Every kid has a story to tell. Some kids are born in the place they will always call home. Others begin a journey that carries them across vast oceans, new languages, and different cultures. This is the story of a little girl named Vee.

Vee was born in Cuba—a beautiful island filled with the rhythm of music, deep family traditions, and warm-hearted people. But she was also born into a world where many freedoms were limited. Even as a young child, her parents dreamed of something more. They imagined a future for their daughter filled with opportunity, where hard work and determination could help her shape her own destiny.

With courage and faith, Vee and her parents left behind everything they knew to begin a new life in the United States.

Like so many families before them, they arrived with very little. Yet, they carried something far more valuable: love for one another, a respect for honest work, and a deep gratitude for the chance to start again.

Growing up as an Afro-Cuban girl in America, Vee discovered that every day brought a new lesson. Some were full of joy—like learning the piano, making new friends, or helping in her father’s flower shop with her dog, Murito. Other lessons were harder, requiring patience, kindness, and the strength to keep going.

As Vee looked around her new home, she saw something wonderful. America was like a big, beautiful puzzle made of people from all over the world! She made friends from far-away places like Romania, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, and Italy. Even though they spoke different languages, Vee learned that everyone wants the same things: to feel loved, to have a place where they belong, and to help each other grow.

Vee learned a very important lesson: it doesn’t matter where we start or what we have. What matters most are the choices we make every day.

When we choose to tell the truth, work hard, and be kind, we are building something special called "character." These little choices are like building blocks for a happy and good life.

This book series is for all the families who have traveled far with hope in their hearts. It celebrates the freedom we share and reminds us to use that freedom to do good things.

No matter if your family has been here a long time or just moved here yesterday, Vee’s story shows us that being a good person is the same everywhere. Dreams belong to everyone who is brave enough to try.

We are so glad you are here for Vee’s journey!

We hope her story helps you make kind choices, keep learning new things, and remember that every morning is a new chance to be the very best you can be.

About The Hey Vee Kids! Universe

Hey Vee Kids! is an inspirational book series centered on Vee, a vibrant Afro-Cuban girl growing up in 1970s Brooklyn. Her journey celebrates character, perseverance, family values, and the universal power of growth.

Created and published by John Boone, the series brings engaging, branded worlds to life through collaborative storytelling with talented writers—including Virginia Espina–Laboy, who authored the debut title, Hey Vee! Vee's Keys to Growth: How 88 Keys Taught Her Heart to Grow.