I Just Want to Be Me: Lela's Adventures on Her Way to a New School

I Just Want to Be Me is a poetically styled short story, a 36-page picture book, influenced by my mother, who frequently told me that" if we put all our troubles on the table, most of us would take back our own."

I Just Want to Be Me is about a young girl who faces a new chapter in her life. Her family has moved to a new neighborhood, and she will attend her first day at a new school. As she walks alone down a path leading to the school, her fears and anxiety start to take over as she gets drawn into and influenced by the elements surrounding her. Escapism takes over.

Ultimately, she learns that the best person she could be is already there in her heart and uniqueness.

The book serves as a stepping stone for parents and grandparents to teach their children and grandchildren, from five to nine years old, lessons about facing life's challenges.