Dr. Maurice Smith, author and educator, is a champion for children and young adults, dedicating his life’s work to them. “Inspiring the youth to go after their dreams” is the first phrase readers will see on his website. Smith, a Fredericksburg-area native, has a career in education. Starting out as a soccer coach before becoming a teacher, he proceeded to earn a doctorate to become an administrator, which he has been for more than a decade. Smith has added another title to his already robust resume—author. His children’s books, “I am Noah the Great!” and “Uncle Charles and Me,” will have youngsters enthralled by the characters and the messages in them. Both books are illustrated by Jordan Kincaid.

With the country quickly changing,10-year-old Noah wants to be part of that change in “I am Noah the Great!” The book tells how he inspires others and leads the protest for justice as he marches with his dad throughout Richmond, Virginia. Readers will proudly march along with Noah as he reaches greatness.

An assistant principal at Prince Edward County Middle School in Farmville, Virginia, Smith also penned the book “Uncle Charles and Me.” His first children’s book, it talks about the bond between an uncle and his nephew and the wonderful times and memories they have. The book, part fiction and part factual, is based on the fun times Smith’s oldest son, Myles, and his uncle spent in Norton and Big Stone Gap, Virginia. It centers on Myles when he was a fourth and fifth grader. Myles, who is now 22 and, in the military, still reminisces about the good times he had there. Adventures like fishing in the river, finding scorpions, riding bikes and cooking will have readers feeling they were there.

“Christian, Noah and Myles, who are my sons, are excited about the book,” Smith says in “Spotlight on Authors” by Lift Bridge Publishers. “They talk about how proud they are of me for writing the book.”

Smith has also been a scout master and is the founder of “Young Gentlemen for Life,” an after-school mentoring program. His most beloved role is “being the proud and dedicated father to three extraordinary young men,” he says on his website. Living a peaceful, active life, Smith enjoys jogging amid the scenic landscapes of Virginia.

Smith holds a B.A. from William and Mary and doctorate from The George Washington University in Educational Administration & Policy respectively. Smith’s research was on “Exploring African American High School Age Males’ Perceptions of Agricultural-related Youth Programs in Urban Settings.”

For more information about Smith, colorful apparel featuring “Uncle Charles and Me!” in unisex crew and V-neck styles, as well as his books and how to purchase them, visit drmauricesmith1.com/.