Empowering Diversity: How Superhero Kids with Disabilities Are Changing the Narrative in Children's Books

 Hi there!

We all remember the books we read as children — they leave a lasting impression on us. Connecting with characters, following their adventures, and understanding them as individuals can even make us feel as though we know them as friends. Representation in literature is incredibly important. Can you think of many books you read as a child that featured characters with disabilities or differences as the focus of the adventure? You're likely struggling to think of more than one if any at all. The only one that comes to mind is the well-known story of Helen Keller, who was a young blind girl. While it wasn't exactly an adventure, her story was informative, impactful, and inspiring. This leads me to introduce Ascension Publishing's first children's book. I'm excited to present "THE SOE CREW," a book/graphic novel series filled with jaw-dropping adventures about superheroes whose unique differences are their superpowers! The story employs a slightly comic style in its writing, which adds a distinctive element to the narrative. 

In “THE SOE CREW” (S-O-E meaning the strongest on earth), we introduce you to Khal, Skylar, Kozayne, and Chelskey. They are truly remarkable one-of-a-kind kids who will provide a sense of belonging and pride to all children, they emphasize that no matter the differences, we are all special and carry a one-of-a-kind blueprint that cannot be duplicated! This statement is quite literal, may I add, hence our fingerprints. Fun fact: there are 8 billion people reportedly on Earth, but no two people carry the same fingerprints. Simply amazing! Well, the takeaway message from that lesson is that we all carry a unique trait that is exclusive to us, and it's not just indicative of a physical ailment or disorder. The Soe Crew showcases a lesson that a difference doesn’t take away from your superpower but in all actuality, it adds to it. Have you ever witnessed a person who was handicapped but defied the odds and became an Olympic medalist (Alana Nichols)? Have you ever witnessed a completely blind person learn an instrument and render an immaculate level in the skill of music production (Stevie Wonder)? Some may say, this capability alone makes them peculiar in strength. Well, that equates to a superhero to me and I'm sure so many would agree! When I see my son Khalid, who is 5 years old and was born with MOTA syndrome, shine bright despite the questions, stares, and ostracizing that come from his peers, it amazes me and scares me simultaneously. As a mom, I fear the rejection my child may experience and how he internalizes it. This is my biggest worry. Will he grow to use this as fuel, or will these experiences cause him to dim his light and crawl into a cave? Each day, I have the opportunity to watch him shamelessly embrace the understanding that “I look different because I am.” He asks questions but often uplifts himself without hesitation: “I'm cool, I’m fun, and I’m handsome.” These are the things he says about himself, and I never want that to change! I just think about how strong and amazing he is. There are no limitations in his world, only adjustments. That displays a supernatural resilience. Let's give children with this level of strength the opportunity to see kids like them in the role of the superheroes that they are! 

If you want change, be the change!

Khalid loves Sonic, Superman, and everything that involves strength! However, I’ve noticed that there are very few superheroes who look like him. What might he internalize from this observation? He could believe that he doesn’t qualify to be strong like a superhero because he’s different. Alternatively, he might think he can never possess that kind of strength because there’s no one in the comics, books, movies, or TV shows that resembles him. No child should feel unaccepted by societal standards simply because they are different.

This realization inspired me, a mom of a superhero, to work toward changing this reality. Let's take a glimpse into the character descriptions.

- Khal: He is partially blind and has the power to emit a laser-like beam from his eye, capable of destroying and tearing down any structure.

- Skylar: A talented young dancer with a heart defect, she never stops twirling. Her twirls can whip up a tornado, which helps change the weather for her and the SOE crew's missions!

- Kozayne: A boy who uses a wheelchair but secretly has a mechanism that allows him to launch into the sky. This unique ability makes him a vital asset for quickly arriving on the scene.

- Chelskey: An autistic girl and an extraordinary gymnast with the secret ability to erase memories on command. This skill is beneficial for keeping the crew’s identities discreet.

This is the SOE CREW!

 Ascension Publishing is currently collaborating with the Unity Ascension Foundation to raise awareness and funds to donate these books to children's hospitals worldwide. I believe The SOE Crew will inspire many children. This book is the first in what will be a series of many SOE Crew books to come.

Please support our cause and mission by purchasing these books on our website and sharing this blog with your friends, colleagues, and family. The goal of our foundation is to raise awareness and change perceptions of what a superhero looks like. We would also appreciate your help in spreading the word about our foundation’s vision. We are working on a fundraiser to raise the necessary funds to expand this vision for change and equality. Please join our mailing list on the website below for updates on our launch.

Sincerely yours,

Angel Pearson

CEO of Ascension Publishing LLC

Here are a few pages from our book!