Celebrate National Disability Independence Day with Jenna Elyse Johnson!

Hi, readers, writers, and book fanatics of all kinds! Today is National Disability Independence Day and the anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act. There's no better way to celebrate than with debut author Jenna Elyse Johnson, author of the new book, Every Body Move! Every Body Move is an original singalong celebrating kids with disabilities and the tools that help them access our world - something that Jenna is extremely passionate about! Want to know more about Jenna and her new book, PLUS want to hear an invaluable writing tip from her? Read on...

Q: Hi, Jenna! Thanks so much for joining #SeasonsOfKidLit.com! We're so excited to feature you today and learn more about you and your books. Please tell us about your path to becoming a children's author.

A: I’ve wanted to be a children’s author since I was, well, a child. But it felt more like a dream, rather than a goal. In fact, I was too afraid to tell anyone about this dream. Even though my teachers were very complimentary of my writing all throughout school, I was nervous. I didn’t think I had what it took. So I kept it to myself. Luckily, I could still enjoy reading all of the picture books I wanted to as an elementary school teacher without anyone batting an eye. Storytime was absolutely my favorite time of day. It still is!

Then, I found myself on medical leave for an extended period of time. And I MISSED storytime. And that childhood dream was poking at me. So, I asked myself, “why not try?” I had nothing to lose. I learned about SCBWI from a colleague, and figured that was a great place to start. From there I learned about Susanna Leonard Hill’s “Making Picture Book Magic” course and that was exactly what I needed to get started! A low pressure class that provided me with structure and clear goals, delivered straight to my email! My parents actually gifted it to me for Christmas, and I took the course in January, 2022. I was hooked.

After that course, I joined both the writing community on Twitter (when that was still a positive, thriving place) and Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 challenge. And, several critique groups. The writing community was everything for me. It was such a positive force for me in a dark period and I wrote. A LOT. It was wonderful!

I was lucky enough to land a PBChat mentorship with Anitra Rowe Schulte in June of 2022 and am so thankful for everything she has done for me. I truly owe her so, so much. Justin Colón, too, for creating the mentorship! By the end of 2022, I had signed with my incredible agent, Christie Megill of The CAT Agency. And it felt like my childhood dream had become a reality. I feel so incredibly lucky to call myself a professional writer. A children’s book author. Like, how cool is that?! I hope I get to do this forever!

(I also want to note though that you don’t have to have an agent to be a professional writer or children’s book author!)

Q: Your new book, Every Body Move, is such a sweet read and is perfect for National Disability Independence Day and celebrating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Can you share more about your book and the inspiration behind it?

A: Yes! This book was inspired by my childhood and my own use of mobility aids growing up. I used to HATE using mobility aids. I was so embarrassed by them. Almost ashamed. But, I needed them. Having cerebral palsy, walking was tricky. My movements were stiff and painful, so I used leg braces, arm splints, hand braces, crutches, walkers, all to aid in my ability to freely move.

Of course, now as a grown up, I see mobility aids for what they truly are, tools! Tools to help people access the world around them! But it was hard to see as a child. I also didn't have the disability community as a child. I felt very othered, then. Now, I have found the wonderful embrace of the disability community and it is large and welcoming and a party, really!

Back to the book, I really wanted to reframe my childhood experience with mobility aids. I wanted it to be a positive thing, instead of a source of shame. And I wanted other kids to find joy too. I wanted them to smile when they saw themselves reflected on the page. "Hey that's me! Look how cool!" Disability is NOTHING to be ashamed of. Disability is simply human! Also, have you seen what mobility aids can look like these days? They can have the coolest designs! Ananya really highlighted that in her illustrations, which I think is fabulous.

Q: Why is your book an important read for readers of all abilities and ages, no matter their background?

A: I wrote in my author's note that this book is for everyone. Disabled and nondisabled. For the disabled readers, I hope that they feel seen in this book. Represented. Celebrated. Proud.

For the nondisabled readers, I hope that they learn a little bit about disability pride. I hope that they get comfortable with the word disability. Maybe they recognize somebody they know on the pages?

For everybody, I hope they enjoy the read! Maybe dance while reading or listening to the song? This book was born out of joy! All I can hope for is that any reader experiences just a dash of joy from the pages of this book.

Q: Barefoot Books does such a wonderful job with their books! Can you share more about the process of working with Barefoot Books? Why was this the perfect match for you?

