Your Happy Heart

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A Story from the Heart...



Fifth-grader Javon has the big responsibility of being a Book Buddy to a kindergartner named Richard. But when he meets Richard for the first time, he isn't so sure he's up for the challenge. Richard won't talk to Javon or even look at him. He seems sad, but Javon quickly realizes that Richard reminds him a whole lot of himself at that age, and Javon is determined to help his new friend.



Both boys learn a lot that year, but what Javon learns from Richard is the most important lesson of all: that helping someone find their happiness can make your own heart happy, too.



Children need to be taught they have unique gifts they can be proud of and that make them special. They need to know how to cope when the world feels like a big, scary place, and they need to be reminded of the things that make them happy so when they are sad, they can remember those things. With these tools in their tool belts, children can grow in self-confidence and learn to thrive in their world.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amie Dean's personal mantra is: Teach Hard. Love Harder.



She has supported students with academic, behavioral, and emotional challenges for over 25 years as a teacher, behavior interventionist, and consultant. Amie's mission has always been to help children recognize their gifts, know their worth, and find their passion. She knows that children often need a champion to help with those endeavors. Amie has found great joy in helping educators all over the country become true champions for their students.



Susan Keeter has illustrated over a dozen titles, including picture books on Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman and 18th-century poet Phillis Wheatley. Keeter's work has received best children’s book awards from Bank St. College and the Society of School Librarians International, and one of her books was a finalist for the NAACP Image Award. Keeter has done mission work in Ghana, West Africa, and volunteers with grassroots organizations in her hometown of Syracuse, New York. She has a Master of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University and lives in a 100-year-old house with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, two cats and a mouse.



PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:

A heart-warming story about the power of helping others, Your Happy Heart illustrates how all children face challenges which are made easier through caring relationships.

Marilyn Price-Mitchell, PhD



This book is a gift to the next generation, as it shows kids the light at the end of the tunnel. Amie Dean has created an amazing tool for any parent or teacher to nurture happiness in the young people they know and love!

Pat Quinn, Educational Consultant and Author of Motivating the Unmotivated Student