Blog Archives
A Diagnosis Is Never the End
Lexi and the Super Chair is the empowering story of a young girl whose life is changed by paralysis, but who rediscovers freedom, adventure, and joy through a magical power chair and an unbreakable spirit. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I actually became fully paralyzed in 2014 when I was 21 years old. I now can only move my head a little, and I have to use a ventilator to breathe. In the first couple years of my journey through paralysis, I struggled greatly with depression and grief. But as my journey has continued, I have become a happy and successful individual, not in spite of, but in some ways because of my paralysis.
Needless to say, I understand the struggle of physical disability. I’ve always been a lover of children, and when I imagine kids in this situation, or in other situations involving disabilities or diseases, I know some of them must struggle as well. So I wanted to write this book for several reasons, chief among them to give a boost and hope to kids with disabilities and diseases, to help them and their families realize that a diagnosis is never the end of someone’s story, but that you can still achieve great things no matter what.
My grand scheme is to have this book freely available in hospitals and rehab centers for children and their families who need it most.
How did you approach writing about disability in a way that’s honest yet hopeful for young readers?
Personal experience had a lot to do with how I wrote the book. But I also know that children are endlessly curious and incredibly strong. When kids come up to me, usually somewhat shyly at first, I make sure to tell them the truth of my situation. They always take it surprisingly well and ask a million questions if their parents don’t steal them away too quickly! I never want to shy away from the truth with them, but being a hopeful person myself, I don’t want them to feel bad for me, either. From this attitude sprang my approach to writing this story.
What do you hope children, both with and without disabilities, take away from Lexi’s story?
I love that you mentioned children without disabilities as well as those with them because they are an important part of the audience I’m trying to reach, as well. But the messages are essentially the same for both kinds of kids: there is always hope, no matter the situation. I want children to be happy being themselves, I want them to be able to take pride in their achievements, and I want them to be empathetic and understanding of those in situations differing from their own. That is my hope for Lexi’s story.
When and where will the book be available?
I’m still searching for a publisher, but you’ll be the first to know when I find one! I will include here my website, Instagram, and Facebook page so that you can stay up-to-date with Lexi and her story.
Author Links: Facebook | Website | Instagram
A Universal Understanding of Love
Unchained details your challenges growing up as an LGBTQ youth in a strict Nigerian community as a member of a Catholic family. Why was it important for you to share your story?
While Unchained isn’t a direct account of my personal experiences, it mirrors the struggles of LGBTQ individuals growing up in African societies, particularly where cultural and religious norms are deeply entrenched. When I moved to the UK, I witnessed a society where LGBTQ rights were respected and gay people were accepted as part of the social fabric. This stark contrast inspired me to use my writing as a medium to challenge the narrative back in Africa. I wanted to show that acceptance is possible and that being LGBTQ isn’t something to “pray away” or solve through religion. It was crucial for me to write this story as a call for change, urging African societies to move towards compassion and inclusion.
What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
One of the most challenging parts of writing Unchained was portraying gay relationships in the UK as equally valid and natural as heterosexual relationships. I wanted to vividly depict how love, commitment, and marriage transcend orientation, and I worked hard to normalize same-sex relationships for readers unfamiliar with such dynamics. Striking the balance between authenticity and sensitivity was tough because I aimed to connect these relationships to a universal understanding of love without alienating readers from more conservative backgrounds.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I wish someone had told me that nothing is impossible and that I am my own limitation. Growing up in a restrictive environment, it was easy to internalize societal expectations and believe there were limits to what I could achieve. If I had understood earlier that with effort and self-belief, I could break barriers, I might have pursued certain dreams sooner. This advice would have empowered me to embrace my uniqueness and navigate life with more confidence.
What do you hope readers take away from your experiences?
I hope readers understand that societal norms are not fixed—they evolve, and they must make room for inclusion and acceptance. Africa is on the brink of a cultural shift, and the old ways of thinking must give way to new ideas that value the dignity and rights of every individual. I want readers, especially those from African backgrounds, to see that LGBTQ people are not asking for special treatment—they’re asking to live authentically and with the same respect afforded to everyone else. Above all, I hope my story inspires conversations, challenges prejudices, and sparks the cultural change we need to see.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
free from societal constraints to live authentically.
