Located on the vibrant Vliet Street in Milwaukee, Rooted MKE is Milwaukee’s only Black-owned children’s bookstore.
Founded by Ashley Valentine, a mother, educator, and passionate advocate for inclusive literacy, Rooted MKE is designed to be an oasis where young readers can see themselves in the stories they read and explore diverse narratives that expand their understanding of the world.
At Rooted MKE, the focus is on providing young readers with books that feature Black and Brown protagonists and explore the richness of their cultures.
Ashley understands the importance of children seeing themselves in the pages of a book—not just in the color of the characters’ skin, but in the experiences, challenges, and triumphs those characters face.
By offering a wide range of stories, Rooted MKE helps young readers connect with literature in a way that fosters understanding, empathy, and a broader perspective on life.
After years of teaching Special Education students in Milwaukee Public Schools, earning a Master’s degree in Exceptional Education and Reading from UW-Milwaukee, and leading STEM programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, owner Ashley Valentine decided it was time to turn her long-held dream into reality.
Rooted MKE is open on Saturdays from 11 AM to 3 PM, inviting families to explore its carefully curated selection of books.
You can also explore their online bookstore to find even more titles that celebrate diverse voices and experiences.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
