Why Devin?

You know the kid that just doesn’t fit? He's short tempered, a little odd, a little awkward, clumsy, undeveloped, and just hard to like? What does he want more than anything? To be liked. Devin from my book, Devin and His Shape-Shifting Sister, is that kid.

But there’s more to him than even he knows. He just needs a little acceptance. The best way to accept someone is to get inside their head and see the world from their point of view.  We’re all wired our unique way but sadly, many adults (even teachers) don’t understand why all children can’t be normal the first time, even after two or three tries. Some kids, like Devin, take several tries to get it right.  He’s just wired a little differently.

But, the reality is, the world isn’t designed for kids like Devin who need a little extra time, a few more pushes to think normally. People aren’t wired to accept a kid who questions everything and complies only when he fully understands. And not many work places are going to allow employees to follow the chain of command when the employee is up to it.

The people leading these children have the responsibility to understand them, provide a safe place for them to grow, and guide these children toward being able to function in a society that will expect them to get it the first time or two.

These children will have an easier life if they can figure out the worldly system and mold them self to fit. However, we can teach something to all children that make both lives better, the empathizer and the one needing it.

I hope my book can plant even a small seed of empathy, as well as provide at least a tiny hint of enlightenment in children like Devin that says, “My happiness begins with me taking the first step," and, "acceptance in this world starts with my acceptance of others, first.”