By Kristin Smedley – TEDx Speaker, Bestselling Author, and National Education Advocate
The Representation Gap We Can’t Ignore
Teachers are asking for it.
Librarians are searching for it.
Students are more than ready for it.
But when it comes to joyful, authentic stories of disability—especially in children’s literature—there’s still a massive gap.
Over and over again, I hear from educators:
“We need books that don’t just focus on the struggle—but show the full story. The humor. The heart. The possibility.”
That’s exactly why I created the Michael in Motion series.
Created by a Teacher, Designed for the Classroom
Before I became a bestselling author and speaker, I was an elementary school teacher. I know how transformative one great read-aloud can be. I also know how hard it is to find stories that reflect all learners—especially those who experience the world differently.
When I sat down to tell my son Michael’s story, I didn’t want to write a “disability book.”
I wanted to write a great story.
Something real. Fast-paced. True. A book where disability isn’t the obstacle—it’s just part of the adventure.
Meet Michael
Michael was born blind. And accessing the world differently has made him unstoppable.
In Michael in Motion, your students follow his real-life adventures, including:
Surfing waves in Hawaii
Playing piano on a concert stage
Competing in his local Little League
Teaching his little sister to ride a bike
These aren’t “inspirational stories” created for effect. They’re real moments—full of challenge, curiosity, humor, and joy.
Just like every great story worth sharing.
Why It Matters—Especially in Elementary School
When kids see someone who moves, learns, or experiences the world like them in a book, they don’t just feel included.
They feel possible.
And when kids who don’t experience disability read those same stories?
They gain empathy. Understanding. Respect.
That’s the power of inclusive storytelling—and it’s why this work belongs on every classroom shelf and curriculum map.
Illustrated by a Visionary
To bring Michael’s world to life, I partnered with Kim Crothers—an incredible illustrator who is also visually impaired.
Her work bursts with color, energy, and perspective. She doesn’t just draw pictures. She opens eyes.
Together, we’ve created a reading experience that shows what’s possible when joy and disability exist on the same page.
Where These Books Belong
Michael in Motion is ideal for:
K–5 classroom libraries
Read-alouds (especially during SEL, DEI, and back-to-school units)
Public and school library collections
Author visits and school assemblies
Teacher prep and inclusion-focused PD events
Want Your Students to Meet Michael First?
If you’re planning a more inclusive and empowering school year, Michael in Motion should be in your toolkit.
Real story. Real representation. Real impact.
✔️ Designed for elementary students
✔️ Written by a teacher who lived the journey
✔️ Loved by readers and educators nationwide
Get the Michael in Motion Series details here.
Coming Soon:
A free educator resource to help you take the conversation deeper!
Want to be the first to receive the Michael in Motion classroom discussion guide when it launches?
👉 Sign up here
Bringing the Story to Life—On Stage
I’ve shared our journey on the TEDx stage, at national education conferences, and in school auditoriums across the country. From chaos to confidence, from heartbreak to humor, I highlight the educators—teachers, principals, professors—who helped my blind sons thrive beyond expectation.
If you want your conference, district, or school audience to walk away with hope, tools, and a renewed belief in what’s possible for every learner—let’s talk.
Learn more at KristinSmedley.com
Let’s change what disability looks like in our stories—and in our schools.
Because every student deserves to be seen.
Every educator deserves the tools.
And every classroom deserves stories that reflect the whole spectrum of what’s possible.
