The world is full of people who are a little different. Our uniqueness makes us who we are. We are all 'different; not less'.
This is a collection of the true stories of 40 inspirational figures from around the world, all of whom are physically or neurologically diverse. Each story includes struggles and triumphs, a motivational quote and information on each condition.
Reflective of our diverse society, this book features Simone Biles, Selena Gomez, Temple Grandin, Warwick Davis, Daniel Radcliffe, Ellie Simmonds, Greta Thunberg and many more.
Louise Gooding has a keen interest in sharing untold stories with authentic representation and characters that have something to say about the world. She writes for all ages, across fiction and non-fiction.
Inspired by stories from her own experiences and within her own family, Louise took up writing to find a way to discuss neurological and physical diversity, and explore other sensitive issues within children's books.
Louise lives in Norfolk. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, painting, photography, spending time with her family and her work as a Book Fairy.
Melissa Iwai is the author and illustrator of
Soup Day and
Pizza Day. She has illustrated more than 30 picture books, including
Thirty Minutes Over Oregon by Marc Tyler Nobleman, an Orbis PictusHonor Book for Outstanding Nonfiction 2019 and Junior Library Guild Selection. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son.
Caterina was born in Puglia, Italy, and moved to Rome and Turin to study Visual Arts and Set Design at The Academy of Fine Arts. Caterina's works are inspired by nature, old photos and childhood memories. She lives in the Tuscan countryside where she works on books, magazines and drawings for clients worldwide.
Dante Hookey is a queer, autistic, non-binary illustrator-author from England who lives in Texas. After graduating with a BA(Hons) in Illustration from Falmouth University, their work has included a BBC children's show and gifts with LUSH. Dante Hookey's evocative work uses colour, character, nature and magic to tackle themes of trauma, mental illness and navigating a neurotypical society.
Angel Chang is an illustrator from Taiwan who lives with high-functioning autism symptoms. Angel's clients include Chronicle, Macmillan Publishers,
The Washington Post and
National Geographic. Her first illustrated picture book,
Most of the Better Natural Things in the World, was longlisted in World Illustration Awards 2020.