We See You. Periodt.

What happens when a teen can’t find themselves in a single story?They start to wonder if they matter.

Despite living in one of the most diverse generations in history, today’s teens still open book after book only to find the same kinds of characters — again and again.

White, middle-class, straight, able-bodied. If you're not that, you're often not there.

But representation in teen and young adult (YA) literature isn’t just a nice to have — it’s essential. Stories shape identity, and every young reader deserves to see someone who looks like them, lives like them, or dreams like them between the pages.

So why is it still so rare?

The Stats: Underrepresentation Is Real

According to a 2023 study by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC):

• Only 13% of books published featured Black/African American characters.

• Latinx characters appeared in just 7% of books.

• Asian/Pacific Islander characters were featured in 9%.

• Native/Indigenous characters showed up in less than 1%.

These numbers are far below the actual demographics of young readers in the United States, where over half of the population under age 18 is made up of people of color.

When minority teens rarely see characters who look like them, sound like them, or face similar challenges, it sends an unspoken message:

You don’t belong here. Your story doesn’t matter.

And that’s simply not true.

Enter: The Hustle Files

Real Representation, Real Impact

This book doesn’t just aim to be inclusive — it’s intentional.

The Hustle Files was created for every teen navigating who they are and who they want to become — whether they see themselves reflected in most stories or rarely at all.

That includes Black, Brown, Indigenous, white, LGBTQIA+, straight, cisgender, neurodiverse, first-gen, rural, urban — everyone.

At its core, this book centers teens who have often been left out of the narrative — as leaders, creators, and change-makers — without leaving anyone behind.

Through honest prompts, relatable stories, and empowering reflection, The Hustle Files helps all teens write their own success story, with intention, voice, and pride.

Because when everyone can see themselves in the story, everyone gets to believe they belong in the world they’re building.

Representation in teen books shouldn't be rare--it should be standard. Periodt. 

Whether you're a parent, teacher, mentor or teen yourself, The Hustle Files is more than a book--it's a mirror, a megaphone, and a map.

Grab the Hustle Files today--and give every teen a story that sees them.