Samuel Paints His Own Way | Nerisa Bethel | Available to Order

In a quiet Grenadian seaside village, where many boys grow up to be fishermen and sailors, nine-year-old Samuel dares to dream differently. He doesn’t dream of ships—but of color, canvas, and becoming an artist! But in a place where “real boys” are told what they should be, Samuel’s classmates mock him for thinking differently, and he begins to doubt himself. When cruel words are scribbled across his desk, Samuel’s hurt turns into anger, and he’s ready to make a choice he may regret.

With the guidance of his principal, Mr. Johnson, Samuel discovers that his dream is not something to hide or be ashamed of, but something to honor. Samuel Paints His Own Way is an inspiring story that challenges gender stereotypes, encourages self-expression, and reminds young readers that it’s okay to follow their own path—no matter what others say! Ideal for ages 8–11, this story celebrates courage, identity, and the freedom to dream.

About the Author

Nerisa Bethel was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, but has Grenadian and Trinidadian roots. From a young age, she imagined life in the West Indies—a region she felt deeply called to. This sense of purpose led her to pursue graduate studies in Clinical and Community Psychology at St. George’s University in Grenada.

Living in Grenada for nearly five years has been a transformative experience for Nerisa, allowing her to learn more about herself while serving a community to which she feels deeply connected. She considers it an absolute honor to provide psychological services and help fill a critical mental health gap in a place she now calls home.

As a Certified Polyvagal Trauma Treatment Therapist and a Certified Grief Informed Professional, Nerisa works with children aged four and older, teenagers, as well as adults, and her areas of interest include navigating grief, trauma work, and community interventions. She has also had the privilege of visiting Jamaica and co-facilitating psychosocial sessions in St. Lucia, Antigua and Trinidad.

Writing this children’s story for Caribbean boys is especially meaningful to her. Like young Samuel in her story, Nerisa once held dreams she wasn’t sure would come true—and now, she is witnessing them become a reality.