South San Francisco, CA September 21, 2013
A LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM ME
Congratulations to South City’s own Brenda L. Valencia on the publication of her new book ‘A Little Different From Me‘. We look forward to seeing your new book along side your first one at our South San Francisco Public Library in the very near future!!
From Brenda:
In just a few weeks, A LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM ME, will be released to the public. This book introduces children to other children who have special needs or may be a little different from them. It teaches them understanding and compassion for others in a fun rhyme scheme. KEEP AN EYE OUT!!!!
Sneak peek at, “A Little Different From Me”. Coming soon to a bookstore near you. Illustrations by Kirsten Winkelbauer.
“A Little Different From Me” introduces young children to other children with special needs. The actual story line is about my own brother, David. And it shows who he is a person. **Release date: OCTOBER 2013
About Valencia’s first book: “WHAT ABOUT ME?” is a story about how a sibling of a child with special needs can easily feel left out. This book shows a child that feeling this way is normal, and also shows how to look at having a brother or sister who is special in a positive way.
Who is this incredible writer and why this subject?
When I was 6 years old, my brother David was born with Cerebral Palsy. I didn’t know then what an impact he would have on my life, but I know now. The first 7 years of David’s life were spent in and out of hospitals (as he would continually have seizures), doctor’s offices, and with physical therapists. Doctor’s had thought he would never walk or communicate. But David proved them wrong. Today, David is walking,running, climbing, talking, and reading. He has the warmest soul and his beautiful light touches everyone he meets. David’s differences are what makes him so unique, and it is for this reason that I write. I write to teach children about people with special needs and to help spread an understanding for everyone’s differences, special or not. I don’t write for fame or fortune, I write to help families of children with special needs and disabilities. But most importantly, I write for my brother, David.
Valencia’s Biography
Brenda Valencia is a San Francisco Peninsula native, and an alumnus of San Francisco State University, where she studied English & Creative Writing. She comes from a very large extended family, and is the eldest of 3 children. Much of her work is centered around her family, but she finds her greatest joy in writing about her brother David, who was born with Cerebral Palsy. She credits much of her inspiration in writing and life to him, and has made her focus in writing to teach children (and adults) compassion and understanding for people with special needs and differences.
To contact Valencia: BLV711@HOTMAIL.COM
To order “WHAT ABOUT ME?” click HERE
AMAZON has Valencia rated 5 stars out of 5!
What others are saying about Valencia’s book:
INSPIRATIONAL! This book was an easy read, but nevertheless is truly inspirational for all ages. I’m looking forward to future reads…
HEART WARMING! It was a very heart warming story. I am so glad you had the opportunity to share your story with the world.
AWESOME CHILDREN’S BOOK! This is an amazing children’s book because it is written from an empathetic point of view that can be easily understood/ reaped to from a younger person’s point of view. Extremely well written and illustrated! I hope the author continues writing books like these because they can have a huge impact in the lives of children that can relate, amazing job and kudos to the author!
VERY REAL – MUST READ! One word to describe this book. REAL. I really like the concept of this authors book, to bring awareness to everyone. Everything in this book is so real from the story to the drawings. More books should be like this. Hopefully this author comes out with more books. Its a MUST read!
The star of this story DAVID VALENCIA is celebrated on his 21st birthday by his sister Brenda in this heartwarming video she created for his special day. To view this video click HERE
Yesterday, was my little brother David’s 21st birthday. I wanted to make his 21st birthday a special event because there was a point in time that we feared we might lose him, but look at him now. A few months ago my cousin, Austin Valencia, and I collaborated together and decided a short documentary on David would be an awesome way to tribute David’s life. And so after a few months of filming, hours of editing, and some troubleshooting with the uploading, I am proud to present……THE BEAT OF HIS OWN DRUM.
HUGE THANK YOU TO:
AUSTIN for using his talents for good, and MY FAMILY for participating in yet another of my crazy ideas.
And to DAVID, I love you Poopie. HAPPY 21st Birthday.