Overview

Sandy Writes Her Story is a heartfelt picture book about living with invisible illness or invisible struggles and finding healing through creativity, self-authorship, and connection. When Sandy meets Thea, a wise turtle who encourages her to share her story, she learns to name her feelings, honor her limits, and discover that even when her illness can't be seen, she can-and her story matters. A tender celebration of emotional expression, self-authorship, and the importance of being seen, Sandy Writes Her Story is written for children-and the adults who support-them navigating chronic illness, big feelings, and the early stages of self-understanding.

Full Product Details

9781578692286

Table of Contents

Reviews

""This book is for every adult and child who sees in storytelling the promise of connection and healing."" -Sharon Ravitch, PhD, professor of practice at University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education ""So many children and adults carry unseen struggles that are often unspoken, unnamed, and invisible. Sandy Writes Her Story offers a powerful reminder that healing begins the moment someone feels seen, heard, and validated. This story gently helps give language to what is hard to express, inviting us to make the invisible visible, connect mind and body, and hold space for inner experiences. We need more books like this in children's literature-stories that honor what lives beneath the surface and remind us that none of us are alone."" -Tammi Van Hollander, author of The Bibliotherapy Toolbox, Casey's Greatness Wings, and The Loving Stop Sign ""Invisible illnesses often go unseen, but they are never unfelt. They challenge the body, the mind, and the spirit-and they demand care that listens deeply, thinks holistically, and never gives up. This book, and the story of Sandy, is a testament to what's possible when patients and providers walk the path together-with trust, persistence, and hope. May this story offer strength to those still searching for answers, and a reminder that healing is not only possible-it's real."" -Dr. Anjali Dsouza, MD, board-certified physician and founder of the District Center for Integrative Medicine ""Some journeys are quiet, but they change everything. That is often life with an invisible illness. Sandy shows us that sharing our story is not just an act of courage, but a pathway to healing-for ourselves and for others."" -Rachel Hill, bestselling author and multi award-winning thyroid patient advocate

Author Information

Jo Pittman is a sea otter-loving licensed school and mental health counselor, as well as a board-certified music therapist. She spent a summer in Southeast Alaska, where she encountered several sea otters whose playful, sensitive nature helped her navigate her own journey with chronic illness. These experiences inspired the creation of Sandy the Sea Otter.Drawing from her lived and professional experience with invisible chronic illness, Jo incorporates principles of bibliotherapy-using stories as tools for healing, identity development, and emotional expression-to support others in writing and telling their stories for healing. Tim Knickerbocker is a freelance illustrator and proprietor of ShadowBox Art House, connecting the visual storytelling of illustration with the practicalities of bringing a book to life. He grew up in Western Massachusetts, where his world was shaped by the captivating art of comic books that ignited his profound love for drawing and set him on the path to become the artist he is today! He currently lives with his family in Florida.

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