Khadeidra Le Gendre is a New York–based children’s book author whose work centers on individuality, belonging, and love. Her debut children’s book, A Twin Like You, was inspired by her fraternal twin sons and her desire to see more stories that reflect real twin families where differences are celebrated.
Born in Trinidad and raised between the Caribbean and New York, Khadeidra writes from Jamaica, Queens, where she has lived for more than a decade. She credits the borough with keeping her grounded through its beautiful diversity; she feels connected to people from every walk of life.
Reading hundreds of books with her twins for the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge, Khadeidra noticed that most children’s books don’t feature twins, and the ones that do, depict twins as identical, as two halves of one whole. She wanted her sons and kids like them to see themselves in a story that celebrates their individuality and the bond that always connects them despite their differences.
NB: Other than the amazing diversity, what do/did you love most about living in Queens? How has Queens changed over the years?
KLG: Other than the fact that it feels like the world in one borough, which I love, my answer is still going to be diversity related. It’s the food. I get to explore the world through my tastebuds like in Jackson Heights for South Asian & Latin American food, Astoria for Greek or Egyptian, Flushing for Chinese and Korean, Elmhurst for Thai, Filipino,
Jamaica for Caribbean, and Corona for Mexican. I could go on and on!
I think Queens has done a great job of moving with the times without losing its strong, working-class pride. There’s lots of chain restaurants opening especially along Jamaica Avenue, but it’s nice to see that we still value small business and connection here. One example of how we’ve shifted even closer together is the Queens Night Market, it brings everything together to taste food from dozens of cultures in one evening, and it’s so affordable!
NB: How does Queens inspire you? What are some of your favorite places to be inspired in Queens?
KLG: Queens inspires me because it’s a reminder that you can come from anywhere and build something meaningful. At home, I look out of our window and can see the airplanes at JFK arriving and departing and I just think of how many people’s lives are being touched and how many stories are being shaped by that singular moment of takeoff or touchdown. I draw a lot of creative energy from local libraries, especially the Queens Public Library, where I spent countless hours studying in college, in grad school, and again as a mom, selecting books and reading with my twins. I’m also inspired by Jamaica Avenue. The bustle, the colors, the Coliseum, the small shops that have been there for decades. There’s a rhythm here that finds its way into my storytelling.
NB: What advice do you have for readers who are hoping to develop their writing practice?
KLG: Writing, like most art, is part gift and part discipline. Some people are naturally observant or sensitive to emotion, which helps, but skill comes from showing up consistently. Even ten minutes of writing a day strengthens your voice. My biggest advice: don’t wait for inspiration. Write through imperfection.
NB: What are your favorite restaurants, cafes, theaters, bookstores, exhibits, museums, communities, and venues in Queens?
KLG: I love Mojo in Forest Hills for its bottomless brunch. Great food, great drinks and it’s easily accessible via LIRR or the E/F train, great ambience, great customer experience. King Manor Museum is one of my favorite local gems, it’s the historic home of Rufus King, a signer of the Constitution and anti-slavery activist. It reminds me how rich our borough’s history is. For bookstores, Kew & Willow Books is a great women-owned independent bookstore. I often imagine reading A Twin Like You at the Queens Public Library in Jamaica, because that’s where my dream started.
NB: Can you tell us more about what makes twins so special?
KLG: Twins remind us that sameness and difference can coexist beautifully. It’s an important lesson for children, but also for our world in these times. Twins teach you that connection doesn’t require conformity. Watching my boys, they’re so different in so many ways but still so bonded. It really reshaped how I see relationships, empathy, and individuality.
NB: How do you know when your book (or any art) is “done”?
KLG: When the message feels clear, and I’m no longer editing from fear. At some point, perfection stops serving the work. With A Twin Like You, I knew it was done when reading it aloud made me smile instead of critique it.
—Nicollette Barsamian
For the complete story, visit QGazette.com.
The Local-Express interview series was originated on July 3, 2013 by Nicollette Barsamian.