Becoming Vanessa
Vanessa is nervous she will not fit in on her first day of school, but she hopes a special outfit will show her new classmates she is someone they should know. You can also check out this title as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby.
To Vanessa, With Love
Neurodiversities refer to different ways people experience the world. These conditions include (but are not limited to):
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Depression
- Dyslexia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Schizophrenia
- Tourette’s syndrome
One of the rarest of diversities is synesthesia. This neurological condition causes senses to blend, or one sense to trigger another sense. For example, a person may perceive a written letter with a color. Or a shape with a taste. Or a sound with a feeling.
Famous musicians with this sensory ability include Duke Ellington, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder and Prince. To library people, Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a rock star too. Her children’s books offer stunning illustrations and uplifting stories.
Brantley-Newton herself experiences synesthesia and dyslexia. She uses these unique perceptions–and the stigma she endured growing up–to infuse her books with joy, warmth, inclusion and self-confidence. Seriously, each book feels like a big hug.
Vanessa and her work prove to kids (and adults) that neurodiversities are nothing to be ashamed of, in fact they make the world a more interesting place. Her books are all about celebrating how unique and wonderful we all are.
Check out the following books to immerse yourself in Vanessa’s kind and vibrant world.
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If you have any additional questions, you can contact a librarian through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. You can also call us at 412.622.3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org.
Drum City
A summer parade, a drummer parade, a magical bucket-and-bowl serenade!
Early Sunday Morning
As she nervously prepares for her first solo in the church youth choir, June collects helpful advice from family and friends. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
Grandma's Purse
When Grandma Mimi comes to visit, her granddaughter cannot wait to see what treasures she has hidden in her purse.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook and an eAudioBook on OverDrive/Libby.
Just Like Me
An ode to the girl with scrapes on her knees and flowers in her hair, and every girl in between. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
The King of Kindergarten
Instilled with confidence by his parents, a young boy has a great first day of kindergarten. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby or as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby.
Magic Trash : The Story of Tyree Guyton and His Art
This picture-book biography of Tyree Guyton, an urban environmental activist, shows how he transformed his decaying, crime-ridden neighborhood into the Heidelberg Project, an interactive sculpture park. You can also check out this title as eBook on Hoopla.
A Night Out With Mama
From Academy Award-nominated actress Quvenzhané Wallis comes a story about glitz, glamour, and the most important thing of all–family.