Businesswoman, writer and Virgin Gorda resident Karyn O. E. Alexander hopes to increase understanding about the social challenges faced by persons with disabilities with her engaging debut children’s book Zuri’s Great Plan. Photo: Provided

Zuri’s Great Plan is ideal for readers ages 8 to 12. It is available at Karyn’s Place, Virgin Gorda, VI and very soon at Amazon’s Kindle. Photo: Provided

This heartwarming story, loosely based on Ms Alexander’s personal experience, brings young readers into what it’s like to be "different" through the eyes of two students, their parents, and a wonderful friend. In Zuri’s Great Plan, it is the first day of fifth grade for Kamilah and Ajani who are worried they may not fit in at school.

Kamilah, like the book’s author Ms Alexander, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, while Ajani has ADHD. “I wanted to shed light on both visible and invisible challenges that many students face,” Ms Alexander said of her characters in a press release.

With the help of Zuri, their supportive friend, Kamilah and Ajani are able to overcome their worries and connect with their classmates.

Growing up, Ms Alexander rarely, if ever, saw characters with disabilities in books, but as the entrepreneur behind Karyn’s Place bookshop, she is familiar with the way that storybook characters help children develop self-esteem and empathy for others.

Persevering through the challenges

Never one to let her own challenges stop her from achieving her goals, Ms Alexander drafted the manuscript using the back of her hand on her phone. Later on, she went to work researching what publishing house would be the best fit to make her book come to life. She sent the manuscript to one of the Caribbean’s premier children’s book publishers, one that had previously published a book featuring a character with a disability, who immediately partnered with Ms Alexander to make the book a reality.

Partial underwriting support was secured thanks to UNITE BVI, and Anabel Alfonso, an award-winning artist responsible for several other books by US and Virgin Islands authors, was selected to create the beautiful and engaging illustrations. 

“I am very proud and happy with the book.” Ms Alexander says, “It was a long process of drafts, corrections, approvals and taking care of many small details, but I knew exactly the book I wanted. Both the publisher and Anabel were supportive and always listened to me. I also like the fact that the complete team is Caribbean, from the publisher, to the sponsor, to the illustrator, to me. And I love the illustrations!”

'An open mind'

Ms Alexander explained her expectations for her first book, “I want readers of Zuri’s Great Plan to approach individuals with disabilities with an open mind. We may get around or communicate differently, but we can and want to participate in day-to-day life just like anyone else.

"The book has humour and well-rounded characters that many children and parents will identify with. So many of us have experienced the fear of not fitting in when entering a new environment. I think Zuri’s Great Plan is a good door opener for parents and children to talk about many subjects. My hope is that the book succeeds as a tool to teach readers about the importance of treating anyone with physical or mental challenges with the respect that we all deserve to be treated.” 

Zuri’s Great Plan is ideal for readers ages 8 to 12. It is available at Karyn’s Place, Virgin Gorda, VI and very soon at Amazon’s Kindle.

For other sales locations and to contact the author write to Karyn at: koea82693@gmail.com