I Am

Meet Leland Clelland—devoted father, former teacher, and dreamer. At thirty-eight years old, Leland resides in his hometown of Chesapeake, Virginia, where he shares his life’s journey with his beloved wife and three energetic boys.

Born and raised in Chesapeake, Leland is a proud alumnus of Old Dominion University, where he cultivated the seeds of his educational and creative pursuits. With a passion for inspiring young minds, Leland spent eight years as a dedicated teacher and coach, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he encountered.

I AM marks Leland’s debut in the world of children’s literature, a cherished dream that has lingered on his bucket list for years. Fueled by a desire to share meaningful stories with his children and young readers everywhere, Leland weaves a tapestry of positivity and encouragement within the pages of his book.

Beyond his roles as a father and author, Leland is driven by a profound sense of purpose—”To dream big enough so that you are making dreams come true for all those around you!” His life philosophy centers on the transformative power of a positive mindset, believing that it can propel us beyond any goals we set for ourselves.

Get ready to be transported into a world of inspiration with Leland’s debut children’s book, I AM.

Brooke Archbell is the illustrator of I AM. She is a current teacher, wife to her best friend and supportive husband, and a mother to her two biggest inspirations, Hayden and Remi. She currently resides in Chesapeake, VA, with her family and fur babies.