A couple of weeks ago, the story of Pix: The Flight of the Phoenixes, an online book picked up momentum when the book was featured in a wholesome story about children wanting to be involved with their fathers. Upon reading that article and reading the chapter viewable on the author’s website for free, there was a particular character that stood out among the main cast.
Global of Gaara is the best friend of Pixsoria of Gaara, who is the youngest child and only daughter to Sonca of Gaara. Lynn Leonard, the author of the book, describes Global’s character as ‘having the skin tone of wet sand‘. The author goes on to describe Global has had her hair in puffs. Reading the skin tone description of Global as well as reading her hair description, it was to be assumed Global…is black.
With a small, modest following on social media, it was decided Lynn Leonard should be reached out to. Given how the author comes off friendly and open in previous interviews, there was nothing to lose, one could say, and most importantly, a confirmation was needed for the case of Global of Gaara.
“They live in a world where there is no race,” explains Leonard. “What’s important in this magical realm is the species of the characters in this story…Global is described the way she is because I want kids to read about kids who look like them and who don’t look like them…that’s the beauty of diversity.”
This is quite important because it seems only now more and more black women are being offered roles within this genre compared to other counterparts. And although the world where Global lives is not impacted by race, it is by species. In the first chapter of the book, it is revealed to readers there is a battle ranging on between the humans, mutants, and spell casters. There’s also conflict brewing between the elves and pixies of Gaara. It can be presumed that as the characters age, the conflicts are going to become more severe, and maybe not realistic but metaphorically relatable to many children who may grow along with the book.
“I think a lot of little girls who are black will be able to relate to Global’s hair. Almost every black girl has worn her hair in little puffs at least one time in her life…”
When asked what does the world of Gaara have in store for Global, Leonard gave us a hint.
“Well, I’m still writing the second chapter…Global is someone who has hope. She’s optimistic and likes to see the overcoming of those who are said to be weak. We know this because of an interaction she has with Kenda within the first chapter(The Dragon Race).”
