A Story from the Heart...
Fifth-grader Javon has the big responsibility of being a Book Buddy to a kindergartner named Richard. But when he meets Richard for the first time, he isn't so sure he's up for the challenge. Richard won't talk to Javon or even look at him. He seems sad, but Javon quickly realizes that Richard reminds him a whole lot of himself at that age, and Javon is determined to help his new friend.
Both boys learn a lot that year, but what Javon learns from Richard is the most important lesson of all: that helping someone find their happiness can make your own heart happy, too.
Children need to be taught they have unique gifts they can be proud of and that make them special. They need to know how to cope when the world feels like a big, scary place, and they need to be reminded of the things that make them happy so when they are sad, they can remember those things. With these tools in their tool belts, children can grow in self-confidence and learn to thrive in their world.
About the Author: Amie Dean, M.Ed., B.A. has worked in education since 1993. She has experience teaching at all levels, and has taught both special and general education. She was with Fulton County Schools (GA) for ten years, four of which she provided support to teachers and students as the Student Support/RTI Coordinator for her middle school. She holds a Master's degree in Education and is Nationally Board Certified as an Exceptional Needs Specialist. With decades of experience as an educator and a professional consultant, Amie has worked with thousands of teachers, counselors and administrators in over 250 districts to improve best practices in behavior support, student engagement, and differentiated instruction. Amie has trained with Dr. Rick DuFour, Dr. Kay Burke, Dr. Spencer Kagan, Dr. Ruby Payne, and many others.
Susan Keeter has illustrated over a dozen titles, including picture books on Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman and 18th-century poet Phillis Wheatley. Keeter's work has received best children's book awards from Bank St. College and the Society of School Librarians International, and one of her books was a finalist for the NAACP Image Award. Keeter has done mission work in Ghana, West Africa, and volunteers with grassroots organizations in her hometown of Syracuse, New York. She has a Master of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University and lives in a 100-year-old house with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, two cats and a mouse.
