Levittown Students Get Inspired By Children’s Book Author

From the Levittown Public Schools (via SyntaxNY):

January 29 2020

Lee Road Elementary School students in grades 3-5 from the Levittown Public Schools met children’s book author Amy McCoy on Jan. 27 as part of the school’s Parents as Reading Partners week. Sponsored by the Lee Road PTA, Mrs. McCoy presented on being a realistic fiction author, how her ideas come to fruition and how the children in her life inspire the development of her characters.

Author of “Little Big Sister” and the sequel, “Little Big Sister on the Move,” Mrs. McCoy is in the process of writing a third book to complete her “Little Big Sister” trilogy. Many of the Lee Road students had already read or listened to “Little Big Sister” prior to Mrs. McCoy’s visit and were eager to learn more about the author. She shared that she began her career as an elementary school teacher who was inspired by her two children to write “Little Big Sister.” The book focuses on two siblings – Michael, an older brother who has autism and his younger sister Katie, who feels like a big sister. With strong characters and important themes such as acceptance and kindness woven into the story, the book raises awareness about autism and other disabilities.

“It’s cool to be kind,” Mrs. McCoy told the students. “It’s also cool to be kind to yourself. Think about the things that you are good at…speak to yourself like you’re speaking to your best friend.”

She shared with students that she was inspired to write the book based on a real-life event between her daughter Kathryn, Kathryn’s friends and her autistic son Matthew. With the help of Kathryn, Mrs. McCoy wrote “Little Big Sister” to help others better understand those with special needs. Through her presentation, students not only learned more about autism but were encouraged to make a difference in the world by being KIDS (be Kind, live with Integrity, make someone’s Day and Smile).

Mrs. McCoy shared that she carries a journal with her to jot down any story ideas or concepts for the future. She also walked students through how book covers are created.

At the end of the presentation, the students asked Mrs. McCoy questions, and many shared their own experiences of knowing or living with someone with special needs. The fifth grade classes received an extended question and answer session and eagerly helped Mrs. McCoy brainstorm story and title ideas for her third book. The students not only were educated on disabilities and the power of kindness but were inspired to write their own stories as a result of her visit.

This press release was produced by the Levittown Public Schools (via SyntaxNY). The views expressed here are the author’s own.