ERICA
Means Powerful
A heartwarming story about a little girl from Cameroon who discovers that confidence, curiosity, and kindness can carry her dreams as far as she dares to imagine.
By Alimatou M. Tchafa, PhD MBA and Maria Guadalupe Castaneda, PhD · Illustrated by Maria Guadalupe Castaneda, PhD
A small heart with big dreams
Erica Means Powerful is a heartwarming children's story about a little girl from Cameroon who learns to believe in herself with the love and guidance of her grandma and mom. Shy but curious, Erica discovers the joy of learning, the magic of nature, and the power of kindness.
As she grows, her dreams take her far. She becomes a scientist and travels to new places, caring deeply for the world around her.
Across 36 fully hand-illustrated pages, the story weaves together African cultural identity, intergenerational family bonds, STEM aspiration, and environmental stewardship — making it a meaningful addition to home libraries, early childhood classrooms, and school or public library collections.
Every page, painted by hand
Every illustration in the book was created entirely by hand by Dr. Castaneda, bringing the landscapes of Cameroon and the warmth of Erica's family to vivid life.
Erica is real
The character at the heart of this book is inspired by a real little girl: Erica, the daughter of co-author and AHA founder Dr. Alimatou Tchafa. Watching her daughter grow curious about the world sparked a question every parent of a young Black girl knows well: where are the books in which she can see herself dreaming big?
So Dr. Tchafa wrote one. Together with scientist, author, and illustrator Dr. Maria Guadalupe Castaneda, she created a story where a girl who looks like Erica grows up to become a scientist who cares for the world around her — because children cannot become what they cannot see.
“Even small hearts can make a big difference.”From Erica: Means Powerful
Five stars from early readers
“Beautiful illustrations, and very important message for the next generation. Love this project!”
“The artwork is amazing and would capture a little person's eye while reading to them. I would highly recommend!”
Every copy champions the future of African healthcare
A portion of the proceeds from each book sold is donated directly to the African Healthcare Association, a healthcare-focused organization working to strengthen healthcare education, professional collaboration, and public health awareness across Africa and the diaspora. Proceeds also support Minga Peru, a nonprofit working on the front lines of community health and development in the communities that inspired the story.
When you buy this book, you are doing two things at once: putting a powerful role model in a child's hands today, and investing in the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.
Written by leaders, for future leaders
Dr. Tchafa is a healthcare leader, scholar, and advocate for African cultural representation in global educational spaces. Her research explores the intersections of culture, identity, and learning, with particular attention to the experiences of African children and diaspora communities. The book is inspired by her daughter, Erica.
Dr. Castaneda is an educator, scholar, and self-taught visual artist whose academic work centers on multicultural education, literacy development, and the empowerment of underrepresented communities through storytelling. She is the sole illustrator of the book, having created every image entirely by hand.
Erica: Means Powerful
Give a child a story where they belong
Order Erica: Means Powerful today. Inspire a young reader, celebrate culture and confidence, and help champion the future of African healthcare with every copy.
Buy on Amazon →A portion of the proceeds from each sale is donated directly to the African Healthcare Association to support healthcare education, professional collaboration, and public health awareness across Africa and the diaspora. Proceeds also benefit Minga Peru.