The GWiz Series, a four-book children's collection authored by Taquarius Ford from prison and illustrated by Kenya Kelly, has been published to address what child welfare advocates describe as a significant void in literature for the 2.7 million American children living with an incarcerated parent. The series, now available for purchase on Amazon.com, provides age-appropriate stories that guide children through processing separation, maintaining family bonds, and finding resilience.
The importance of this publication lies in its direct engagement with a population largely ignored by mainstream publishing. Childcare specialist Amy Irvine noted, "These children have been invisible for too long. While Taquarius faces his own unjust circumstances, he chose to use his voice to help the kids who need hope the most." The series titles include "GWiz and Dad's Road Home," "GWiz and the Brave Waiting," "GWiz and the Strength of Family," and "The Day Dad Came Home," each tackling the emotional complexities these children face.
For the publishing industry, Ford's work highlights a persistent market failure and an unmet social need. Educators and counselors have long struggled to find appropriate resources for this vulnerable group, making the GWiz Series a practical tool for supporting child well-being. The project also challenges conventional narratives about incarcerated individuals by demonstrating creative potential and contribution from within the prison system.
Ford's case has drawn attention from criminal justice reform advocates who argue his sentence for a non-violent offense exemplifies the need for sentencing reform. Information about his case and clemency efforts can be found at FreeTheBro.com and FreeTaquarius.com, with a petition available at Change.org/freetaquarius. The organization First Freedom, which advocates for clemency and highlights systemic injustices, provides further context at PalsJustice.org.
The broader implication extends beyond literature into social justice and economic participation. By creating a product that serves a specific, underserved demographic, Ford's initiative models how incarcerated individuals can address community needs. This story matters because it intersects children's welfare, educational resources, criminal justice reform, and market gaps, showing how one project can illuminate multiple systemic issues while offering tangible support to millions of families.
