Troublemakers and Superpowers: 29 Stories of People Who Turned Childhood Struggles into Strengths - Softcover

Grand, Keely

Softcover

ISBN 10: 163217300X ISBN 13: 9781632173003

Publisher: Little Bigfoot, 2023

Synopsis

A unique and hopeful biography collection that explores the lives of 29 individuals from diverse backgrounds who turned their childhood struggles – their personal “troublemakers” – into strengths that enabled them to live their lives to the fullest. Troublemakers and Superpowers is filled with hopeful stories that explore the lives of 29 individuals from diverse backgrounds who have had to navigate a “troublemaker” in their childhood, such as trauma, depression, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, or dyslexia. Each of these individuals had a turning point in their life that enabled them to understand not only their struggles but also their strengths and ultimately learn how to use them to go after their dreams. This biography collection includes stories of people from all walks of life. Did you know… Greta Thunberg used the strengths she discovered with her Asperger’s Syndrome to start a climate revolution. Jonathan Van Ness’s (JVN) struggle with childhood trauma and depression pushed him to learn self-love. Ed Sheeran overcame a stutter with the help of music. Emma Stone struggles with anxiety and discovered acting helps her manage her condition. Trevor Noah grew up in South Africa navigating the strict rules of apartheid, the inflexible traditions of catholic school, and being a kid with undiagnosed ADHD. Discovering stand-up enabled him to turn his fascinating life story into comedy. Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock struggled with dyslexia then discovered the benefits of her condition – good 3D spatial awareness – were ideal for a career as a space scientist. Each profile includes a full-page illustrated portrait, and three pages devoted to the subject’s inspiring story that is interwoven with vibrant, playful art and illustrated quotes that highlight significant moments in each subject's story. The book also includes: A foreword for kids and an afterword for adults written by a licensed therapist to provide a mental health context for readers. Definitions of the variety of conditions, disorders, and traumas covered in the book, vetted by mental health experts. A list of resources on topics covered in the book.

About this title

About the Author

KEELY GRAND is a mom, author, personal trainer, and wellness specialist. Her interest in people, specifically their health, gifts, and challenges, was sparked by years of trying to find ways to connect with her younger cousin who lived with severe cerebral palsy. She earned a Master’s degree in Health Communication from Emerson College and has worked as a community health educator, a cross country and track coach, and freelance writer. Diagnosed in adulthood with anxiety and ADHD, she manages her own troublemakers through exercise, speaking with a therapist, and practicing yoga. RAGON DICKARD is a Seattle-based illustrator who loves to make art with monsters, animals, people, and fruits and vegetables. She’s inspired by folk art, printmaking, animation, and kitschy things she finds at Goodwill.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

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

Edition details

• Publisher: Little Bigfoot
• Publication date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 163217300X
• ISBN 13: 9781632173003
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Dickard Ragon
• Number of pages: 128