MAKERS
Not Too Anything
Written by Pepper Persley
Illustrated by Jessica Jones
About the book
Pepper Persley's on her way to becoming the best young journalist around! However, her journey hasn't been the smoothest. School bullies caused her to shy away from doing the things she loved, but that never stopped her from being herself and chasing her dreams. Not Too Anything is an ode to young people everywhere to turn every no into a yes and to pursue their passions, no matter what they are. You never know where your persistence will take you!
Praise for Not Too Anything
“I love everything about this book, which is not surprising, as I have always loved everything about Pepper. I have worked alongside her at multiple events and am in awe at how brave she is already at just 12 years old. Beyond this book sharing how she became so courageous and skilled at her craft, it is a wonderful story about chasing what you love and being authentically YOU.”
Julie Foudy, 2x Women’s World Cup Champion, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, ESPN broadcaster
“This is a book about triumph from something no child should ever have to go through. Pepper takes us along her journey through the game of basketball, and her love of all things sports as she also navigates being bullied for something so innocent… being too athletic, too outgoing, too much of simply being herself. That’s something no child should ever have to apologize for, and should never be picked on because of. Getting to know Pepper and her story, allowed me to truly get to know who she is as a person and what she stands for & values. To see her take control of such a difficult and sad situation at a very young age, flip it on its head, build the young career that she has, and now become an AUTHOR. I could not be any prouder to call her a friend and family. ‘Not Too Anything’ isn’t for just kids and youth, but for parents, teachers, and adults as well, it’s a teaching tool for everyone.”
Meghan McPeak, NBA & WNBA broadcaster
“The most meaningful piece of advice…never change who I am because of what others say…know that there are people who will support me for being me.” Isn’t that a message we want all our kids to grow up with? If it needs a little reinforcement — which is sometimes more powerful coming from another kid instead of their parents — I have the book for them. It’s called Not Too Anything written by professional sports journalist Pepper Persley.”
“The way the book spoke to both my inner child and the woman I’m still evolving into, speaks to how important representation still is for Black and Brown women.”
MJ Acosta, Sports Broadcaster
“The way the book spoke to both my inner child and the woman I’m still evolving into, speaks to how important representation still is for Black and Brown women.”