What Makes Me...Me is a wonderful children's book that shines a light on children who have neurological differences, such as Tourette's. It's a story about a little boy who has a brain that may work differently, but he doesn't let that stop him from living his best life. Even when the other kids may point or laugh, he keeps his chin up and doesn't let it get him down.
As the parent of a child on the spectrum, and as someone who has lived with OCD (needing to move things into different positions until they're just right or else I have muscle spasms/facial tics) since I was a child, this book really resonated with me. I enjoyed how it was written in an easy to understand way for young children, but also allows for open discussion about differences with young readers and their parents.
The illustrations are also lovely and really bring the story to life. It's a cute book, but also deals with a very important subject. And any book that helps kids understand other children who may be different so they can learn to be compassionate and kind is always a plus in my book.
5 stars!
GUEST POST
“Pageants and Paperbacks”
For most people, the word pageant conjures up
images of big hair, sparkly dresses, and world peace. But for others it’s so
much more than that — including me. Last year, I entered my first ever pageant
at the age of 34. At first most of my friends and family didn’t understand why
I signed up but when I explained why, they got it. Entering a pageant gave me a
platform to stand on and to share the story of my family.
In September 2021 I was crowned Mrs. Michigan American (part of the Mrs.
America pageant system). When the crown was placed on my head, I knew I had a
huge opportunity and responsibility to help end the stigma around Tourette
Syndrome in youth. Through the use of What Makes Me…Me, I did just that. I
spent the next year of my reign sharing my story and the story of my son.
Reading to classrooms, talking to educators and others in our communities, and
donating copies of my book to kids across Michigan.
Throughout my entire reign, What Makes Me…Me was at the center of my
advocacy. Sharing a story that helps teach compassion to children was an
important key in ending the stigma around Tourette. Over the past 6 months I
was able to donate over 350 copies of my book to schools and Little Free
Libraries throughout the U.S. mainly because of the women I met through
pageants. My goal is to help kids like my son feel understood and seen, one
book and one state at a time
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