Canny, Melinda J.: - Melinda Canny is a world traveler, Army Veteran, amateur photographer, published poet and lifelong storyteller. Melinda has seen the profound effect of encouragement on children with disabilities. She worked diligently to teach her son, a child with learning disabilities, that the only thing that made him different was how he learned. Ultimately, he succeeded in everything he tried. Melinda wants all children with disabilities to know that they have value and with the right support, can do most anything they want.Her Ashwind series follows a group of magically gifted children who must learn to work together to save their realm. Some must battle discrimination because of their differences, while others must overcome the fears they have of the abilities they've been given.