INTRODUCTION
The idea for this book brewed from my oldest son’s struggles in school. I was constantly being told about the trouble he was creating, and although I acknowledged his disruptive behavior, I also knew that there had to be a reason why he was struggling so much. Why was he the “class clown”? Why was he frustrated? Why was he having meltdowns and crippling fear at home? What was going on with my funny, sensitive, happy kid?
When my son was nine years old, my questions were answered. After comprehensive testing, he was diagnosed with obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD), and later, his therapist included attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I finally knew the why, and through the years, my husband and I would learn how to properly support him. Through therapy, skills he’s learned, and a new school that sees his strengths and supports his growth, he is able to be an active listener and learner in his classes.
The process of discovery we went through as a family led me to wonder about what other people went through in their childhoods, which then led me to write this book. It became my quest to help kids with troublemakers, like OCD, in their life, and to shine a light on the superpowers within us all. Also, another goal was to encourage people to develop more understanding for those of us who may seem different from what society deems “normal,” and I hope that this book helps those who seek understanding.
When this book was near its final stages, my youngest—who is nonbinary, sensitive, and insightful—was diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. All of it made learning extremely challenging for them and also explained why they were in tears every day before and after school. The research I had done for this book gave me the knowledge and strength to help them succeed despite the trouble they were facing.
I know firsthand as a mom with kids who have differences, and as someone who has also tangoed with my own anxiety and ADHD my whole life, how challenging the journey can be. But I also know that it’s going to be OK. We all have challenges that can help us to see our gifts, and I hope that this book helps kids and adults understand their differences, the differences in others, and leaves them inspired by the fact that our differences make the world a better place.
In this book, you will find stories about people who faced some sort of trouble or silent struggle in their life, had a turning point, and became successful in their ambitions. Some people are well known, and some are not, but they all have incredible stories that I hope will help any reader feel comfort, kinship, and confidence to become whomever they want to be and to do whatever they wish to do. –Keely Grand
Copyright © 2023 by Keely Grand; Illustrated by Ragon Dickard. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
