Garland, TX – In a recent interview, Dr. Yolanda M. Carter, a dedicated local children’s book author and special needs educator, shared her passion for empowering children. She is committed to providing resources that promote understanding and acceptance of differences. Recently, Dr. Carter was one of the featured authors at the Garland Central Library’s Author Showcase at Curiosity Fest.
Dr. Carter, who hails from Pensacola, Florida, transitioned from her honorable service in the United States Air Force to become a vocal advocate for individuals with special needs. Her journey has taken her through various classrooms across Florida before finding her true calling in Dallas as a Vocational Compliance Teacher, where she helps young adults transition into the workforce. “Everything you do should be a lesson learned, whether it’s a fun lesson or a hard lesson,” she stated.
Central to Dr. Carter’s mission is her friend Jax, who is deaf. Their friendship inspired her to create a series of children’s books aimed at teaching children about the importance of understanding. “Jax is my best friend, and I wanted to bring some tenderness to his story,” she explained. “Through Jax’s journey, readers discover his positive self-affirmations and the message that everyone is capable of achieving their goals, regardless of their challenges.”
Dr. Carter has authored two storybooks and a coloring book based on Jax’s adventures. “Jax and the Mighty 4” was released in October 2023, and the “JAX ABC Affirmation Coloring Book” followed shortly after. “I wanted to create something that reflects my personality and addresses topics that aren’t often discussed,” she noted. The books serve as educational tools, providing children with opportunities to learn about American Sign Language (ASL) while also promoting important life lessons.
As we discussed her writing process, Dr. Carter shared her experiences working with illustrators to bring her stories to life. “It can be challenging to translate what’s on paper into illustrations, but when done right, it adds clarity to the words,” she stated. The first book was illustrated by Carter J. Gaston, while the coloring book features artwork by Meleya Dunn, a talented young artist from Dallas.
Looking ahead, Dr. Carter is excited about upcoming events, including a book signing at Half Price Books on Northwest Highway. She also plans to participate in the National Black Book Festival in Houston and explore local markets to promote her books further. “I want to keep sharing Jax’s journey and inspire more children to embrace their differences,” she said.
For those interested in learning more about Dr. Yolanda Carter and her books, visit her website at Dr. Carter & Jax or check out her store at The JAX Store. As Dr. Carter inspires the next generation, her heartfelt mission stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling in promoting understanding and acceptance within our communities.
