Barbara Gammage Brings Purpose and Heart to Children’s Literature

PHOTO: Author Barbara Gammage, co-creator of The Little Careers Universe, shares her mission to inspire children through stories of courage, service, and faith.

Inspiring Young Readers Through Faith, Family, and Everyday Heroes

Barbara Gammage discusses her journey as an author, the inspiration behind The Little Careers Universe, and how her faith, family, and background influence her mission to uplift children through storytelling.

Barbara Gammage’s stories don’t just entertain—they uplift, empower, and inspire. A passionate storyteller with a heart rooted in service and faith, Gammage brings a rare depth to children’s literature. Through The Little Careers Universe series, she and her husband have created more than just books; they’ve built a platform that celebrates everyday heroes and opens children’s eyes to the many ways they can impact their communities. Her debut, The Dreamlighters Put Out a Fire, shines a bright light on the bravery of firefighters, showcasing the quiet strength and selfless courage that often go unrecognized.

With a background in sociology, years of service-oriented work, and a steadfast commitment to her faith and family, Barbara infuses every page with purpose. Her voice is warm, genuine, and needed—especially in a world where representation and inspiration matter more than ever. In this interview, we step into the heart behind the stories and discover the passion that drives her powerful storytelling.

Barbara Gammage is a compassionate, visionary author whose stories nurture purpose, highlight unsung heroes, and empower children to dream with meaning.

What inspired you and your husband to create The Little Careers Universe series? 

The idea came from a shared passion between my husband and I to uplift our children by showing them what’s possible. Our focus was to give kids more than just entertainment by planting seeds of purpose, and The Little Careers Universe became just that.

How did your early work with Buffalo’s Community Service Commissioner influence your writing?

It taught me how deeply communities need representation and guidance. I saw firsthand how mentorship, visibility, and access can change a young person’s path. It made me passionate about giving children tools to dream bigger—and that’s exactly what our books are designed to do.

“The idea came from a shared passion between my husband and I to uplift our children by showing them what’s possible.”

What message do you hope children take away from The Dreamlighters Put Out a Fire? 

I want children to see that bravery comes in many forms, and that there’s honor in serving your community. 

Can you share how your background in sociology impacts the way you approach storytelling? 

My studies in sociology help me look at how families, communities, and systems shape us. I use that experience to translate into characters that model empathy, teamwork, and growth.

What was the collaboration process like between you and your husband when developing your books? 

It’s truly a partnership. We bounce ideas off each other constantly, sometimes while cooking dinner or driving somewhere with our kids. It’s a team effort rooted in love and purpose.

“When something means a lot to you, you make the time.”

How do you balance your full-time career in healthcare with writing and publishing children’s books? 

It’s not always easy, but when something means a lot to you, you make the time. Typically I write an idea down when I think of it, whether it’s in my phone or on paper. 

Why did you choose to focus on unsung heroes like firefighters in your stories?

Firefighters are people who show up when it matters most. They often go unnoticed, yet they carry enormous responsibility. Kids need to see that heroism is about heart, service, and showing up for others.

What role does your faith play in your creative process and storytelling? 

My faith is my foundation. It guides how I see people, how I handle challenges, and how I write. I believe every child has God-given potential, and I want our stories to reflect that.

“Every book is a chance to spotlight a new way kids can dream and serve.”

Are there other careers or heroes you plan to spotlight in future Dreamlighters adventures? 

Absolutely! We’re excited to explore roles in law enforcement, medicine, education, the arts, and even tech. Every book is a chance to spotlight a new way kids can dream and serve.

What advice would you give to other aspiring authors who want to create meaningful and inspiring children’s books? 

Start with your heart. Write what matters to you, and trust that your story will find the children who need it. Focus on purpose, and remember that your words can shape a child’s future in ways you may never fully see.