Children’s book author Irma Hersel wrote and published her book Where Nopalitas Grow. The heartwarming story celebrates cultural diversity, including spanish words throughout the text and a glossary in the back of the book. When a boy visits his abuela’s Mexican village in his dreams he is enchanted by the scenery and the flavors of nopalitas. Available on Amazon
As a teen on her own in Brazil, Vanusa sold candy on the streets to raise enough money to buy herself a cell phone so she could study to pass the difficult Vestibular exam and get into college. With hard work, she passed the exam with flying colors. Local St. Augustine 7th grader Nicole Haragutchi heard her story, and knew she had to help to make Vanusa’s dream a reality. With a history of helping others with skills in STEM and the arts, Nicole once again put her talents together, and published Vanusa’s biography as a children’s book – Vanusa’s Dream. All proceeds of the book go towards Vanusa’s education at Ponte Grosse State University.
As a board-certified pediatrician and a mom, Dr. Letisha Jefferson became very passionate about making kids feel less intimidated and more empowered at the doctor’s office through her book – Zoe’s Day With Dr. J. The book follows Zoe to the doctor for her well check-up with Dr. J, promoting literacy and wellness.
Local Ponte Vedra students Carter Magnano and Sarah Park have collected stories from refugee children in their book New Beginnings: Refugee Children’s Tales of Hope and Resilience. Alongside the youth nonprofit organization JaxTHRIVE, the profits go directly to efforts for refugee children in America.
Since Jeffery and Laura May’s son was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old, they have been working to help him understand his mind, and the challenges and strengths it brings to the table. “We struggled to find a resource that truly resonated,” they said. So they wrote and published Our Amazing Minds. It follows Jackson and his friends to an exciting yet nerve-wracking trip to the museum that affects each of their minds uniquely. “Our hope is that this book will serve as a tool for parents and educators to gain a deeper understanding of the autism spectrum and their amazing minds,” they said.
Co-authored by a genetic genealogist Kathryn Knight and former elementary school teacher, Jane Wood, Finding Family Treasure was written to help kids better connect with their past and present. The fifth graders in the book use a school project to learn about their different family histories and ethnicities.
