Ep. 115 Drawing His Own Path: Akeem S. Roberts on Art, Identity & Imagination

What happens when a passion for drawing becomes a career—and then evolves into creating stories that inspire the next generation? Join Keith Dent for a special LIVE conversation with Akeem S.

Roberts, an award-winning illustrator, cartoonist, author, and creative force whose work has appeared in The New Yorker and who has helped bring memorable characters and stories to life for young readers. We'll talk about Akeem's journey from artist to author, the importance of representation in children's books, and what it means to create imaginative worlds where Black kids can see themselves as the heroes, detectives, creators—and dreamers.

We'll also dive into his new book, Class Pet Ghost Detective: The Pet Rock Ransom—a fun, mysterious adventure that proves you don't have to be afraid to let your imagination run wild. Akeem S.

Roberts is the illustrator of the J.D. the Kid Barber chapter book series, the first book of which was a School Library Journal Best Book of 2021, a Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2021, a Charlotte Huck Award Honor recipient, and a Texas Bluebonnet Master List selection. The Class Pet Ghost Detective series is his author-illustrator debut.