As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, voices like that of Dr. Linda J.M. Holloway, a distinguished professor at Alabama State University, are more vital than ever. In a society where mental health remains a stigmatized topic—especially in the Black community—Dr. Holloway is using her voice, platform, and creativity to shift the narrative through an empowering children’s book titled Little Miss Linda Goes to Counseling.
Dr. Holloway, also a retired U.S. Army Colonel, is on a mission to normalize conversations around mental health, beginning with children. Her book speaks directly to the emotional struggles that young people may face and encourages early intervention and emotional literacy.
“Mental health isn’t something to whisper about—it’s something we must talk about, especially with our children,” Dr. Holloway emphasizes.
The Urgency of Mental Health Education for Children
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 5 children between the ages of 3 and 17 are likely to experience a mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder. These issues often manifest as:
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Extended sadness or hopelessness
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Suicidal thoughts or ideation
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Depression and anxiety
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Exposure to violence or bullying
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Natural disasters or trauma
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Eating disorders and gender identity struggles
This underscores the critical need for age-appropriate tools that allow children to explore their emotions and learn to ask for help.
About the Book: Little Miss Linda Goes to Counseling
The story centers around Little Miss Linda, a bright, cheerful girl with a seemingly perfect life. Yet, underneath the surface, she harbors a troubling secret—she’s been feeling overwhelmingly sad and doesn’t understand why. When her parents dismiss her feelings as simple nerves about starting a new school, she bravely turns to her friends, who guide her toward professional counseling.
Through her journey, Little Miss Linda learns to name her emotions, access help, and eventually becomes an advocate for other children to do the same.
Unique features of the book include:
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A scavenger hunt for hidden smiling faces to engage young readers
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LOL (Learning Out Loud) questions to spark dialogue on emotional health
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A pledge that encourages children to commit to mental wellness
This creative, interactive approach not only makes mental health relatable but also encourages families to talk openly about feelings and psychological well-being.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon, and a trailer can be viewed at YouTube.com/watch?v=Mc71zDuA5R8.
About Dr. Linda J.M. Holloway
With more than seven years as a professor at Alabama State University, Dr. Holloway specializes in Black women and mental health and career counseling. She is an award-winning author of eight children’s books and a well-known storyactivist and social justice poet.
Dr. Holloway also brings 27 years of military service, having completed four combat tours and retiring as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves Medical Services Corps. Her philosophies, “Always Willing to Serve” and “Dream Your Own Dreams,” embody her dedication to service and empowerment.
Her impact stretches globally through her curriculum study guides, including:
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Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Performance
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Black Fathers Matter: Unpacking the Kirk Franklin Story
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The Montgomery Riverboat Brawl
Beyond the Classroom
When not writing or speaking, Dr. Holloway cherishes time with family, enjoys reading, watching movies, and relishing moments of relaxation.
Her work, particularly Little Miss Linda Goes to Counseling, serves as a critical bridge in helping Black families and communities prioritize mental wellness from a young age.
For more, visit Amazon or search “Dr. Linda J.M. Holloway” online.
