Inspired by the success of Our Friend Mikayla, we’d been interested in working on another book project with another class to highlight the inclusion of a child with a different type of disability. We believe children are often the best teachers because they are uniquely able to present information for other children their age and developmental level. Written and illustrated by his fourth grade classmates, High Fives and A Big Heart, clearly demonstrates that Jeffrey’s classmates see him as a friend, not a kid with a disability. Donated to every public elementary school in New Jersey in 2013, this incredible tool for teachers and parents will help facilitate greater acceptance of all individuals and their inclusion in our schools and communities. In recognition of our “pioneering efforts to promote inclusion,” Mikayla’s Voice was honored by The National Down Syndrome Society at their Annual Spring Luncheon in 2013. In 2023, a generous sponsorship allowed donation of High Fives and a Big Heart to third graders at Marvine Elementary in the Bethlehem School district. High Fives and a Big Heart was donated to 13 Children’s Hospitals in Pennsylvania
Buy A Book
Mikayla’s Voice is proud to have published four books written and illustrated by children for other kids about having a friend with a disability. Kids are sometime the best teachers because they know what will be most meaningful to other children. Simply explained by these young authors, “All kids are different… so kids with disabilities are really no different than us.”
Brady is challenged by autism, Mikayla was born with a brain injury, Jeffrey has Down syndrome, and Dot has a yellow spot, but these books are about much more than their main characters or their disabilities. They are about friendship. And kindness. Invaluable messages for kids of all ages and abilities.
Invaluable books for every home and classroom. All proceeds benefit Mikayla’s Voice.
