Empowering Young Minds: Unveiling 'What I Can Be Is Up To Me' – A Book That Celebrates Diversity, Empowerment, and Success Lessons
Young Braille Reader Exploring the Print + Braille Book, "What I Can Be Is Up To Me"

Empowering Young Minds: Unveiling 'What I Can Be Is Up To Me' – A Book That Celebrates Diversity, Empowerment, and Success Lessons

Welcome to a new school year, filled with exciting possibilities and opportunities for growth! As stellar educators and dedicated parents, you know that quality education goes beyond textbooks – it's about nurturing young minds and hearts with stories that inspire, empower, and celebrate diversity.

Get ready to be inspired by "What I Can Be Is Up To Me," a captivating and inclusive children's book designed to ignite the imagination of young readers in grades 1-2. This literary treasure is more than just a book – it's an open door to a world of self-discovery and empowerment. As a former elementary teacher and passionate advocate, I'm thrilled to present a story that celebrates the unique abilities of every child and encourages them to believe in themselves, regardless of the world's expectations.

Why "What I Can Be Is Up To Me"?

This delightful book holds a big surprise – every single featured individual, including the skateboarder, is blind or low vision! It's a celebration of the extraordinary abilities that reside within us all, regardless of our circumstances. This enchanting tale goes beyond its narrative; it's a mirror of the diverse and vibrant world we live in. Each character represents a unique facet of our society, fostering empathy and understanding in young hearts. Through collaboration with educational consultants and experts in children's literature, this book has been meticulously crafted to inspire and empower. It's a symbol of the remarkable achievements that are possible when we believe in our limitless potential.

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Clarke Reynolds, aka "The Blind Braille Artist" and his famous yellow braille suit are featured in the book.


Empowerment through Storytelling

At the heart of "What I Can Be Is Up To Me" lies a message of empowerment. Its engaging narrative and vibrant illustrations – created by a visually impaired artist – paint a vivid picture of how embracing our unique abilities shapes who we are. As educators and parents, we know that this lesson lays the foundation for lifelong success.

A World of Inclusivity and Accessibility

What sets "What I Can Be Is Up To Me" apart is its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. This book is a trailblazer, printed in a unique format that combines braille and print within the same pages. But it doesn't stop there – every illustration is accompanied by vivid picture descriptions. This ingenious approach ensures that both braille readers and sighted individuals can engage with the story and its enchanting visuals. The book is a testament to the power of accessibility, demonstrating how braille can benefit both blind and sighted young people. It's a remarkable example of how we can bridge gaps and create a world where every child can explore the pages of a shared story, regardless of their abilities.

Parents and Educators: Ignite Empathy and Inclusion by Empowering the Next Generation with 'What I Can Be Is Up To Me

Empower the next generation to celebrate their unique abilities and see the strength in diversity by bringing "What I Can Be Is Up To Me" into your homes and classrooms. This book is not just a story – it's a tool for shaping young minds, fostering empathy, and igniting a spirit of inclusivity. By introducing children to characters who overcome challenges with resilience and determination, we plant the seeds of a more compassionate and understanding world. Let's stand together and inspire a future where every child believes that they, too, hold the power to create their own path, regardless of any obstacles that come their way.

Get the Book "What I Can Be Is Up To Me" as well as a lesson plan to incorporate it in classrooms at www.WhatICanBeISUpToMe.com

As we celebrate the new school year, let's embrace the power of literature to shape young minds. Let's nurture the spirit of possibility, empathy, and inclusivity. "What I Can Be Is Up To Me" invites us all to be part of a movement that celebrates diversity and empowers young minds.

PS - I am thrilled to offer engaging author visits – either in person or virtually – for your students. I am not only the author of the book, I am a former first and third-grade teacher that brings an energy that is contagious! With a passion for teaching life lessons and success principles through exciting, engaging stories, I have a lot of fun getting students excited to look at life differently! Let's chat about an author visit at your school! (Limited slots are available, so don't miss this opportunity to enrich your students' learning experience! Get info here or send an email to [email protected]

#Inclusion #ChildrensBooks #Inclusivity #Disability #ElementarySchool #Parenting #Blindness #Accessibility #Braille

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Discover the power of embracing ability and advantage in disability through Kristin Smedley's transformative books, impactful speaking engagements, enlightening workshops, and thought-provoking films. Dive into her best-selling book "Thriving Blind" on Amazon , and elevate your next event by booking Kristin at kristinsmedley.com to ignite conversations that foster inclusivity and empowerment.




Nabeel Hayder

|| Professional Illustrator at Bold Design Studio | over 5 years of work experience || children book illustrator | 70+ Published Books | Hand Drawn Illustrations, No AI | Animator | concept art |Open for Commissions

3 个月

What an incredible achievement! "What I Can Be Is Up To Me" is more than just a book—it's a powerful tool for fostering empathy, inclusivity, and resilience in young minds. The dedication you've shown to making this story accessible to all, with the help of National Braille Press, truly sets a new standard for inclusive children's literature. It's inspiring to see how much care went into crafting each word to ensure it resonates with both children and adults alike. I have no doubt that this book will leave a lasting impact in classrooms and homes, empowering the next generation to embrace diversity and their unique strengths. Can't wait to see it inspire countless kids to dream big and be proud of who they are!

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Tara Funk

Embracing Disability “today is today and I’m glad it’s today.”I am #CommittedToAccessibility. Energized by working alongside “Main Street’ business owners as they build capacity around accessibility

1 年

Oh image description: top of a young person‘s head. Child is sitting on a couch with two books on the lap. One with a blue and white cover, and one open to a colorful illustrations page. The child’s fingers are running over the cover. There’s also a hand written note on the child’s lap.

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Kristin Smedley Your work is amazing! This is such a beautiful book, engaging students and celebrating each child’s unique abilities. What a treat to have you in a classroom! No doubt an impactful, fun, transformative experience!

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