Local author pens book to showcase main characters with disabilities

August 23, 2021 | 12:07 am

Updated August 22, 2021 | 3:24 pm

Courtney Daugherty

Courtney Daugherty has had a passion for writing since grade school, but never wrote with purpose until after her daughter died from a rare heart defect — leading to her recently publishing Different Is Normal.

“I began advocating for babies born with [congenital heart disease] and it wasn’t until the pandemic that I decided to start venturing into children’s books,” Daugherty said. “I found out that less than 4 percent of all children’s literature featured a disabled main character and decided I wanted to be one of those 4 percenters.”

Instead of just one character with a disability, Daugherty created a book with representations of children born with Alopecia, Down syndrome, limb deficiencies and more. 

“My favorite part of my book is the last page, where facts on childhood diseases, disabilities and more can be found,” she said. “Not only is my book medically inclusive but it also features children from around the world, different cultures and ethnicities.”

Daugherty said the book is great for children, especially in the classroom or in homes with children that can find themselves represented in this book. 

“There are lots of lines and illustrations in my book that can raise questions leading to educational and informative conversations leading to children understanding more about their peers, inclusivity and even self-acceptance,” she said. 

The book can be found on Amazon or purchased directly from Daugherty. 

She is also hoping to get some events scheduled at local schools to share her book with students from across the county. 

“I may never become rich or famous from my children’s books,” Daugherty said. “But if even one child can see themselves or their lifestyle represented for the first time in art because of my books, then that’s enough reason for me to continue writing.”

August 23, 2021 | 12:07 am

Share this Article

Other articles you may like