De'Asia's A Seat at the Table

By Shakeema Funchess

Make room. Make rhythm. Make way.

De'Asia is reimagining her school cafeteria, one widened aisle, one brave idea, and one joyful dance circle at a time. A Seat at the Table is a heart-forward, kid-powered story about access, agency, and the magic that happens when everybody belongs in the room (and on the dance floor).

This book is more than a story; it's part of a movement. Inspired by the Create A Space NOW initiative and written in collaboration with attendees at the Annual Activated Artist Fest. A Seat at the Table embodies the mission of turning art into action. Just like the Fest reimagines what community art can do, De'Asia's story reimagines what school spaces can feel like when they're designed with empathy and inclusion at the center. Profits from the sale of paperback copies will be donated to Create A Space NOW.

Why you'll love itInclusion you can feel: A realistic, uplifting story that celebrates accessibility, empathy, and student voice.Relatable heroine: De'Asia leads with courage and creativity: kids see themselves in her power.Built for conversations: Natural prompts for discussing fairness, design, and how to make spaces more welcoming.Educator-ready: Aligns with SEL, DEI, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) talking points.Rooted in movement: Extends the mission of Create A Space NOW and Activated Artist Fest using storytelling as a tool for equity, imagination, and change.Great forElementary classrooms (read-alouds, morning meetings, library lessons)Counselors, OT/PT, and inclusion/SEL specialistsFamilies raising world-changers and kind leadersCommunity arts programs and educators looking to tie stories to real-world actionMovement Connection

When you purchase A Seat at the Table, you're not just getting a book but plugging into a larger mission.

Create A Space NOW: A community project that champions equity and access in education, art, and everyday life.Activated Artist Fest: A vibrant festival where artists, educators, and families come together to turn creativity into social impact.

De'Asia's story was born in the same spirit: ensuring every child has a seat, a voice, and a space to dance.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FWH3XRWG
• ISBN13: 9798330435579
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Adventures in Zen Books
• Length: 46 Pages
• Weight: 0.29 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 6 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 5