By June Mathews
As a wife, mom of three under 3 and part-time nurse, Alexandra Gaskins is juggling multiple roles these days. But her busy schedule hasn’t stopped her from adding one more role to the mix. With her first children’s book, “I Have, Not I Am,” Gaskins became an author.
Inspired by two nieces, one with Down syndrome, the other on the autism spectrum, “I Have, Not I Am” was first and foremost written for Gaskins’ and husband Hunter’s own kids, Harper, Finn and baby Fallon.
“I wanted to normalize differences for my children at an early age,” she said. “I never wanted them to be shocked to see someone who is different but to rather instinctively include them as they would any other kids.”
After searching for books that would teach them those lessons and finding none that she felt addressed the subject head-on, Gaskins decided to write a book that did, and now it is available so other kids can benefit from it, too.
“I didn’t want other parents seeking such resources and coming to the same conclusion I did,” she said.
Becoming a children’s author fulfilled a lifelong idea for Gaskins, an idea she wasn’t fully compelled to pursue until she became a mom. But once the concept for “I Have, Not I Am” came to her, it wouldn’t leave her alone.
“Letting it remain ‘just an idea’ was not an option,” she said. “It lingered in the background of my thoughts until its completion. Rhymes would come to me at the most inconvenient times. In the middle of a diaper change, for instance, I’d yell, ‘Hey, Siri, create a note,’ so I wouldn’t forget whatever had popped into my head.”
Preserving those thoughts paid off in a series of charming, upbeat rhymes, each addressing a difference that kids may encounter in other kids or may even be dealing with themselves. Those differences range from Down syndrome to wearing glasses, from being wheelchair-bound to having curly hair.
Working with Gaskins to bring the book to life was illustrator Kelly Wallace, the daughter-in-law of Jill Wallace, Gaskins’ history teacher at Spain Park High School.
“When I was dreaming this book into existence, I went to social media to see if anyone knew of an illustrator,” Gaskins said. “Jill replied that she did, and when I saw Kelly’s work, it was exactly what I had imagined. Her work is whimsical, inclusive and inspired by a greater picture, which made my words and her art mesh well.”
Gaskins has designated a portion of the profits from “I Have, Not I Am” to Unless U, a local non-profit organization that promotes growth and independence in adults with disabilities.
“I have several ties to Unless U, so supporting their cause just made sense,” Gaskins said. “My niece (the cheerleader in her book) is an Unless U student, and I graduated from Samford University with the founder, Lindy Cleveland. I was fortunate enough to do readings at Unless U and their new Post Place campus, and the atmosphere at both is overwhelmingly positive.”
Another Book for a Broad Issue
In terms of future work, Gaskins has another book churning around in her head, one that also was inspired close to home.
“I have a copyrighted draft called ‘Getting to Dream,’ so stay tuned,” she said. “It’s about a little girl who loves bedtime, and I hope to publish this book in 2024.
“And yes,” she laughed, “it’s also an effort to get the professional procrastinators at my house to go to sleep when it’s time.”
As for the book she’s already written, Gaskins hopes that “I Have, Not I Am” will encourage not only her own kids but other kids to accept and celebrate their own differences, as well as those of others. She also hopes it will motivate adults to set an example.
“We all have characteristics that make us different, but they only contribute to what makes each of us unique,” she said. “I want to inspire others to always be open-minded, inclusive and kind.”
“I Have, Not I Am” is available for purchase on Amazon.com.
“And to anyone who reads or purchases the book,” said Gaskins, “a review on Amazon would be much appreciated to help spread the word!”
