Do You See Me? - Interview with LaRonda Gardner Middlemiss

KLiC: What was your inspiration for Do You See Me? 
 
RGM: It sparked from observing my son and his school mates. Seeing how kids want to know that you notice them, what they are doing - do you see me? especially something they are excited about. I thought how their perspective of do you see me? is about being noticed and their parents or adults in their life sees more, something deeper - beyond the immediate, momentary thing. I thought that juxtaposition was an interesting concept, ultimately leading to the child’s reflection on the words spoken to them and expressing their new view of themselves. 

KLiC: Please tell us about your writing process. How long did it take you to write and sell this book? 

RGM: From idea to publication was about nine years. A couple of months ago, I looked back through old files and saw that I logged the idea in early 2017. I also found the initial, incomplete draft from May 2017. At that time, for one reason or another, I set it aside. Then in late 2019 there was a lot of public discourse about black girls and black women in terms of invisibility. That discussion brought me back to this manuscript. Although the desire to be seen is universal - and how the manuscript started, it was this specific conversation that reignited the spark and path to completing a submittable manuscript.

​It went on submission at some point in 2020, I received feedback from an editor that liked the concept, provided feedback, and was open to a rewrite and resubmit. I sat with the feedback but ultimately, I realized they didn’t fully connect with my intent for the manuscript. It would have been a completely different book. Then in early 2021 my former agent informed me that an editor at Roaring Brook Press was interested in the manuscript and wanted to talk to me about some points for revision and their vision for Do You See Me?. We had a great conversation - she got it!  Within a couple of weeks, I received an acquisition offer.  

KLiC:What are your favorite illustrations in the book?

RGM: I love Reggie Brown's vision for the book, the blustery beach day setting. Some favorite illustrations include a scene where water splashes through rocks/boulders as the characters navigate the terrain with varying expressions - delight, caution and curiosity. The tender moment between mom and daughter sitting, looking out at the ocean as the mom asked the important reflective question. And I’m really drawn to the spread about facing fear. The way Reggie positioned the girl on that tree trunk, the expression on her face - it really pulls me in.  

KLiC: What’s the one thing you want children to take away from your book?

RGM: I want children to know their value and understand what it truly means to be seen. 

KLiC: What’s next for you? 

RGM: I’m actively seeking new representation, looking at some manuscripts with fresh eyes for revision opportunities and working on completing a picture book dummy. ​

LaRonda Gardner Middlemiss is the author of I Love Me! (Beaming Books, 2020) and Do You See Me? (Roaring Brook Press, 2026). She also illustrated Meet Freida Amenze Friday by Doris Imahiyerobo-Umoinyang (Clear Fork Publishing 2025). LaRonda discovered writing by way of motherhood. Her son’s love of story time immersed her in the wonderful world of picture books. Enjoying books with various themes and approaches to storytelling, from the quirky to the quiet, eventually inspired her to begin writing stories of her own. She hopes to someday both author and illustrate her own books. Books that will entertain, enlighten and empower children across the globe. She lives in North Carolina.