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Izzy Is Me

Vincent dela Luna plays with a similar theme in his first book for children, Izzy is Me, where he talks about confidence and understanding.

Published at the end of 2020, it’s a story about a girl with autism who has difficulty expressing herself. People around her think she’s acting out, but she doesn’t know how to get across what she wants.

Dela Luna wrote the book in hopes of helping children, as well as adults and teachers, understand what individuals with autism go through, to have empathy with their situation instead of teasing or bullying people they don’t understand.

In university, dela Luna had dreams of becoming an author but got the chance to get people’s attention through video; he would eventually work in film and television production in Vancouver for 15 years. He left the industry to take care of his children full time, moving to Hawaii in 2015 before settling in Edmonton two years ago.

He has two children with autism. While his son speaks at a whisper, dela Luna’s daughter is non-verbal.

But it was meeting Temple Grandin, a scientist, advocate and autistic woman, that really inspired dela Luna to move forward with his project. Hearing her talk about what it’s like to live with autism made him realize he could pass along that same understanding to others.

“It just clicked,” says dela Luna. “If you taught these kids in school that white people and black people were the same, then they wouldn’t have another thought when they got older. If you taught them that it’s ok to be disabled, it’s not a stigma.”

Written in rhyme

Izzy is Me is not only a story about a girl with autism, it’s also a book for a girl with autism. Dela Luna’s daughter loves music and can repeat back lyrics to some of her favourite songs; he knew he would have to write his book in rhyme.

“If I wrote any other book, she wouldn’t read it,” says dela Luna. “When I read it to her, I can read it to her like a song. When I die, I want her to see something and know that daddy loved me.”

Izzy is Me was born, a story about acceptance and understanding written for a daughter to show that she is loved.

Family proved to be the inspiration for both new authors, looking to address big issues with a young audience in a way they can understand and keep their attention.

The books, and more info, can be found through the authors’ personal websites, dgregory.ca and vincedelaluna.com. Gregory’s titles are for sale locally at Audreys Books, and all three publications are also available at Amazon, Chapters and Apple iBooks.