A Classroom Visit That Reaffirmed My Purpose

It felt like stepping into a time machine; past, present, and future all meeting in one moment 📚✨

Nov 21, 2025

Stepping back into Stephens Elementary after 15 years felt like opening a chapter of my life I didn’t even realize I had been waiting to revisit. The last time I walked those halls, I was participating in Little Rock School District’s Reading Day for the very first time. Although I had been reading to classes since the age of 7, I had no idea then that literacy advocacy would become such a defining part of my purpose.

This visit, however, held a different kind of weight: personal, emotional, and deeply fulfilling.

I was invited to read to Ms. Williams’ 3rd-grade class, which includes my nephew RJ. But what made this moment truly unforgettable was being able to share a preview of my upcoming children’s book, Oh Brother, My Brother. Reading my own story to a room of students in the same school I read in 15 years ago felt like life coming full circle.

We discussed themes from the book like blended families, communication, and emotional awareness. The students asked thoughtful questions about writing, illustrations, and how long it takes to bring a book to life. Their curiosity reminded me why literacy, representation, and storytelling matter so much in shaping confident, emotionally and mentally healthy kids.

Their attentiveness and laughter let me know the value of the book. Standing there in front of them — including my nephew, sitting proudly in the front row — brought everything into focus. This isn’t just a book. It’s part of a much larger mission: helping families talk, heal, and grow through stories that reflect their lived experiences.

Fifteen years later, Stephens Elementary still feels like home. And now, it will forever be the place where the next chapter of this journey officially began.

📘 Pre-Order “Oh Brother, My Brother”

If you’d like to support this work and bring this story into your home, classroom, or community, pre-orders are now open.
Your pre-order helps amplify the message, support literacy, and ensure more children feel seen, valued, and understood.

👉 Visit www.brandondcampbell.com to learn more about my journey as an author and book me to read at your school, speak, or lead a workshop on blended families.

Thank you for being part of this journey. The best chapters are still ahead.