleigh wrote Perri's Pencil Problem because she lived it. As a child, she experienced microaggressions that left her feeling unseen and unheard. She wanted to create the resource she never had — a story that validates the experiences of Black girls and gives every child the language to recognize and respond to microaggressions with confidence.
Will there be more books from Marleigh? Stay tuned! Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming projects, new resources, and events from Marleigh Brown.
About the ILLUSTRATOR
Who is Amber Orozco? Amber Orozco is a children’s book illustrator known for creating imaginative, heartfelt artwork that brings stories to life for young readers. Through expressive characters and inviting scenes, she strives to create meaningful illustrations for readers to connect to. Amber has illustrated several covers and books including Marley Moon and the Magic Mover, Searching for a Roarer and The Adventures of Amazing Grace.
What inspired you while illustrating this book? The story’s take on microaggression served as my greatest inspiration. I wanted each illustration to reflect what Perri was feeling, and allow children to connect visually with the heart of the narrative.
What do you enjoy most about illustrating children’s books? I enjoy the opportunity to transform words into visual experiences that encourage imagination, curiosity, and connection. Children’s books hold a special kind of magic, and it is always rewarding to contribute to that experience through art.
About Microaggressions
What is a microaggression? A microaggression is a subtle, often unintentional comment, action, or behavior that communicates a harmful or negative message to someone based on their identity — such as their race, hair, culture, or background. While they may seem small, microaggressions can have a lasting impact on a child's self-esteem and sense of belonging.
How do I talk to my child about microaggressions? Start with simple, age-appropriate language. You might say: "Sometimes people say or do things that feel hurtful, even when they don't mean to. Those are called microaggressions, and your feelings about them are always valid." Perri's Pencil Problem is a wonderful starting point for this conversation — reading it together opens the door naturally and gently.
What is the difference between sweet words and sour words? Sweet words are kind, respectful, and uplifting — they make people feel seen and valued. Sour words are hurtful, dismissive, or disrespectful, even when they are not meant to be. Teaching children to recognize the difference helps them build empathy and become more thoughtful communicators.
My child experienced a microaggression at school. What should I do? First, validate your child's feelings — let them know that what happened was not okay and that their feelings matter. Then visit our Microaggressions page for guidance, and check out our Activities & Blog page for tools and conversation starters designed to help families and educators navigate these moments together.
Shop & Orders
Where can I buy Perri's Pencil Problem? The book is available right here in our shop, as well as on Amazon and your favorite book sellers. Visit our Shop page to browse all available products including the paperback book, t-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, tote bags, and more.
What products are available in the shop? Our shop offers paperback copies of Perri's Pencil Problem, plus a fun collection of Perri-themed merchandise including graphic tees, hoodies, water bottles, and tote bags — perfect for kids, parents, and educators who want to wear the message of kindness.
Do you ship internationally? Please visit our Shop page or contact us directly for the most current information on shipping options and availability.
What is your return policy? We want you to love your purchase. If you have an issue with a physical product, please contact us within 3 (three) days of receiving your order and we will do our best to make it right. Digital downloads and printables are non-refundable once accessed.
Can I order in bulk for my school or classroom? Yes! We welcome bulk orders for schools, libraries, and community organizations. Please reach out through our Contact page and we will be happy to discuss options.
Printables & Activities
Are the printables really free? Yes! We offer free downloadable coloring pages and activity sheets because we believe every child deserves access to tools that help them grow in kindness and confidence. Visit our Activities & Blog page to download them.
Can I use the printables in my classroom? Absolutely. Our printables are designed with teachers in mind and are licensed for personal and classroom use. Please do not redistribute or sell the files. See our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Is there a classroom discussion guide available? Yes! A classroom discussion guide is available on our website to help educators use Perri's Pencil Problem as a springboard for social-emotional learning conversations. Visit our Activities & Blog page to access it.
What age group are the activities designed for? Our activities are designed primarily for children in kindergarten through third grade (ages 5–9), but many can be adapted for older or younger learners with minor adjustments.
For Educators & Schools
Is Perri's Pencil Problem aligned with SEL frameworks? Yes. The book and accompanying resources support culturally responsive teaching practices and align with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks around empathy, identity, and belonging.
Can Marleigh visit our school or event? We would love to hear from you! Please reach out through our Contact page to inquire about author visits, speaking engagements, and community events.
Are there lesson plans available? Yes! Visit our Resources page for links to an elementary school lesson plan and other educator tools, including the Crumpled Paper Project and the Say Something Sweet movement.
Community & Newsletter
How do I join the Perri's Pencil Problem community? Sign up for our newsletter to receive free resources, activity ideas, blog updates, and news about upcoming projects directly in your inbox. You can sign up at the bottom of any page on our website.
What is the Say Something Sweet campaign? The Say Something Sweet campaign is an exciting initiative from Perri's Pencil Problem dedicated to spreading kindness in schools and communities. Visit saysomethingsweet.org to join the Say Something Sweet Squad!
What is the Crumpled Paper Project? The Crumpled Paper Project is a powerful classroom activity that teaches children about the lasting impact of unkind words. It is one of the resources featured on our Resources page, along with lesson plans and other tools for educators.
How can I contact Marleigh or the Perri's Pencil Problem team? We would love to hear from you! Visit our Contact page and fill out the form — whether you have a question, a kind word to share, or a collaboration idea, we welcome your message.
Have a question that isn't answered here?
Visit our Contact page and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.