Blog Archives
Shining As I Am
Makida Arshi’s Shining As I Am is a heartwarming picture book that tells the story of Adam, a young autistic boy, from his own point of view. We follow Adam from birth through childhood as he navigates milestones, struggles, and joys with the unwavering love and support of his family and friends. The story captures his challenges—like sensory sensitivity, delayed speech, and social differences—but also celebrates his strengths, including drawing and visual learning. Most of all, it highlights what it feels like to be truly loved, understood, and accepted just as you are.
The writing is gentle and honest. It doesn’t try to sugarcoat autism, but it doesn’t frame it as something broken either. That balance is tough, and Arshi absolutely nails it. The rhyming lines give the story a soothing, musical rhythm that feels almost like a lullaby—perfect for bedtime reading but deep enough to start real conversations. The repetition of the phrase “as I am” builds a strong emotional thread. You can feel the compassion baked into every single page.
The illustrations by Siddhant Jumde are beautiful. They’re bright, expressive, and full of warmth. But what really stuck with me was the message. This isn’t just a picture book about autism. It’s a story about being human—about being different, misunderstood, and still deeply loved. It reminds you how powerful patience and kindness can be. There’s this bravery in Adam’s voice that made me want to be more aware and more empathetic. And the way it weaves in other kids on the spectrum with unique strengths and challenges—that really drives home the message that autism isn’t one-size-fits-all.
I’d recommend Shining As I Am to just about everyone—parents, teachers, kids, even adults who need a gentle reminder of how to love better. It’s especially great for families with autistic children, but honestly, it’s for anyone who believes in kindness. It’s the kind of book that leaves a little glow in your heart after you close it. Simple words, big feelings, and a whole lot of truth—this children’s book shines, just like Adam does.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0DRSK3LC1
Yes I Can!
Yes I Can! Lessons Learned from a Life Less Ordinary is one book that will make you grateful for life and embrace all the world offers. The author shares his personal journey with what society calls developmental disabilities. As you read about Paul Wichansky’s story, you realize that, as human beings, we have a flawed perspective on what we consider normal. Raising a child, or being a child that is born with physical limitations, is not easy. With Paul Wichansky, however, the reader is enlightened on the multiple aspects of disabilities. The author himself is not a fan of the word disability. Paul Wichansky uses different phrases and embraces positivity when writing about his conditions. Paul Wichansky had hearing loss and cerebral palsy when he was young. Naturally, this would take a toll on the average kid but not Paul.
In his book, the author writes in-depth about what living with these conditions was like. Paul clinches on positivity. The author did not write this book to seek pity, nor did he feel sorry for himself. Dr. Wichansky starts the book by giving a little background about himself, writing about his family as he progresses to his later years. I like how the author took a free-style approach when writing. For example, Paul Wichansky could be narrating about his childhood, then in the middle of the paragraph, throws in some scientific information about specific conditions. By writing in this manner, the reader is educated on subjects rarely spoken about while enjoying the beautiful life story of the author.
Many things stand out from the author’s life and his writing. I like that the phrases used, the tales told, and the experience shared all have some positivity in them. Paul is here to help you deal with your sorrowful moments and convert them into happy moments. His life is testimony enough that no matter how difficult things may appear and how many obstacles you may have to overcome, you can still live an accomplished life. One of my favorite quotes from the book is ‘…that optimism can become your access to success’. This phrase makes a good inspirational quote that will keep many readers going.
While reading this book, the reader cannot help but ask themselves specific questions. Why are some things considered normal while others are not? Why are some conditions shunned? Why does society treat people that are differently abled peculiarly? Paul Wichansky answers these and more questions throughout the book. There are many lessons from the author, but the main lesson I got is that having a positive mindset will take you places.
Paul Wichansky has, through the chapters, discussed many crucial topics that will help everyone succeed in life. You learn about having a support group, having the proper perspective, building friendships, and keys to success, among many other topics. The best part of Yes I Can! Lessons Learned from a Life Less Ordinary is the photo section, where the author takes us down memory lane with his beautiful photos of family and friends.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0BJW1YKLH
Cassie’s Big Change: Going from the Living Room to the Classroom
Cassie is finally getting to return to her school building after learning from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. She did not love going to school in her living room on a laptop. She missed her friends and teachers. Now that there is a vaccine, she can return to her school and be with her class in person again.
Cassie’s Big Change: Going from the Living Room to the Classroom is more than a story about returning to school. Author Tamera Foley uses this children’s story to validate the feelings many young children have had during the pandemic and the emotional struggles they felt. She uses Cassie’s writing assignment to show children different ways to express themselves and let others know how they feel. It shows children that the adults at school and home care about how they are feeling and that what they feel is important and real. I loved the part where the children were sharing their feelings on the playground, and they were not superficial remarks like you might expect in a kid’s book. Instead, they show just how aware children are of the world around them and the impact that things like COVID-19 have had on their world.
