What do you wish more kids understood about Down syndrome?
I wish more kids understood that my brother and other kids with Down syndrome aren’t scary. They don’t have a disease. They’re kids just like us. They’re a little different, but we’re all different in our own way.
I wish kids wouldn’t judge them based on how they act or look, because that doesn’t tell you who they are. It’s what’s on the inside that matters. More than anything, I want kids to understand that they have feelings just like us, and they want to hang out with us, too.
They want us to invite them and play with them, and I don’t blame them! None of us wants to feel weird or left out. We all want to feel like we belong, and that matters for everyone.
Your message encourages readers to see the person, not just the disability. What does that mean to you?
It means the world to me. It means people actually pay attention to who someone is instead of only noticing their disability. Basically, they look on the inside, too, and get to know the person. They don’t just see the disability. They see the ability!
How did it feel when students met Sterling and had the opportunity to ask questions?
It felt great because it seemed like they really wanted to get to know Sterling instead of judging him based on something they didn’t understand. Their questions made me feel like they wanted to learn about him as a person and understand what he can do, instead of assuming his disability would stop him.
Were there any questions from students that surprised you or stayed with you?
One question that stayed with me was, “What is it like to have a brother with special needs?” Most kids didn’t ask that, and it made me feel like they cared about both me and Sterling. They wanted to know my side of the story, too, which I really liked.
I told them it can be difficult sometimes, but there are lots of good parts, too. He can be an annoying little brother just like any younger sibling! He loves taking my phone on purpose and interrupting me when I’m talking to my friends. I mean, siblings can be bothersome, but we still love them!
How does it feel to see a book you wrote in second grade finally become a published book?
It feels really amazing to see something I wrote in second grade become a published book and know that it can reach so many people. I wish it had been published earlier, but I’m really happy it’s available now. It makes me proud to think it could make a difference for people who don’t know much about kids with special needs.
Did you change anything from your original story before publishing it? Why or why not?
The book is still very close to my original writing, but I added a few things to help people understand more. When my mom and I read it to classes over the years, we would explain things as we went and answer questions afterward.
When people read the book on their own, we aren’t there to do that. So I wanted to include more of what we would usually share, especially about Down syndrome and Sterling himself.
What were the most exciting and most challenging parts of becoming a published author?
The most exciting part is that I’m an author now! My book can help people learn about kids with special needs, not only kids with Down syndrome. I’m excited that it might help readers realize that people who seem different really aren’t that different from them after all.
The most challenging part is knowing that some older kids might not read it because it’s a children’s book. That breaks my heart a little because I wrote it for everyone, no matter their age.
What do you hope children will think, feel, or do differently after reading your book?
I hope children will be more accepting of people with disabilities and include them. I don’t want them to think badly of someone just because that person is different from them. Kids with special needs don’t deserve that, and they have so much to offer! I also hope my book inspires other kids to write a book of their own.
Sterling offers kindness. He teaches me patience and helps me think about things differently. He reminds me to slow down and stop and smell the flowers. His smile lights up a room, and his high fives and fist bumps are the best!
What advice would you give another young person who has an important story or message to share?
Go for it! Do what your heart tells you to do and share your story. You can make a difference in this world. Even when it’s hard, it’s totally worth the effort!
What would Sterling say about having a sister who wrote a book inspired by him?
I think Sterling would say that he’s an amazing influence and that he’s changed everything in my life! He would also say that I’m the most amazing big sister he could have!
Are there more books you would like to write? If so, what kinds of stories or subjects interest you?
There are a few more books I’d like to write. Most would be about Sterling, but one might be a murder mystery! I don’t know if I’ll write all of them, but I’d like to sometime in the future.
If you could share one message with every classroom during World Down Syndrome Day, what would it be?
Don’t judge someone based on how they look or what disability they have. Get to know what kind of person they are and how they treat you. Look on the inside to see who they really are and what they have to offer the world.