The Power Within Me

By: Akilah Imani Anderson

Narrated by: Akilah Anderson, Pia Anderson Duncan

Akilah is a 13-year old author who uses the power of pen and paper to vividly describe the roller coaster of emotions she’s encountered throughout her young life. At 13, Akilah has already experienced the challenges of navigating and overcoming obstacles associated with questioning her worth and the world’s expectations. This book provides a glimpse inside of Akilah’s challenges and how she used the power of her words to find the power within herself to prevail and continue her stride towards the best version of her. The book consists of original poems Akilah wrote during various developmental milestones. Through her poetry, she explores her worth, how society crafts various expectations for different people, social justice, and much more! Akilah hopes that readers will be inspired to dig deep and find the power within themselves to overcome obstacles.

©2020 Akilah Anderson (P)2020 Akilah Anderson

Powerful!

This young author’s passion in her voice is moving! Quick easy listen. She speaks of the injustices and challenges that our youth are enduring. Impressive!

Revealing, Passionate and Empowering

I intend to pause the audio between poems but hesitate too long. I am swept along as Akilah confidently and efficiently moves on from one title to the next, revealing her vulnerability— her inner struggles growing up as a young black woman in America. Ironically, I am hearing National Guard helicopters overhead, evidence that the protestors carrying signs that read “I Can’t Breathe” have yet to disperse in Raleigh. My daughter is marching tonight in Durham in support of our black communities and is texting to let me know she’s okay. Akilah, people need to hear your story. Especially now.