Andrea Bierria, the author of the book “I Love Me Featuring the “My Bad” Bunch!” was interviewed by Benji Cole from CBS Radio. Her inspiration comes from her own home and career. As a mother, she found daily inspiration in her children’s honesty, quirks, and growth. As an educator, she saw a need for literature that embraced vulnerability and self-affirmation without being overly didactic. Her son’s repeated use of the phrase “My bad” sparked the creation of characters that reflect real-life emotions and decisions, from missteps to meaningful changes. Bierria’s goal was to write a book that makes children feel seen, heard, and hopeful.
People of Distinction is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States, hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio. People of Distinction is the right fit for authors and readers to discover newly published books, mostly written by passionate and independent authors.
Andrea Bierria has two sons, Brandon and Justin Reyes, on whom the book is based on. Andrea is a teacher, a daughter, a wife, a mother, as well as a life coach and a caseworker for those in need of resources and services. Andrea has been helping others cope with stress and has been a mentor for the youth in our inner city. Andrea has spent over 20 years mentoring and assisting the homeless and those in need of services. And Andrea is currently working on her dissertation for her doctoral degree in Education. One of her favorite quote is: “let’s give Roses/flowers to those before they pass rather than at their funeral.”
Andrea Bierria’s “I Love Me Featuring the ”My Bad” Bunch!” is a vibrant and affirming children’s book that fuses emotional development with imaginative storytelling. Designed to build confidence and a sense of identity in young readers, the book introduces the “My Bad” Bunch—a group of diverse, relatable characters whose missteps and personal journeys create teachable moments grounded in compassion and self-love. The book is not only an engaging story but also includes interactive features such as vision boards and goal charts, empowering readers to dream boldly and pursue their unique paths with purpose.
The book is about life lessons for children and teens, and also being able to set goals, so they know every step of the way in which direction they would like to go in life. I love me, which is the title of the book which includes goal charts and vision boards used as tools so our youth can implement in their daily lives as they grow into maturity. This is a good way for our youth to have an idea of what they would like to be or what project they like to accomplish again as they grow into maturity. Even a hobby could be reflected in the vision boards and goal charts.
The story also shows unification and multiculturalism through friendships. The book shows how we can be united as my bad bunch exhibits in the book; friends stick together even though they come from different nationalities. The book is also used as an inspiration to those who need an outlet to exhibit anger and frustrations and offer ways to cope with anger.
Furthermore, “I Love Me Featuring the ”My Bad” Bunch!” by Andrea Bierria opens up honest conversations about identity, acceptance, and decision-making at a critical developmental age. Bierria’s multicultural cast also ensures that children from different backgrounds feel represented and valued. Ultimately, this book isn’t just a story—it’s a developmental guide wrapped in narrative, designed to affirm, inspire, and equip the next generation with the self-love they need to succeed.
To delve deeper into Andrea’s inspiration behind her book and what it is all about, you can watch the full interview below: