Press & Educator Resources

About the author

Kia Elizabeth Bell is a children's author and early childhood educator based in Brooklyn, New York. Her Max & Maggie's Family Values picture-book series invites young children to notice others, practice kindness, and take part in everyday family life.

Max Learns to Be a Gentleman

Cover of Max Learns to Be a Gentleman. Max, a young Black boy in a bow tie and suspenders, carries a bag of groceries while a smiling woman rests her hand on his shoulder at a front door. A badge reads Book 1 in the Max & Maggie's Family Values series.
  • Ages 2 to 8
  • Author: Kia Elizabeth Bell
  • Illustrator: Olena Oprich
  • Publication date: August 5, 2025
  • Paperback ISBN: 9781625863188

Max Learns to Be a Gentleman is a picture book for ages 2 to 8 about a young Black boy learning what being a gentleman means at home: noticing other people and choosing to help.

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For Educators and Families

Read-aloud discussion prompts

  1. Max sees his dad pull out a chair for his mom. What did his dad notice? How do you think his mom felt?
  2. What does it mean to be thoughtful? Can you remember a time someone was thoughtful to you?
  3. Max helps his sister and holds the door. What small things can you do to help at home?
  4. Being a gentleman means noticing others. Who could you notice and help today?
  5. How do you feel after you help someone? How do you think they feel?

Series News

Maggie Helps Mommy, Book 2 of Max & Maggie's Family Values, comes out November 1, 2026.

Maggie Helps Mommy Join the list for launch day

Press and events

For press, school visits and events, email kia@kiabell.com.