Concept

“I’m Smart” is a short story aiming to improve young audience’s perceptions on intelligence in early schooling, focusing on tools and practices to help struggling students in their academic and personal lives. Rather than focusing on what we’re not so good at, “I’m Smart” aims to highlight why we are special! Through thoughtful education, young students will gain the tools necessary to understand their brain and how everyone can be smart in their own way.

I’ve struggled with Dyslexia and ADHD my whole life. I remember feeling stupid and judged by others as early as second grade. School was a waking nightmare; everywhere I turned I felt like a fish out of water. I had a conversation with the mother of a dyslexic 4th grader who recounted how he pasted a sign on his bedroom door, reading, “I’m Stupid”. This sign inspired me to name the book “I’m Smart.”

Story

The story follows a monster named Alby, who struggles with his own intelligence. He isn’t very good at reading, writing, or math, which makes him feel stupid. He begins asking his friends what he should do to appear “smarter” for their class’s upcoming project. He takes their advice, creating his own methods to appear “smarter” for his presentation. When it comes time to present, Alby stumbles, making him feel dumb and useless. His teacher explains that he is brilliant in his own way.