About the Author

 

About the Author

My name is Demira Hymes, and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a heart for helping children thrive—emotionally, socially, and academically. Working in the school setting, I’m passionate about supporting kids as they navigate their emotions, build confidence, and develop healthy coping strategies they can carry throughout life.

Inspired by real moments with my students, I created The Jonah Series, beginning with Jonah’s Bad Day and continuing with Jonah’s Brave Voice. Each story is designed to help children understand their feelings, find courage in their voice, and see that even on tough days, they are never alone.

I strongly believe that every child deserves to feel heard, understood, and empowered—and my goal as both a social worker and author is to provide tools that nurture emotional growth and resilience.

When I’m not writing or working with students, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our sons.

A Message for Parents and Educators

As a social worker, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be when adults create safe spaces for children to express themselves. The Jonah books are written to spark meaningful conversations and teach practical skills for handling emotions, problem-solving, and self-advocacy.

By reading these stories together, parents, teachers, and counselors can help children build the emotional awareness and confidence they need to grow through life’s challenges—and discover the power of their own brave voices.