The Pysanka Chicken: We Are All Born Different
The Pysanka Chicken: We Are All Born Different, penned by Lesa Melnyczuk, introduces young readers to the important topic of children born with rare conditions or diseases in a thoughtful and engaging way. Set on Easter Sunday in the village of Bukavel, Ukraine, the story begins with Baba Helen, Baba Stefka, and their grandchildren waiting outside the church for the priest to bless their Easter baskets. As they make their way home, a surprising sound of cracking comes from one of the baskets. Curious, the children open it and discover a remarkable egg, painted in gold and blue. From this egg hatches a Pysanka Chicken, a special chick that looks different from the others. The children learn that, just as some chicks are born unique, so too are some babies, leading to a deeper and meaningful conversation about differences.
Lesa Melnyczuk weaves a heartwarming tale that touches on a complex subject with care and compassion. Her storytelling gracefully blends the charm of Ukrainian customs and traditions with the tender message of acceptance. The village setting feels inviting and warm, and Melnyczuk handles the topic of rare conditions with great empathy, making it accessible to young minds. While the story doesn’t point to any specific illness, it skillfully conveys the experience of being different and highlights the love and support needed from family and friends. The narrative also touches on how children born with unique conditions may need extra care, such as doctor visits or medical attention, but ultimately emphasizes unity, respect, and the power of love to overcome challenges. This is an ideal read for introducing young children to the concept of physical diversity and health differences.
The story’s brevity, coupled with its tender tone, makes it both digestible and heartfelt. However, the use of Ukrainian terms might pose a slight challenge for some readers, even though most are explained within the context of the story. I feel that the inclusion of a glossary at the beginning would have been a helpful addition, providing readers with a clearer understanding of these rich traditions upfront. Despite this, the story shines with its lovable characters and its magical touch, which brings the message of acceptance to life in a captivating way.
The Pysanka Chicken: We Are All Born Different, written by Lesa Melnyczuk and illustrated by Veronica Rooke, is a beautifully told story that uses a bit of magic to encourage children to embrace and understand physical and health differences in others. It’s a thoughtful and uplifting tale, perfect for sparking important conversations about diversity and empathy.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 978-0975658024
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium, by Lisa Jacovsky, presents an insightful glimpse into the life of Emma, a young girl with autism who has her own unique way of communication. Unlike her peers, Emma relies on index cards to express herself when she feels comfortable, a distinctive trait that sets her apart in social interactions. This narrative becomes especially poignant when Emma encounters new individuals, such as a boy named Alex at the aquarium, highlighting both the challenges and the triumphs of her communication method.
Jacovsky’s narrative is commendable for its sensitive and innovative portrayal of autism. By choosing index cards as Emma’s medium of expression, the author provides a tangible and relatable tool for young readers to understand and empathize with different communication styles. This technique effectively fosters awareness and acceptance among children, demonstrating that differing abilities should be embraced and respected. The aquarium setting is a masterstroke, offering a serene and engaging backdrop for this enlightening tale. It not only serves as a non-threatening environment for character interactions but also enriches the story with vibrant illustrations of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and beluga whales. John Thorn’s illustrations are noteworthy for their charm and their role in bringing the story to life.
Jacovsky‘s book stands out for its educational value, seamlessly weaving a lesson on acceptance and uniqueness into an enjoyable story. Emma’s journey, marked by her distinctive way of interacting with the world, is a testament to the beauty of diversity and the importance of understanding those who may seem different.
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium is a meaningful exploration of individuality and communication. Jacovsky’s thoughtful approach makes this book a valuable read for children, illuminating the richness that different perspectives bring to our world.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0CVHTT9W5
The Plastic Tree and His Friends
Nick Rozak’s children’s book, The Plastic Tree and His Friends, invites young readers into a unique urban tale that intertwines the themes of diversity, the significance of pollinators, and self-acceptance. Set against the backdrop of a city playground, the story unfolds from the perspective of a plastic tree, an unconventional protagonist that engages readers with its journey of self-discovery and understanding of the natural world. As the seasons shift, the plastic tree becomes acutely aware of its differences from the surrounding living trees. This narrative arc elegantly mirrors the feelings of alienation and self-doubt that many individuals experience when confronted with their uniqueness. It is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging, relayed in a manner that is accessible and relatable to a young audience.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn when a group of friends, serving as symbols of diversity and acceptance, choose to inhabit the plastic tree. This decision sets off a series of events that enlighten both the tree and the city’s inhabitants about the crucial role of pollinators in our ecosystem. This dual message — recognizing the importance of pollinators and embracing our differences — is woven seamlessly into the story, imparting valuable lessons without overshadowing the narrative’s whimsical charm. Complementing Rozak’s storytelling are the gentle and whimsical illustrations by Victoria Skakandi. Her artwork adds depth and visual appeal to the narrative, enhancing the story’s accessibility to a young audience.
