Jennifer Bringle Special Correspondent When WXII anchor Talitha Vickers began the process of getting her childrenâs book published, she had no idea the obstacles sheâd face. Navigating the traditional path of literary agents and big-name publishers, Vickers met resistance to the story of a young Black boy contending with his fatherâs military deployment. In the most extreme case, a literary agent suggested she lighten the skin of the main character on the bookâs cover to give it broader appeal. âThat wasnât something I was willing to compromise on,â Vickers says. âBecause his skin is the same complexion as mine, and I wanted little boys and girls to see themselves in him.â