Alicia Antonio

I Run Fast! You Run Faster! Alicia Antonio

A beautifully personal children's picture book about disabilities.
Viva was born with several congenital health issues - including clubfeet, a tethered spinal cord, and a hemivertebrae that causes scoliosis. Viva has spent a lot of time in the hospital, but no matter what, she maintains a happy outlook and a fighting spirit.
When Viva started preschool, kids started to notice that she couldn't run as fast as them and would fall over a lot. Watching her daughter becoming frustrated and upset by her differences, Viva's mom, author Alicia Antonio, offered to write a book for her teachers to read in class to explain why Viva's body doesn't quite work the same as the other kids.
The result is I RUN FAST! YOU RUN FASTER!
Alicia and Viva have shared a deeply personal account of what it's like to live life as a differently-abled person in a way that children can understand and relate to.
This book encourages empathy in children while addressing their curiosity by exploring some of the many disabilities that they may see in society. In writing this book, Alicia and Viva hope that parents and kids will feel empowered to have open and positive discussions about diversity and inclusivity for a kinder future.
BONUS CONTENT: This book includes a sensitivity guide to help parents have informed and empathetic conversations about disabilities with their children, as well as classroom conversation starters for educators. *10% OF NET PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THIS BOOK ARE DONATED TO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES.*