For Zaakirah Queen, Every Story is an Opportunity to Inspire Hope and Change Lives

Known to many as Zaakirah Queen, Chantelle Crowell has built her life’s work around the belief that stories can nourish hearts just as much as minds. As an author, educator, homeschool parent, and founder of the Z Children Books Literacy Foundation, she’s combining literacy with compassion, creating books that empower children while serving families and individuals in her community through acts of kindness that extend far beyond the page.

Chantelle, your work as an author, educator, and community advocate is rooted in the belief that stories can nourish both the mind and the soul. What first inspired your love of writing, and how have your experiences as a homeschool parent and teacher’s assistant shaped the stories you choose to tell?
My love of writing began when I was a little girl. My mother always encouraged me to write, dream big, and use my imagination. She believed that words had the power to inspire, teach, and bring people together, and that encouragement stayed with me throughout my life.

As I grew older, my greatest inspiration became my six children. Homeschooling them allowed me to see firsthand how powerful storytelling can be in a child’s education. It taught me that children learn best when they can see themselves reflected in the stories they read, which inspired me to create books that educate, empower, and celebrate diversity.

My experience as a teacher’s assistant further strengthened that passion. Working with children from different backgrounds showed me the importance of making learning engaging while building confidence and self-esteem. Those experiences shaped the stories I choose to tell today. Whether I’m writing children’s books that encourage imagination and self-belief or stories that bring families together, my goal is always the same: to inspire readers, promote literacy, and remind every child that their dreams are possible.

Beyond writing, I believe in giving back to the community. That belief led me to establish the Z Children Books Literacy Foundation, where my mission is to expand literacy, provide educational resources, and create opportunities that help children and families thrive. For me, every book is more than a story. It’s an opportunity to educate, encourage, and leave a lasting impact.

Beyond your books, you’re deeply committed to serving individuals experiencing homelessness by providing meals, essential supplies, and books. Why is it important to you to combine literacy with acts of compassion, and what have these experiences taught you about the power of human connection?
Serving others has always been close to my heart because I believe everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and cared for. Providing meals and essential supplies helps meet immediate physical needs, but I also believe books can nourish the mind, inspire hope, and remind people that their story still matters.

Combining literacy with acts of compassion is important to me because education has the power to change lives. A book can open doors, spark imagination, encourage healing, and inspire someone to believe in new possibilities. Whether I’m sharing a meal, offering a book, or simply taking the time to listen, I want people to know they are not forgotten.

These experiences have taught me that the greatest gift we can give one another is genuine human connection. A simple conversation, a shared smile, or an act of kindness can restore dignity and remind someone that they are worthy of love and respect. I’ve learned that compassion isn’t measured by the size of the gesture but by the heart behind it, and that even the smallest act of kindness has the power to make a lasting difference.

You often speak about the importance of hope, encouragement, and education. How do you strive to weave those values into both your writing and your community outreach, and why do you believe they go hand in hand?
Hope, encouragement, and education are at the heart of everything I do because I believe they have the power to transform lives. Through my writing, I strive to create stories that inspire readers to dream bigger, believe in themselves, and understand that challenges do not define their future. I want every reader, especially children, to know that their voice matters and that they are capable of achieving great things.

My community outreach reflects those same values. Whether I’m donating books, serving meals, or simply encouraging someone through a conversation, my goal is to uplift others and remind them that they are seen, valued, and supported. I believe that learning doesn’t only happen in a classroom. It also happens through kindness, shared experiences, and the relationships we build with one another.

To me, writing and community service naturally go hand in hand because both are about making a positive impact. One allows me to reach people through the written word, while the other allows me to connect with them personally. Together, they create opportunities to inspire hope, encourage growth, and empower others to believe in themselves and their future.

As a self-published author, you’ve built your own path while remaining focused on making a positive impact. What advice would you give aspiring writers who want to use their creativity not only to entertain, but also to uplift and serve others?
My advice to aspiring writers is to write with purpose and authenticity. Don’t focus only on creating a great story. Think about the impact your words can have on someone’s life. Every book has the potential to inspire, encourage, educate, or offer hope to a reader who may need it most.

Believe in your voice and don’t be afraid to take your own path. Self-publishing has taught me that success isn’t just measured by book sales or awards. It’s measured by the lives you touch, the conversations you start, and the difference your work makes in your community.

Most importantly, remember that your creativity is a gift. Use it to uplift others, celebrate diverse experiences, and create stories that leave readers feeling encouraged and empowered. When you write from the heart and stay true to your purpose, your work can become more than entertainment. It can become a source of inspiration, connection, and lasting positive change.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of your writing and community work, and how do you hope your stories and acts of kindness continue to inspire people for years to come?
My vision for the future is to continue using my writing and community work to inspire, educate, and encourage people of all ages. I want to create stories that leave a lasting impact, stories that help children believe in themselves, celebrate their uniqueness, and understand that they have the power to achieve their dreams. I also hope to continue writing books that bring families together, spark meaningful conversations, and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Beyond my books, I want to continue serving my community by showing kindness in practical ways, whether that’s providing meals, sharing books, or simply offering encouragement to someone who needs it. I believe that even the smallest act of compassion can create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond what we can see.

Ultimately, I hope people remember me not just as an author, but as someone who genuinely cared about making a difference. If my stories inspire even one person to dream bigger, my kindness encourages someone to keep going, or my work motivates others to serve their communities, then I know I’ve fulfilled my purpose. My greatest hope is to leave behind a legacy of hope, compassion, and empowerment that continues to inspire future generations.