Meet Archaa

As a child I was a voracious reader and a regular patron of my public library.

Growing up as an Indian-American child of immigrants in an overwhelmingly White suburb, I was used to feeling out of place and books were my escape.

I read everything I could get my hands on and almost every book I remember reading featured White children. I didn't question this, I simply thought that's how stories were written and I wanted to read whatever I could. In middle school, I finally found stories featuring South Asian characters but they were mostly written by White authors.

As a junior in college studying elementary education, I took a class on children's literature. In this class, at 20-years-old, I read a picture book that made me feel seen for the first time: Monsoon Afternoon by Kashmira Sheth. This Indian-American author grew up in Gujarat like my mom, and her beautiful book paralleled so many stories my mom always recounted about her childhood.

Feeling the profound impact that children's book had on me at twenty planted seeds in me. Those seeds blossomed into my commitment to putting identity-affirming books in the hands of marginalized children first as a teacher and now as an author and editor.

My Mission

I help create books that serve as tools for social change. These books help readers authentically see themselves, therefore affirming their identities, and see others, broadening their worldview.

What I’ve Achieved

• Co-authored three diverse children’s board books from start to finish including writing content, compiling photos, and evaluating cover designs

• Featured on various podcasts (Children’s Book Podcast, Feel the Good, Picture Bookstagang) discussing my expertise and innovation in diverse children’s literature

• Taught elementary students for 7+ years, with a focus on making learning accessible and authentic