A: Barefoot Books was so fun to work with! They really wanted to get this book right and took the time and effort to make sure that it was as authentic as possible. That meant that it was created by disabled creators. I, the author, am disabled. Ananya, the illustrator is disabled, and Audra, the singer, is also disabled. They also brought in some sensitivity readers, since no one disabled person can speak for an entire community. We really did our best to do this book, and the disability community, justice.

Barefoot Books is a smaller publisher, but they are mighty. For a timeline reference, I actually submitted this story to them before I was agented. Autumn Allen, my incredible editor, liked the pitch for this story through a Twitter pitch event in 2022! I immediately sent it to her, and about 11 months later (at which point I had signed with the magnificent Christie Megill of The CAT Agency) Autumn emailed me asking if this story was still available. About a month-ish later Autumn emailed with the great news that Barefoot wanted to make an offer! The book will be published on September 30th, 2025.

Barefoot is the perfect home for EVERY BODY MOVE. They deeply care about each and every book they publish and that's something I was looking for, especially for my debut book. Autumn told me that they have been waiting for a book like mine, and that made this feel extra special, too. Part of their manifesto is that they know that everyone can make a difference and everyone has a right to be here. I think, as a child, I often felt that I didn't have the right to be in places. I don't think I necessarily had the words to describe that feeling, but looking back, that's how I would describe it. But, maybe, if I had a book like this one, where I could have seen myself on the page, I would have felt more confident. Like I belonged. I love that Barefoot strives to make all kids feel welcome.

Q: What surprised you most about the publication process? And what other books of yours can we check out ASAP?

A: What surprised me the most about the publication process was turning the book into a song! A sing-along! I am not inherently musical. And my original manuscript was not written as a song. Though it is very similar to the final book. Autumn asked me, when she first reached out about the manuscript still being available, if I was interested in the book being turned into a sing-along, with a video animation that went along with it. I've been a fan of Barefoot's singalongs for a while now. Who would say no to that??

Of course, I had no clue how to write a song. We had to add a chorus to the book, to make it more catchy. They asked me to write it, and I attempted. Thankfully, Barefoot hired a brilliant musician, Michael Flannery, who came to the rescue and wrote, arranged and produced the music. We worked together on the lyrics, having to change some of my original text so it would sound better rhythmically. And I think it turned out pretty great! I'm also so grateful for Audra, who sings the book in the audio recording. Nobody wants to hear me sing it!

As for other books, I'm so glad you asked! I have a nonfiction picture book, I SPARK LIKE LIGHTNING, coming out on April 7, 2026 from Free Spirit Publishing. It is a realistic and accessible portrayal of a child living with epilepsy. And also part of the  new Disability Books for Kids series that builds allyship, challenges ableism, and celebrates difference, empowering and educating all readers.

I also have two unannounced projects coming out in 2026 and 2027 that I am very excited about. One is a chapter book series and one is a picture book. So keep an eye out for more info on those soon!

WOW! A HUGE congrats on all your exciting news!

Q: Would you like to leave a writing tip or a treat for our readers? 

A: I'd love to leave a tip! Don't be afraid to put yourself on the page. Be vulnerable. My first two books are quite personal. EVERY BODY MOVE was inspired by my use of mobility aids growing up. I SPARK LIKE LIGHTNING was inspired by my life with epilepsy. Two things that are very much me on the page. Even my next few books are inspired by elements of my life, though I can't spill the beans just yet.

Am I a bit nervous for people to read my books once they are out in the world? Yes! But am I so thrilled to have this opportunity? Also yes! Sometimes, getting your dream is scary! But it is worth it! Being vulnerable is scary. But rewarding! So put yourself on the page. You have something to say. You matter. You belong here. I can't wait to read what you write!

This is such a wonderful tip. Thanks again for joining us and letting us get to know you and your books more. It was such a pleasure!

Readers, please leave a note to thank Jenna for stopping by!

About Jenna Elyse Johnson:

Jenna Elyse Johnson (she/her) is a children’s book author, teacher, and bookseller. As a disabled author, Jenna’s passion is to highlight disability joy through her stories. She is the author of seven upcoming children’s books. When she’s not writing, Jenna enjoys teaching elementary school students, working at her local independent bookstore, going on walks with her service dog, exploring the beach or bookstore, and discovering new gluten-free and dairy-free treats.

For more information about Jenna, check out the below links:

Instagram: @kidlit_jennaj  (I am most active here!)

Facebook:Jenna Elyse Johnson Author .  

Bluesky kidlitjennaj.bsky.social

To pre-order Jenna's book on Amazon, click here.

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