The Plastic Tree and His Friends is a heartwarming and educational children’s book that promotes the values of diversity, inclusion, and environmental awareness. Nick Rozak’s picture book resonates with readers of all ages and reminds us of the intricate and beautiful tapestry of life where each element, no matter how small or different, has a role to play.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0CT95MV3W
Promote Empathy and Inclusion
May I Sit at Your Table? follows a second-grade girl who is deaf and experiences a transformative moment when her teacher introduces American Sign Language, sparking her goal to connect with her peers. Why was this an important book for you to write?
At one of my brother’s neurodiverse basketball games, I experienced a pivotal moment. While signing “hello” and “good job” to a Deaf teammate on my brother’s team, his father, moved to tears, approached me and shared how meaningful it was to see someone communicate with his son. This encounter inspired me to become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and the culture. I’ve always been concerned about bullying and exclusion, and my research disclosed that Deaf children are often victims. I wanted a book that would promote empathy and inclusion of this ostracized community.
The art in the book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Samuel Gross?
Thank you for your kind comment! It was truly a work of love. Sam is my brother. He is 14 years older than me, and he suffers from autism. I worked with him in creating the sketches for the book by reading the book to him over and over and then explaining the specific storyline on each page. He then would interpret those events and draw the scene in pencil. It’s fascinating to watch him draw because he holds the pencil in his fist and never picks the pencil off the page when drawing. It’s also amazing to see the world through his eyes. I then traced the drawings in pen and added color and shading.
Doing the illustrations was one of the highlights of Sam’s life. It has bolstered his self-esteem and brought him great happiness. It has also brought us closer together.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My book is more than a children’s book; it’s a social story about how to accept people who are different. Here, a young Deaf girl is ostracized by her peers because she is seen as “different.” It’s my belief that these actions are simply a result of a lack of knowledge. I wanted to show that educating grade school children about diverse communication styles fosters empathy and teaches inclusiveness.
Another key theme is that exclusion often occurs in less supervised settings like school lunchrooms.
Finally, I wanted to explore the often-private nature of the pain caused by exclusion. Children, like the character Abby in my book, may feel reluctant to express their hurt and only confide in their families. Abby’s experience highlights the importance of attentive and caring teachers who can recognize and address such issues, offering support where it’s needed most.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book has already been published. It is titled, May I Come to Your Party? and is about a young boy who suffers from autism and is never invited to parties, and he invites everyone to his birthday parties, but no one ever comes. Here is an Amazon link: May I Come to Your Party? I also have a website with more information: Grace Wolf Books
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
The story beautifully captures the transformation that comes with understanding and acceptance, underscoring the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and embracing our unique attributes. May I Sit at Your Table? leaves readers with the important message that everyone, no matter how they communicate, deserves to be heard, seen, and accepted.
The Gift of Sensitivity: The extraordinary power of emotional engagement in life and work
In The Gift of Sensitivity, Elena V. Amber offers a thought-provoking exploration of the world of highly sensitive persons (HSPs), delving into the positive aspects and strengths of emotional sensitivity. This self-help book stands out as an insightful guide that encourages embracing one’s innate sensitivity, highlighting its potential as a powerful tool in both personal and professional realms.
Amber articulates the concept that heightened emotional awareness can streamline life experiences by minimizing unproductive resistance and fostering adaptability. The book navigates the intricacies of human emotion, positioning itself as an eye-opening beacon for those who identify as sensitives. Amber skillfully intertwines personal stories and scientific concepts, making the book an engaging and informative read. Distinct from typical self-help literature, The Gift of Sensitivity offers a fresh perspective on the benefits of being finely attuned to one’s emotions.
Amber’s personal narratives resonate deeply, providing a relatable journey of self-discovery for readers, particularly for those unaware of their status as HSPs. This book serves not only as a mirror for reflection but also as a transformative guide for those who might view their emotional depth as a hindrance. Amber’s writing is both eloquent and accessible, striking a harmonious balance between theoretical exploration and practical application. The book challenges societal norms that often mislabel sensitivity as a weakness, instead framing it as a valuable trait. One of the key strengths of this book is its pragmatic approach; Amber does not merely extol the virtues of sensitivity but also equips readers with practical strategies to leverage their emotional acuity for personal growth and well-being.
The Gift of Sensitivity is a compelling and empowering read. It invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of emotions and sensitivity, encouraging them to embrace and harness this attribute as a powerful asset in their daily lives. Amber’s book is a testament to the transformative potential of understanding and valuing one’s emotional depth.
Pages: 186 | ASIN : B0CGDWYHND
LITERARY TITAN 