The childrens book Cassie’s Big Change: Going from the Living Room to the Classroom is beautifully written and shares ways that children can express their emotions in a positive and safe manner, be it through clay models, writing a story, or talking one on one with a teacher or parent. Tamera Foley shows kids that they have a voice and that their feelings are important. This is a wonderful children’s book that any elementary classroom would benefit from having.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B099B13X7T
A Catalyst for Change
Co-Teaching: The Professional Behind the M.A.S.K. helps educators gain greater insight into each partner’s role within a co-teaching classroom. Why was this an important book for you to write?
There is a growing need for special education students to be placed with their peers in the general education classroom. In doing so, the gap that is faced by the special education students can decrease. This book is important as it serves as a catalyst for change in the collaborative relationship. Co-Teaching: The Professional will help readers M.A.S.K. The inevitable. Learn to MANAGE the stress, ACCEPT co-teaching as a valuable tool, STRENGTHEN your relationships, and create the KEYSTONES that will allow for personal growth.
What do you think is a common misconception educators have about co-teaching?
One misconception is that one of the teachers are not certified. Co-teaching is a classroom with TWO certified teachers that are charged with educating a group of students both special ed and general ed in the same environment. Each teacher adds value to the classroom. The general education teacher is considered the content/curriculum expert. The special education teacher is the strategist, they add strategy and technique to the content to make it accessible to all learning level. The two certified teachers work hand in hand to deliver the curriculum in a way that allows for learners to thrive.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
One thing that I’d like readers to take away from Co-Teaching: The Professional is the need to effectively communicate with colleagues. Classrooms are not the only areas that collaboration is key to engagement and success. In every profession, the expectation is that there is a level of teamwork that increases productivity and efficiency. We should abolish the fixed mindset and embrace growth to meet the needs of the current generation. We must work together to discover the best approach for personal growth as well as company development.
What is your experience in the education field and how has that helped you write this book?
My experience in the education field has moved from managing front offices, working as a principals secretary to now teaching in the classroom. I have been an advocate for children for more than 20 years. I wrote this book based on my experiences in the coteaching classroom. As an advocate, it is my desire to enhance the coteaching classroom. Co-Teaching: The Professional will help guide the relationship into a collaborative experience that utilizes the talents and abilities of both certified teachers.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Co-Teaching: The Professional Behind the M.A.S.K
![Co-Teaching: The Professional Behind the M.A.S.K.: TMS’ Guide to Managing Accepting Strengthening Keystones by [Regina Christian-Massey, Teacher Mod Squad, Sandra T. Alexander]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ETDBHaa+L.jpg)
Co-teaching is when two teachers collaborate in order to better serve the student needs in a classroom. As is to be expected, both teachers will have different styles. They will have different opinions and visions for their teaching outcomes. It is therefore expected that both teachers will disagree with each other from time to time. Co-Teaching: The Professional Behind the M.A.S.K. is a guide to ensure that it remains a collaborative effort despite a difference of opinion and vision. This book helps people in a co-teaching situation to properly utilize and use everyone’s talents, expertise, and styles in a way that best benefits the class.
Co-Teaching: The Professional Behind the M.A.S.K. is very useful for teachers who are already certified and those yet to receive their final push into the field. Teachers for when they find themselves sharing a space with another teacher. Prospective educators for when the time comes for them to practice in co-teaching situations. This book shows you the correct way to respect and value another person’s opinion and style without discrediting or being cavalier about it. It teaches the value of a partner in a co-teaching situation. You learn about your role and the role of your partner. Knowing your role in a partnership means that you can better meet the expectations of your partner and have them meet yours. It makes it easier to carry your part of the load.
This book is very clear. It has proper examples of situations that you might be handling wrong. It is also very practical. The author’s experience and ability are seen clearly through the way the message and subject matter are conveyed. These are two very important qualities in a guide book especially one that covers such an expertise-based profession.
Co-Teaching: The Professional Behind the M.A.S.K. is very relevant for co-teaching professionals, but some of the tips can be applied to other types of partnerships. Respect for each other and appreciation of the differences between each are the building blocks of a good successful partnership. The author understands this and it is clearly seen in this book. Many stars for the sheer simplicity of this book. The author does not make it too complicated. The seriousness and importance of the subject matter are well conveyed by the tone and voice of the book.
Pages: 94 | ASIN: B07ZQYJW33
LITERARY TITAN 