Local Teacher Becomes Groundbreaking Author

Mudelein special education teacher Kyle Fiorelli had a problem. "When looking at books that feature children with disabilities, I found that most of them focused on the disability." Fiorelli shares. With nowhere to turn, Kyle set out to write a children's book that focused on the child first, and now has added 'author' to her resume. Kyle has a new book coming out called Simply Mae, a children's book about a young girl with an active imagination and cerebral palsy.

"I wanted to create a story that focused on the character who just happens to use a walker." Her book is an imaginative thread of colorful, creative illustrations featuring Mae and her walker, "Wendy". The two take on pirate ships, evil elves, space aliens and even a dragon. It paints Mae as an exceptional kid, with a vivid imagination and a mind for adventure. Much like any child her age, Mae is a character that anyone can identify with, and that is a message about children with disabilities that many need to understand.

"I hope my book will allow children with disabilities to finally see themselves in a story." Fiorelli's book is already gathering critical acclaim.