Meet Crystel Patterson: Award-Winning Author, Children's Book Creator, and Advocate for Diversity in Children's Literature.

Crystel Patterson, based in Sacramento, CA, is the creator of the Inspired to Be... series, a collection of empowering children's books that amplify positive Black narratives and promote social-emotional learning and growth mindset for kids. As a proud mother, Crystel writes diverse children's books that inspire young readers with real-life stories of perseverance, achievement, and self-expression.

With a degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from UC Berkeley, Crystel's journey to becoming an author is rooted in her passion for uplifting the next generation. Her work has been recognized in the media and honored with multiple awards for its impact on young readers and communities. Through her books, school programs, and community involvement, Crystel encourages children to embrace their uniqueness, dream big, and believe in their ability to make a difference.

Book Awards

In the News

Read Across America Day at Edna Batey Elementary School

Black History Month is a great time to start talking to your kids about diversity

Sacramento Based Mother & Author Using Her New Series to Encourage Kids World Wide to Dream Big

Author behind children's book 'Too Young to What?' stops by Good Day Seattle

Mom Launches Children's Book Series to Inspire Black Youth

Crystel Patterson on her Inspired to Be... Series & talking about Race & Discrimination with our kids

Sacramento author aims to inspired through Black Culture

Inspirational Children's Books

Mom Says Her 8-Year Old Son Asking About Police Brutality Inspired Her Book Series For Kids.

Sacramento author helps parents approach big issues with small children.

I Am Different is featured in New Story on the Brilliant Brown Boys Book Club based in Chicago.

Interview on Good Day Sacramento with Courtney Dempsey.

Interview on Good Day Sacramento with Tina Machua and Jordan Segundo

Caribbean author pens new inspiring book series for children

Sacramento mom launches children's book series to spread Black inspiration

How children's book author promotes Black self-esteem, cultural understanding

Trini author inspires African Americans to explore their culture