Colin Kaepernick lived through it and now wants to tell the world his origin story.
The free agent QB is writing a children’s book based loosely on his own life story, his publishing company, Kaepernick Publishing said in a statement this week.
The book, “I Color Myself Different,” takes its name from one of his childhood experiences growing up as an adopted black child of white parents and will be “deeply personal,” the athlete said.
“During a kindergarten exercise on drawing families, Kaepernick remembers putting down the yellow crayon he had been using to draw his family and picking up the brown crayon for himself,” a press release for the book reads. “This moment crystallized for him the differences marked by his adoption, and how acknowledging those distinctions could encourage us all to be more accepting of ourselves and each other.”
“Colin’s reputation as a thought leader precedes him, but it was also clear when we met that his mission and purpose were very much aligned with Scholastic’s,” said Debra Dorfman, VP and publisher, Scholastic Global Licensing, Brands & Media.
Kaepernick became a national symbol for racial justice when he first took a knee during the US national anthem back during the 2016 NFL season. He wanted to draw attention to police brutality and systemic racism, but it left him blackballed out of the league and not getting another chance to play since that season ended.
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Ellie Berger, president and publisher of Scholastic Trade Publishing, said: “Colin Kaepernick’s inspiring story, with themes of identity, race and self-esteem, will resonate deeply with all kids.”
