The RV Book Fair – Shelley Kenow

By Lucia Matuonto On Sep 12, 2022

I am a wife of 30 years, a mother for 23 years, and a special educator of 32 years. I believe that children are our future and we know who we are today, but not who we will be in the future. We must not set limits on a person’s potential because of our limiting beliefs.
The goal of this book is to tell the stories that need to be told in a way that would change the reader’s perspective of special education, people with disabilities, and their families. Many teachers have told me they wished they would have this book sooner because it changes how they teach and respond to the students and their families.

In 2020, 15% of the world’s population experienced some form of disability. The world and individuals often have cognitive biases toward this population of people. The chances of you interacting or being related to someone with a disability is 1 in 26. This book will challenge those biases, share the similarities and differences among those individuals and the rest of the population, promote inclusion and acceptance, and inspire the reader to be a better person to everyone, no matter the person’s abilities.

Hello author Shelley Kenow, welcome to the RV Book Fair! What’s your favorite word and why?

My favorite word is inclusion. Everyone deserves and needs to feel as though they matter and that is what true inclusion is all about.

What’s the last book you read?

I am always reading and studying the Bible in bits and pieces. However, the last book I read from cover to cover was Thank You for Your Service by David Finkel

What’s the book that changed your life?

The Bible changes me every time I do a study of a book or a person from it. What Jesus did on the cross for me changed the entire trajectory of my life.

What’s the book that made you want to become an author?

Again this answer is the Bible. I never dreamt of becoming an author until I felt the Lord lead me down this path.

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

The opportunity to change other people’s perspectives, challenges those biases that we all have, and makes the world better for all, one person at a time.

What makes you laugh the most?

My husband has the best sense of humor and is always doing things to make me smile and/or laugh.

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?

My superpower would be to allow anyone to see the true heart of another.

If you could tell your young writing self anything, what would it be?

How long on average does it take you to write a book? I’ve only written the one book. From thought to first publication was 3 years.

What inspired you to start writing?

First, as mentioned earlier, my Lord. Second, the people whom I have known whose lives are different from mine.

How do you come up with the title of your books?

Honestly, I’m sure I’m sounding like a broken record, but it is true, the Lord is my answer for this one also. I had a different title in mind until one night when I felt in my heart the title was supposed to be as it is now. It was from a brief discussion with the Lord when I believe He asked me why I hated the saying, “Those who can do, those who can’t teach” so much. He gave me this title to change my perspective of what that saying could mean.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I knew from 9 years old, I wanted to be a teacher.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I love to spend time with my family, my dog, play games on my phone, and be outside enjoying nature.

What are your guilty pleasures?

I watch NCIS, Ozark, and Grey’s Anatomy on repeat.

Where do you dream traveling to and why?

Someday I would like to visit Alaska. The beauty of the pictures I have seen draws me to want to see it and experience it myself. As I said, I love to be outside and enjoy nature.

Who are your cheerleaders?

My husband, daughter, mother, and mother in law.

Find our more about Shelley at : www.shelleykenow.com