“Emelia’s Way” is a captivating tale that follows the captivating journey of Emelia’s Way, a 17-year-old senior in high school. Emelia, the main character, possesses cerebral palsy, a condition that impacts her mobility.

However, it is her unwavering determination, intelligence, and love for books that sets her apart. Emelia’s story delves into her experiences as she navigates her way through life, frequently finding herself as an outcast due to her disability. 

What inspired me to write Emelia’s way was As a young girl growing up, I struggled to find relatable characters in literature who resembled me. As a Latin girl with cerebral palsy, I felt invisible, as if my existence did not warrant representation. The scarcity of stories about Latin girls with cerebral palsy only perpetuated this feeling. It was this absence of representation that drove me to create Emelia, a character who could serve as an inspiration to other young girls like me.

What is your target audience for the book?

 Emelia’s way targets young adults and teens, since I believe they are the most underrepresented in society, especially young women. In their late teens and early 20s, young women are still trying to figure themselves out, and when you have cerebral palsy, which the world does not comprehend, the situation can seem more complicated.

Emelia’s way is trying to provide these young women with a platform to express their feelings and share their stories, so that they can feel more comfortable in their skin and have a sense of self-confidence. We want to empower them and help them find their identity. 

What do you hope readers could get out from your book?

When I wrote Emilia’s Way, I had a specific goal in mind. I wanted readers to come away with a deeper understanding of the importance of embracing one’s authentic self, even in a world that may not initially understand or appreciate one’s uniqueness. I wanted to encourage young girls and young adults, especially those who are in their early 20s, to know that it is alright to be who they are, regardless of societal expectations or judgment. 

What are your future goals/plans for the book? 

The primary goal of “Emelia’s Way” has always been to empower individuals with cerebral palsy to embrace their uniqueness and find their own purpose in life. The book goes beyond the physical limitations imposed by the condition and emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and self-belief. By sharing Emelia’s journey, I aim to inspire readers to overcome any obstacles they face, reminding them that they do not have to conform to societal norms or expectations. Moving forward, I plan to continue expanding “Emelia’s Way” to reach a wider audience.

The book has already resonated with teenagers and young adults with cerebral palsy, but I believe the message it contains can be extended to a wider audience. By adapting the narrative and incorporating additional real-life experiences, I aim to make the book accessible to a broader audience, including parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. 

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