Taking Authority Over Autism

Kicking it with Kowalski's Markets...

Now that her book is written and being sold online, Sheletta thought the hard work was done. Think again! Now she's got to convince retailers to carry Cameron Goes To School on store shelves. Kowalski's Markets made that process a lot easier when they requested copies. The Minnesota grocery store has a strong commitment to helping Minnesota families and the autism community.

Sheletta's new autism book is a BEST SELLER

In just a week, Sheletta's new autism children's book Cameron Goes To School is a best seller on Amazon.com. With the help of US Bank, Sheletta gave away 300 copies to teachers and librarians for Autism Awareness Month. One of those educators, Amber Schmidt, talks about how important Cameron's journey is for special needs children on the Taking Authority Over Autism Podcast on SHElettaMakesMeLaugh.com.

Cameron is excited about her new children's book

Sheletta's daughter is excited about the new autism children's book about her journey to kindergarten called Taking Authority Over Autism. She joins the show, along with her older brother Brandon who wants to draw the cover of his upcoming book, that hasn't even been written yet. These two are hilarious and destined for stardom. 

Sheletta finds a creative way to promote her new kids book...

When COVID 19 canceled all the promotional events for her new autism children's book, Sheletta came up with a new way to let the world know that Cameron Goes To School is available. She's partnering with small bookstores that are physically closed but still open, like Moon Palace Books, to try and help increase their online sales.

Sheletta knocks Roxane off her feet

Roxane Battle is blown away when Sheletta reveals that the beloved Twin Cities media personality inspired her to write a children's book about her daughter's autism journey. When thousands of little girls with special needs are empowered after reading Cameron Goes To School, they have Roxane to thank for it.

Not taking no for an answer

Sheletta is trying to get her daughter's book Cameron Goes To School ready in April for autism awareness month. Lily Coyle, publisher of Beaver's Pond Press, says NO WAY. But Sheletta has a trick up her sleeve: the illustrator, Darcy Bell-Meyers, just finished the all photos. Can these three ladies pull it off and get the books on the store shelves in just a couple months? We'll see...

Passion Behind The Pictures...

In Sheletta's quest to write a children's book about her daughter Cameron's first day of kindergarten in time for Autism Awareness Month, she finds an illustrator who also has a daughter on the spectrum. Darcy Bell-Myers agrees to do the artwork for Sheletta's project and says this book will be a labor of love.

Throw the book at 'em

Sheletta is outraged when her daughter Cameron can't find a book to read about a black girl with autism. But instead of calling her friends to complain, she calls Lily Coyle, the owner of Beaver's Pond Press, to find out how to write a children's book with a diverse character like her child, who has special needs.

Special needs kids have a special place to play sports

Sheletta wanted to sign her boys up for football but didn't because their autism prevents them from being able to safely play the game they love. That all changed when she met Bill  Halter from Hope Field House, an organization that has sports for kids with autism.

Sheletta organizes community meeting with police

Sheletta is worried that if her two young black sons with autism encounter police, it could lead to deadly consequences. Daniel has limited verbal skills and Brandon struggles with simple commands. She's organized a community conversation with Dakota County Sheriff's Department and the Minnesota Vikings to talk about diversity in community policing.