Linda Steiner, a kindergarten teacher and a reading specialist at Self Development Academy, is the author of Hayley’s Courage, and a Writer’s Digest Honorable Mention award recipient in the category of Children’s Non-Fiction.
She has a bachelor’s degree in social welfare, from the University of California at Berkeley, and a master’s in education, from Arizona State University. When I first learned of the book and its topic, I rushed to get a copy to read.
I decided to interview Ms. Steiner, as I have known the author and her daughter for many years. The book chronicles Hayley’s struggles, her parents’ anguish, and their valiant responses to the callous comments and cruelty hurled at them. Hayley’s story must be shared with others to help those children who feel they are different to fit in and develop a sense of self-worth.
When asked what inspired her to write her book, Ms. Steiner recalls the day Hayley was born. “When Hayley was born, she was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber Syndrome,” Ms. Steiner said. “Sturge-Weber Syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by a facial birthmark and neurological abnormalities. As a first-time parent, I was overwhelmed,” she continued. “My mother had already passed on, but my father was present to reassure my husband and me that we were equipped to take good care of our beautiful Hayley. Exhausted and drained, I fell asleep, and dreamt of writing a book.”
Highly influenced by the works of Patricia Palacco, Ms. Steiner focuses on sharing the struggles of Hayley, and brings her own personal experiences into the writing of her book, Hayley’s Courage. Ms. Steiner describes her style of writing as visual. The reader easily is able to visualize the main character’s experiences, her emotions, conflicts and courage. The book is a reflection of Hayley’s life. The situations described are real, and the events actually occurred. Some of the names of the characters are changed, however.
In her interview, Ms. Steiner pointed out the fact she designed the cover of the book, and was highly selective in approving the illustrations used within. “I wanted children to visualize Hayley’s character, the color of her hair, and her looking in the mirror and discovering the red spot on her face.” At one point during the interview, tears welled up in Ms. Steiner’s eyes, as she recounted how a stranger came to her and asked, “Did you burn your daughter’s face?”
Ms. Steiner’s message to the reader is children, regardless of the differences in their abilities, must feel “…loved and safe.” Hayley’s Courage is a valuable resource for educators and parents to guide a child who struggles to fit in and be accepted by the peer group. Ms. Steiner concludes her interview with a message. “For every child who feels different, don’t focus on the disabilities, but on the possibilities.”
Hayley’s Courage can be obtained through Lulu Publishing Services.