![]() Learning from our each differently lived lives is our best resource. Peyton : Carol and I write stories to show we are all better together. I was grateful to have Peyton as the subject-matter expert to guide the descriptions of Charity’s thoughts, emotions, senses, and movements so we could help readers understand autism from the inside out. Insight into someone else’s world helps us build empathy and understanding. To see the world through new eyes is the great gift of fiction. Peyton describes autism as having a differently wired brain, and one of our goals was to help readers understand what that feels like. How did you research Charity and the circumstances she found herself in?Ĭarol : Because Charity’s journey is inspired by Peyton’s experiences, we based many of her traits and perceptions on Peyton. One dear girl who, like our character, types to talk wrote: “ HAVING SOMEONE WHO HAS LIVED WITHOUT SPEECH LETS ME KNOW I AM NOT ALONE AND THERE IS LIGHT IN UNEXPECTED PLACES.” She also told us how hopeful the book made her feel: “LISTENING TO AUTISTIC VOICES WILL OPEN DOORS TO A WORLD WHERE WE ARE NOT ONLY ACCEPTED BUT VALUED AND APPRECIATED.” Reading her beautiful words, Peyton and I knew that all the hard work was worthwhile. This book allows them to finally feel seen and heard. Other nonspeaking kids very much relate to Charity’s struggles. REAL is one of the first middle-grade novels to feature a nonspeaking protagonist. Some of the most memorable interactions have been with classes of special needs children who read our book. Charity offers assurance that each human is valuable and worthy of respect.Ĭarol : On our virtual book tour this past year, Peyton and I had the honor of interacting with kids from all over the country. Peyton : All kids, all people, look upset if told they are no one, don’t belong, are pertinent-not. What do you think she can offer to other children that are experiencing similar situations to what she went through? Charity never fails to persevere, each time upping her trying by summoning her purpose. The real point of the story is that she deserved to be included all along. With no voice, Charity had no way to convince people that she deserved to be included. This part of the book is heartbreaking, and writing these chapters brought us many tears. She’s not given opportunities to be included in clubs, sports, and social events. She has been pushed out of view, segregated in special classes and a special school that is not special at all. But the suffering comes from Peyton’s truth, and it is the reality of many people who are labeled as “less than.” At the start of the book, Charity is not seen as a real person. We wish that Charity did not suffer in the beginning of the book. Is there anything you wish Charity would have changed or done differently in her story?Ĭarol : Gosh, that's hard to say. Our character Charity is able to maintain that open, forgiving heart in spite of everything she has endured. But the word charity originally meant open-hearted love for all humanity. Most people hear the word charity and think pity-we are charitable to those who have less and perhaps even perceive them as less. We named our character Charity to reflect this trait. But Peyton’s most admirable quality is her power to open her heart with empathy toward all and forgiveness to those who hurt her. Overcoming these challenges is astounding. Armed with a means of communication, she went on to graduate valedictorian from college. Peyton describes that moment as her rebirth. In her very first session, she typed, “I am intelligent.” Her parents were overwhelmed with joy. It was only at age 22 that she was introduced to a communication technique called supported typing. Despite her loving parents’ best efforts, Peyton was segregated, isolated, and suffered abuse from those trusted to care for her. She started life with no dependable voice and an unpredictable body. It is holy joy.Ĭarol : My co-author Peyton is one of the most inspiring people I know. In typing, she finally speaks, and mists of pity begin to dissipate. Her moping cry to join in perturbs but is the only way she can communicate. Her kettle explosion opportunes persons to hear her pain. Peyton : Most admirable is her pertinent pop. What do you think is her most admirable quality? Each dawn the world declares I’m puny and cuts off opportunities. Unfortunately, she had to convince the rest of the world she deserved that opportunity. From the start, we knew that Charity was eager to learn. As authors, we listen and ask them questions. Like a Polaroid picture, she started out fuzzy and came into focus with time. She is her own self, and it took us time to get to know her. Like Peyton, Charity is autistic and needs support to do many things. Carol : Our hero Charity was inspired by the life of my co-author Peyton Goddard.
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