Mercer student writes children's book about behavior disabilities

Mercer freshman Jessie Lewis is raising money to publish a children’s book about understanding children with behavior disabilities.

Lewis’ book is entitled “Spunktacular and Special School Supplies.” The story is about a pair of scissors that wants to have fun like the crayons with art, but can't because all scissors do is destroy. Red Hot Scissors ends up creating a piece of art loved by all of the crayons.

The scenario of the book gives students a way to connect to the story through art. Red Hot Scissors represents students with behavior disabilities and the crayons represent the other students. “The text [shows] how art is a positive way of expression for all these students,” Lewis said.

“I want these other students to realize that they're just like you,” Lewis said. “They just have a little bit more emotion.”[related title="Related Stories" stories="20947" align="right" background="on" border="none" shadow="off"]

Lewis said she hopes her book will help kids communicate with those who have behavior disabilities.

Lewis’ inspiration for her book came from a little boy she worked with who had a behavior disability.

“And it just breaks my heart,” Lewis said. “No one knows how much he's struggling.” The child would scream if Lewis was a minute late or would wear a red shirt, said Lewis.

She said she felt as if there was no one to understand these types of students. She hopes her book will help raise awareness for all students that children with behavior disabilities aren't that different, Lewis said.

“I wanted to write this book to really help all students with behavior disabilities,” Lewis said.

Lewis set up a GoFundMe page in order to help her reach $5,000 to publish 1,000 copies of her book.

“I think it’s so amazing that Jessie is able to make a difference in the lives of these children just by educating others on what we can do to help,” said Shannon Tho, a friend of Lewis.

Lewis plans on donating one book to nearly every elementary school in Georgia. She also plans on giving the child who inspired the story a copy of the book. Lewis eventually plans on selling copies of her books.

She plans on using the profits from the books she sells to publish and donate more books to elementary schools.

To donate to the Go Fund Me page, go to www.gofundme.com/special-needs-childrens-book.

“I want to be able to provide something to help all students,” Lewis said.