The revered poem and anthem of youth empowerment, “I Am a Virgin Islands Child,” written by local educator and poet Lawrence Sewer in 1978, is being given new life through a book inspired by the beloved work. Sewer’s daughter, author, poet and storyteller Zenzi Hodge, has transformed her late father’s celebrated poem into a picture book that expands on and celebrates its themes of identity, culture and self-worth.
Written for children ages three to nine, “I Am” follows five children as they journey across St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island, discovering the beauty, culture and hidden treasures that connect them to their home and to themselves. Along the way, according to the project’s press release, they discover an important truth: “that they are valuable, loved, and enough — just as they are.”
The book is illustrated by award-winning St. Croix native J’Aaron Merchant, whose artwork brings the colors, landscapes and spirit of the Virgin Islands to life. Her illustrations reflect the richness of Caribbean culture and the wonder of childhood. Merchant’s work has also appeared in projects for Disney, Sesame Street and PBS Kids.
Hodge wrote the book while recognizing that her father’s story was nearing its end.
“Knowing that he was able to enjoy and experience this work before he passed is something I will always hold dear,” she said.
She views the “I Am” project as a way to carry forward her father’s legacy and share it with a new generation of children.
“He believed,” she said, “that there is no future without our youth, and each child is a jewel that needs to be polished.”
The book extends the poem’s central metaphor, which likens the youth of the Virgin Islands to a jewel that must be polished through care, love and encouragement in order to sparkle. The story encourages children to build confidence, self-worth and a strong sense of identity. As the characters explore the islands, they discover five jewels that reveal powerful truths every child should know. In I Am, as in her other storytelling projects, Hodge creates a narrative designed to help children see themselves, value their voices and recognize their potential.
In addition to writing children’s books, Hodge is a poet, creative storyteller and executive leader whose work, the I Am press release states, “centers on a powerful belief: words shape identity, and identity shapes destiny. Inspired by her Virgin Islands roots and a passion for helping children see their worth, she creates stories that celebrate culture, confidence, belonging and self-discovery.”
To celebrate the book’s release, Hodge has introduced a limited-edition “I Am Collection” featuring a signed edition of the book, affirmation keepsakes and an exclusive collectible presentation of the “Virgin Island Child” poem. The collection was created to help families extend the book’s message beyond its pages and create meaningful moments of connection, confidence and belonging.
The keepsake presentation of “Virgin Island Child” marks the first time the original poem has been made available to the community in many years.
Hodge will visit the territory later this month for a series of in-person appearances to share the project, promote its message and help polish the jewel of Virgin Islands youth.
“I Am” and the limited-edition I Am Collection are available for preorder at spbookshop.com.
Virgin Island Child
By Larry Sewer (1979)
I am a Virgin Island Child!
I am a jewel! However,
I cannot sparkle unless I
Am polished!
God, the maker of all
Solvents,
Created the greatest solvent
Of all…Care.
Care…can move
mountains.
Care…motivates my
Willingness to learn…
Care…expresses Love!
