BOOKS BY L'OREAL THOMPSON PAYTONStories that expand how we define success, identity, and possibility.
L’Oreal Thompson Payton writes for adults and young readers alike—exploring ambition, creativity, civic voice, mental health, and what it means to be whole.
Each book is part of a larger conversation: how Black women and girls navigate the world and how we can imagine something more expansive.
Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Power
BenBella Books, August 2023
A pocket-sized pep talk for anyone who has mistaken perfection for protection.
In Stop Waiting for Perfect, L’Oreal examines how perfectionism often disguises itself as preparedness, excellence, or ambition—and how waiting for the “right” moment can quietly stall growth.
Blending personal narrative with practical reflection, this book invites readers to act before they feel fully ready.
Perfection is not required, but progress is.
LITERARY PRAISE
“Life is hard, but sometimes the way we talk to and about ourselves can be harder. So getting sound advice from someone who's not only going to remind you of your greatness but also help you get out of your own way is a joy.”
—Phoebe Robinson, New York Times bestselling author, actor, and comedian
“An incomparable blueprint for any person, especially those among us who are marginalized, who want to get off the hamster wheel of perfection and reclaim their ability to be simply human. Let L'Oreal's book serve as a brilliant and urgent reminder that we are already enough, regardless of what we've achieved.”
—Evette Dionne, award-winning author of Lifting as We Climb and Weightless
“With tongue-in-cheek charm and down-to-earth sense, L'Oreal Thompson Payton makes it easy to live life loud (or, at least, louder) and act with enthusiasm, courage, and trust in your own talent.”
—Minda Harts, workplace and equity consultant and author of The Memo
▼“For generations we've been fed the lie that being perfect—or close to it will save us. Stop Waiting for Perfect allows us to find practical ways to heal those wounds of deceit . . .So grateful that this book empowers us and our communities to let go of the trap of perfectionism and make room for our purpose.”
—Melissa Kimble, culture writer, producer, and founder of #blkcreatives
Amanda Gorman: Poet and Activist
Penguin Random House, December 2025
A children’s biography celebrating the life and voice of inaugural National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman.
This book introduces young readers to the power of poetry, civic engagement, and self-expression—highlighting how creativity can shape culture and spark change.
Through accessible storytelling and inspiring moments from Gorman’s life, this biography invites children to see their own voices as powerful.
LITERARY PRAISE“While some of the specific details of her accolades and life events are simplified, young readers will still gain a rich understanding of her life. Realistic illustrations also help breathe to life the highlights of Gorman’s journey thus far. VERDICT A recommended purchase for libraries looking to include relevant, inspiring individuals in their biography collections for young readers.”
—School Library Journal
“‘Amanda Gorman: Poet and Activist’ introduces readers ages four to six to Amanda Gorman, the young Black woman whose poem, ‘The Hill We Climb’ was read at the inauguration of President Joe Biden. Her inspirational story is just the thing to give young readers the confidence to follow their dreams.”
—The Root
▼COMING SOONViolet Goes Voting
Penguin Random House, September 2026
A joyful, empowering children’s book about civic engagement and the power of participation.
In Violet Goes Voting, young readers follow Violet as she learns what it means to use her voice in her community. Through curiosity, questions, and courage, Violet discovers that even small actions can matter.
This book encourages families to talk about civic responsibility, democracy, and the importance of showing up.
Infertile Black Girl: On Motherhood, Mental Health & the Journey to Healing and Hope
▼Beacon Press, Spring 2027
A memoir about infertility, maternal mental health, identity, and what it means to pursue motherhood while carrying cultural expectations around strength and silence.
In this deeply personal and reported work, L’Oreal explores reproductive grief, resilience, and the emotional labor of “functioning” through loss. Rooted in her lived experience as a Black woman, the book expands conversations around care, stigma, and survival.
Author Talks & School Visits
Stories are meant to be shared in community.
L’Oreal offers keynote addresses, moderated conversations, interactive workshops, and school visits connected to her books and broader body of work.
For adult audiences, she speaks on identity, mental health, creativity, and leadership—inviting reflection on how we define success and belonging.
For young readers, she leads engaging school visits centered on storytelling, civic voice, imagination, and the power of using your words to shape the world.
Each experience is story-driven, reflective, and thoughtfully tailored to the audience.
PRESS & MEDIA