Sioux City author encourages healing, faith in her books

By Sara Mays

Sioux City, Iowa – For Alysha Ivory, writing is more than a creative outlet. It is a calling, a ministry and a way to transform life’s greatest hardships into stories that help children see themselves, embrace who they are and believe they are enough.

At 36, Ivory is an author, educator and advocate whose passion for children has shaped both her career and her writing. She is beginning her 11th year as a Head Start teacher in Sioux City and holds an associate degree in early childhood education. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in the same field, continuing her commitment to giving young learners the strongest possible foundation.

A lifelong writer, Ivory says storytelling has always been part of who she is. The youngest of three siblings with two older brothers, she developed leadership skills early while growing up surrounded by a large close-knit family that included her grandparents and many cousins.

Her journey as an author took on new meaning after leaving an abusive relationship. Through faith, healing and writing, she found her voice.

“I credit God for everything,” Ivory said.

She describes writing as one of the ways she connects with God, allowing her to share messages of hope, love and acceptance with children and families.

Ivory independently published two children’s books through Amazon. Her first, Exactly How You Are, was inspired by her daughter McKinley, whose experiences with her naturally curly hair and bullying became the foundation for a story about confidence, identity and self-love. The book encourages children to embrace the features that make them unique instead of changing themselves to fit someone else’s expectations.

“We see straight hair as the standard of beauty,” Ivory said. “We change our hair all of the time, but don’t change who you are to satisfy other people.”

At its heart, she said, the book carries a universal message.

“You really have to love yourself.”

While the story centers on a young Black girl’s experience, Ivory said readers from every background connect with its message.

“At my events, all races come, and all feel full when they leave,” she said.

Representation remains one of her greatest motivations as an author. She wants every child to see themselves reflected in the books they read and to know their differences are something to celebrate.

Her second book, My Pop Pop Owns a Barbershop, draws from another cherished part of her childhood. Both of Ivory’s grandparents owned barbershops, giving her firsthand experience with the important role those spaces play in the Black community. The story follows a young boy preparing for his first trip to the barbershop while exploring its cultural significance. Along the way, the book also introduces emotional regulation and calming techniques, helping young readers navigate feelings of nervousness and change.

Ivory’s life has also been marked by profound loss. By the age of 33, she lost both of her parents and her grandparents. Those experiences deepened her faith and strengthened her desire to create stories that encourage healing, resilience and hope.

Outside the classroom and the page, Ivory serves on her church’s praise and worship team, where music is another expression of her faith. She credits her involvement with the NAACP for inspiring her writing and reinforcing the importance of representation, community and advocacy.

Whether she is teaching preschoolers, leading a book reading, or writing her next story, Ivory hopes every child walks away believing they are valued exactly as they are.

Her message is simple but powerful.

“Spread love and be a light.”

Photo courtesy of Alysha Ivory