People Magazine: 8 Books for Young Readers to Celebrate Disability Pride Month

My copy of Roxie in Color by Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka (Candlewick, 2026) arrived while I was away at my ASL immersion camp in Arizona. Now that I’m home and time-adjusted, I’m ready to dive in. I’ve heard amazing things about this book, and I love when authors and publishers are willing to try new things. That’s the case with this book. The novel is typeset in Atkinson Hyperlegible, a font developed by Braille Institute specifically for low-vision readers, and it’s easy on the eyes even for those of us without vision challenges.

Diane and Stacy were invited by People Magazine to write an article that features books celebrating disabled experiences.  It’s an honor to have my book, The Gallaudet Eleven: The Story of NASA’s Deaf Bioastronauts, included on the list alongside so many talented authors. Take a look.

RECAP: Book launch event for THE GALLAUDET ELEVEN and my month in D. C.

It’s taken me several weeks to write this, for reasons both in and beyond my control. But I’m grateful for the time I’ve had to reflect on it all. To get this right.

The book launch was better than I ever let myself imagine because to imagine it fully would have felt a little too much like tempting fate. So I settled for hoping. For planning. For fussing over the tiniest details. So many things just weren’t falling into place. I worried the men would be disappointed. The path there was messy and hard. I crossed my fingers. I sent prayers up and trusted they’d land. And when the day arrived, it felt less like something I had pulled off and more like something the universe had been patiently, secretly rehearsing. Waiting for its cue.

I will always be a list girl. Here’s how the weekend’s stamped in my heart. Memories. Thoughts. Realizations. The hard stuff, too:

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Win a free, in-person author visit in celebration of Deaf History Month, National Library Week, Disability Book Week, and Earth Day

Friends, there is much to celebrate right now.

April is Deaf History Month.

This week is both National Library Week and Disability Book Week.

And today is Earth Day.

 

So much goodness wrapped together, and all at once, led to an idea. A way to honor each of these things that matter so much to me.

 

I’m a former high school librarian.

I’m deaf.

I write d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing characters.

I write about conservation.

I write about activism, and sometimes about accidental activists.

I write historical nonfiction.

I write historical fiction.

 

This week feels like the perfect time to go big! And I do mean big. Are you ready?

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Book Launch, Signing, Photo Op, and Party Information

Book Launch, Signing, and Photo Op Information

The Gallaudet Eleven: The Story of NASA’s Deaf Bioastronauts

You’re invited to a truly historic afternoon honoring a remarkable group of Deaf Americans whose contributions helped shape the Space Race, yet whose story has remained hidden for decades. The Gallaudet Eleven played a vital role in America’s journey to the moon, and at this special event, their story finally takes center stage.

Even more extraordinary, three of the original Gallaudet Eleven are still living and will be in attendance. More than sixty years after their service, we will publicly recognize them, and if all goes well, there may be some surprise visitors joining us—those who understand the significance of what these men gave to our nation.

We hope the story will inspire millions of children to see that innovation, patriotism, and service come in many forms. As the book’s author, and as a deaf writer myself, I’m proud to share this story.

This may be the last time these three men stand side by side. Join us to witness, celebrate, and honor an unforgettable era in history.

 

INCLUDED BELOW:

  • RSVP form for the event, which includes the RSVP for the GU campus tour (PLEASE FILL THIS OUT!)
  • Book order link
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton booking link
  • Kellogg Hotel booking link

 

Important Details Here: (more…)

Shark Week Contest!

Celebrate Shark Week with an Epic Contest!

 

If you’re like me, the movie “Jaws” likely made you fear the ocean for all eternity. I watched through slatted fingers and vowed never to go into the ocean again. But much later, my daughter took an interest in sharks and eventually majored in marine science—traveling the world to work with sharks. She taught me just how misunderstood they are, not to mention how critical they are for all living things on earth.

 

I’m thrilled that this book celebrates sharks and will hopefully clear up many misconceptions. With themes of shark and ocean conservation, activism, and disability awareness, I hope our main character, Sav, will swim her way into your heart.

 

Make a Little Wave publishes on October 1, 2024, but you can preorder now. And if you do, you’ll be entered to win some prizes.  Here’s how the contest works. (more…)

School Library Journal Article: How I Celebrated Deaf Awareness Month and More in My High School Library by Kerry O’Malley Cerra

I loved being a high school media specialist, and even though it was necessary to leave and get back to writing full-time, I miss it! I especially miss talking books with students and making fabulous book displays. See how I used to spotlight themes throughout the year in my library, and hopefully, you’ll gain new ideas, too.

Strategies to Spotlight Books for Deaf Awareness Month

School Visit: All Saints School

Guys, I had so much fun visiting All Saints School this week. It was my second visit in two years, and while I spoke to the entire middle school the first time around, this time was super cool because I visited first with the 8th graders alone and then with the sixth graders. I love having more individual time with kids in a smaller setting. It feels more personal, and we have better discussions.

The middle school literature teacher, Cindy Gress, is passionate about books and reading and writing. Is there any better type ofeducator? He enthusiasm has spilled over into every single one of these kids. Case in point, she introduced her eighth graders to NaNoWriMo, and they are now eagerly plotting novels before they begin the challenge of writing an entire book this November. Guys, even I’ve never been brave enough to tackle NaNo, and these kids are going for it. I can’t wait to check in with them along the way and see how things are going. I tried to impart a little help regarding plot, character development, raising tension, and so forth, and I hope some of the pointers will help them along the way.


When it was time for the sixth graders to come, I waited in the classroom while Mrs. Gress retrieved them from their previous class. She’d told me they were super excited to meet me–after having read my book for their summer reading assignment–but I was not prepared for how excited they were. Seriously, one girl nearly broke down crying when she first saw me. I’m talking on the floor, doubled over, couldn’t catch her breath excitement. For me! Pretty crazy. I spent the next hour giving hugs, answering questions, signing books, and enjoying the company of some amazing kids.

I really love my job!

Book Review: MY SEVENTH GRADE LIFE IN TIGHTS by Brooks Benjamin

My Seventh-Grade Life in TightsMy Seventh-Grade Life in Tights by Brooks Benjamin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this book compelling. There’s something really cool about a group of kids doing their own thing, in their own way, and being totally okay with it. While covering topics that will make kids stop and think, it thankfully avoids cliches that can seem lesson-y. Props to Dillon and the Dizzee Freekz. And to the author, Brooks Benjamin.

I’d compare this to the YA book–of equal awesomeness–Spin the Sky by Jill Mackenzie. I’m so glad books like these exist.

View all my reviews