Local author Jannesy DeLeon writes about inclusion and accessibility in her series of books inspired by her own family, writes Matteo Iadonisi for 6abc Action News.
DeLeon is the author of three children’s books, each featuring protagonists with disabilities inspired by her children Gabby and Nicky. Her first book, Tag! You’re It, features Gabrielle, a wheelchair user, as she plays tag with other children.
DeLeon shared that the family’s experience with disability taught her to prioritize empathy and inclusion. Gabby and Nicky inspired her to ultimately pursue her career as an author to share these values.
About her work and its impact, DeLeon said, “My goal is to normalize a main character with multiple disabilities because they deserve the spotlight too.”
After publishing Tag! You’re It in 2022, Jannesy DeLeon’s additional works include 2023’s Not A Shot. Most recently, DeLeon published Here Comes Sam, which features Gabby and Nicky and the family’s rescue dog Sam.
The family currently lives in East Stroudsburg. Chester County shoppers can find DeLeon’s books locally at Soltane Café in Phoenixville. Soltane prioritizes accessibility in employing people of all abilities, making it the perfect shop for DeLeon’s works.
Read more about Jannesy DeLeon and the local author’s remarkable literary career in 6ac Action News.
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