By: James Larson
In a world where early dreams are too often derailed, Jermain O. Smith made a conscious decision to reclaim his story—not just for himself, but for every child who has ever felt invisible. The founder of Brooklyn Astronaut: The Magic of Believing & Dreaming Big turned personal trauma into a foundation for meaningful impact, using creativity and resilience as his tools.
After surviving a brutal assault in 2007 that left him with a traumatic brain injury, he made a difficult but transformative choice: forgiveness. From that place, he built a purpose-driven platform rooted in imagination, healing, and connection. In the world he created, storytelling became a pathway forward—and dreaming became an act of restoration.
The Blueprint Born from Brokenness
On March 23, 2007, Jermain endured a violent mugging that changed the course of his life. As he worked through a long recovery process, he refused to surrender his sense of purpose. Instead, he gained a deeper vision. “I realized that these men were misguided with no fathers,” he says. “Brooklyn Astronaut was born from that moment.” That realization became the foundation for a children’s book series—and ultimately a publishing company—dedicated to using literacy and mentorship as tools for transformation.
While some might have focused on limitation, Jermain focused on possibility. His books serve not just as stories but as guides for emotional growth and resilience. Through imaginative, affirming narratives, children are given tools to understand life’s challenges—and options to respond with strength.
Why Imagination Is Essential
Brooklyn Astronaut is not a traditional children’s book series. It is a connected universe of characters, life lessons, and accessible hope. Each title encourages children to believe in themselves through planning, self-expression, and inner clarity. “Planning gives tranquility in abundance,” Jermain says. “It is what gives confidence to the individual.” While his stories are whimsical, their intent is practical: to help young readers build tools for reflection, problem-solving, and emotional grounding.
To spread this message, Jermain has invested in visibility. His work has appeared on New York City buses and subway digital boards, where passersby encounter a simple, powerful call to action: reading can change lives. Through both medium and message, he emphasizes the potential of imagination as a life skill.
Journals, Not Judgment: Building Literacy Through Community
Jermain’s efforts extend well beyond the bookshelf. Through Smith Prudent Reads Publishing, he is confronting the literacy gap in underserved communities. With more than 61% of low-income families lacking books at home, the urgency is clear. “Only one out of every four children grows up knowing how to read,” he notes. “That is a narrative we must change.”
His programs—including Journal Over Guns, Journal Over Guys, and Journal Lite—invite young people to process emotions through writing rather than conflict. He has also led virtual speaking engagements for parents, students, and educators. At a recent Learn and Luncheon event hosted by JuneteenthNY CEO Athenia Rodney, he spoke about how planning and literacy form the foundation for a purposeful life.
From Storytelling to System-Level Dialogue
Jermain’s advocacy has reached community and educational leadership circles. In 2018, he was featured in the American Library Association Annual and participated in the Reading Genius Book Festival, hosted by gospel legend Hezekiah Walker. Since then, he has met with New York City Chancellor David Banks, AACEO Miss Bailey, and Brooklyn’s 57th District representatives to share his work and promote childhood literacy.
One of the most meaningful moments of his career came when he presented his book and original artwork to Mayor Eric Adams. As a native son of Brooklyn, Jermain created Brooklyn Astronaut for his city—to inspire its youth, elevate literacy, and contribute stories children can see themselves in. Presenting the book to the Mayor wasn’t just symbolic—it was the realization of a mission to give back to the community that shaped him.
Each of these encounters reflects more than acknowledgment—they are signs that his message is resonating at policy and leadership levels. By placing books directly in the hands of change agents, Jermain is opening up opportunities to shift how literacy is supported system-wide.
Expanding a Mission That Grows with Its Readers
Jermain’s vision continues to evolve. He is currently developing hardcover poetry collections for boys and girls, a picture book for infants, and a seasonal holiday collection designed to bring joy and literacy into everyday family rituals. His long-term plan is for Brooklyn Astronaut to be a lifelong companion to its readers—from childhood to adolescence and beyond.
But this isn’t just about publishing—it’s about cultural change. He is actively building a model where stories act as entry points to literacy, emotional health, and self-determination. His vision is bold but clear: a world where every child, regardless of circumstance, can access stories that uplift, encourage, and empower.
A Voice for the Future
Jermain O. Smith didn’t wait for validation or a platform. He created both—and then opened the door for others to follow. Through Brooklyn Astronaut and Smith Prudent Reads Publishing, he is reshaping the future of literacy in underserved communities, one book and one child at a time.
In his world, stories are not just entertainment—they are foundations for growth, empathy, and belief. The work continues, and so does the movement. With every reader, every journal, and every courageous conversation, Jermain is proving that when children feel valued, there is no limit to how far they can go.
