There are some things you need to know. When you adopt a one-eyed kitten, understand that he’s probably been through a lot. Maybe he’s been very sick and faced the surgical knife. Maybe he’s lived on the street and felt a clawing slice or been shunned by his own family. You might expect these experiences would make him…

Writer Meet the Internet — In figuring out what I wanted to be when I grew up, the journey took many twists and sharp turns. In addition to merely considering many different fields, I worked more jobs than anyone I know at my age. At the tender age of 34, I’ve crossed more occupations off…

Our Autistic Expression — In this installment, I recap all I’ve discovered about myself and the Scientist in all our preferred, fashionable glory. Your Fashion is Not Our Fashion We are nonjudgmental and do not hold anyone to the standards to which we hold ourselves. It’s critical you understand this if you read on. A Time and a Place The destination, setting, and intended mood…

Some picture books are too good to pass up. A STORY ABOUT AFIYA, written by James Berry and illustrated by Anna Cunha, is a magical trip into the world of a young girl. We follow Afiya, whose name means “physical, mental, and spiritual health” in Swahili, as she encounters the…

Our Autistic Expression Rules are meant to be broken, but to break them intentionally as the quote suggests, I have to know what they are. My ignorance is no defense, but just know by the stunned look on my face, the reddening of my cheeks, and the sudden lack of eye contact- if…

A Plea for Child Carers, Rearers, and Engagers — Scenario 1 I’m on the self-check-out line at the grocery store, waiting for a free machine. It’s busier than usual and a few of us wait our turn. A woman looks up from scanning a cartful of items and sees the line of customers backing up — she seems stressed, a bit…

The author explains it all. — MADDIE STEINER, FASHION DESIGNER is the first picture book for Kid Lit Motivates, but hopefully not the last. …

From the Scientist While Sunshine and I have been strategically planning the future of Kid Lit Motivates, we stopped to consider our primary goals. While we discussed content and presentation at length, we realized something important. Content is less relevant to us than we previously imagined. Our learning philosophy is a framework upon…

The 4th of July was not actually a ceremonious date in our history. The actual signing of the Declaration of Independence wasn’t completed until mid-August. On July 2nd, the press reported that we had declared our independence, and on July 4th, the Continental Congress approved the text of the Declaration…