Kids Comics Pitchfest 2025 Showcase

The Made Up True Life of Bethany Jones

Bethany Jones is used to being on top. Math, science, art, she reigns supreme. Even her made-up recess games classmates clamor for.

But in walks Sherlock, the new kid from halfway around the world. He has an accent, wears cool shirts, and gives Bethany a funny feeling in her gut.

That is until he calls her “weird” because she doesn’t look like her mom. It hurts her feelings, but she doesn’t know why. Does everyone in class think it’s weird too?

Now Bethany’s worried she sticks out for all the wrong reasons.

My Why:

Growing up mixed-race—half Black, half White—was often confusing. When my mom picked me up from school, curious classmates would ask who she was. The moment they found out she was my mom, the inevitable question followed: Are you adopted? Every time, it stung. It made me feel like I didn’t fit in, and fitting in as a kid is important.

Stories have the power to shape how we see the world and each other. By creating characters with diverse and complex backgrounds, we invite readers to step into life different from their own. There simply aren’t enough books that reflect the diversity of our community. It‘s time to change that.