Squez

"Squez: The Word That Wasn't (But Should Have Been)"

What if the words that aren't "right" are exactly the ones we need?

When a young boy believes "squez" is the past tense of squeeze, what begins as a simple misunderstanding blossoms into a magnificent journey through the wonders of language. Armed with a dictionary and boundless curiosity, our protagonist discovers that words are far more than their spellings and definitions—they're bridges to understanding ourselves and connecting with others.

From proving to skeptical friends that "thrice" really exists, to learning Mandarin phrases from Ming-Wei, sign language from his cousin Sarah, and experiencing how Ms. Rodriguez reads with their fingertips, each encounter reveals how beautifully different our expressions can be.

This heartwarming, rhythmic tale celebrates linguistic discovery, cultural connection, and the courage to speak in your own authentic voice. Through playful rhymes and rich storytelling, readers are invited to embrace the magic of words—even those that aren't in the dictionary.

"Squez" reminds us that sometimes our most meaningful connections come from the words we create, the stories we share, and the beautiful "mistakes" that make us uniquely ourselves.

Perfect for curious minds ages 6-9, language lovers, and anyone who's ever invented a word that should have been.

Derrin Slack is an accomplished author, speaker, and community leader with nearly two decades of experience empowering youth and advancing belonging and inclusion initiatives. As the founder of ProAct Indy and Know More LLC, Derrin has engaged more than 30,000 young people in community service and developed innovative training programs for organizations nationwide.His debut children's book, "Squez: The Word That Wasn't (But Should Have Been)," reflects his passion for helping young people find their authentic voices and celebrate differences. Through playful storytelling, Derrin encourages readers to embrace the magic of language and the beauty of cultural connections.A recipient of numerous awards, including the Indianapolis Business Journal's Top Forty Under 40 and the Community Impact Award from the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, Derrin brings his unique perspective and heartfelt wisdom to everything he creates.Look for Derrin's upcoming titles that continue to explore themes of belonging, self-expression, and community building through engaging stories for anyone who is interested in understanding the power of human connection.

Franco Caro R. is a talented Concept Artist and Illustrator whose vibrant art brings characters and stories to life. With a Master's degree in Concept Art from Animum Creativity Advanced School, Franco specializes in cartoon character design and stylized rendering that captures imagination and emotion.His impressive portfolio includes illustrations for 14 published children's books over two years, showcasing his ability to create engaging visuals that resonate with young readers. Franco's distinctive graphic and dynamic style, combined with his technical expertise in Photoshop, Procreate, and editorial design software, allows him to adapt seamlessly to diverse projects.Franco's passion for visual storytelling and commitment to helping creators realize their visions makes him an ideal collaborator for "Squez" and upcoming works. Through his art, he transforms ideas into rich visual experiences that captivate and inspire.