Grace Conte, author of Born That Way, Within & Through – Kindness Is You, has been invited to take part in the first author spotlight interview for Best Buddies International’s new book club initiative, Kindness Connection.

The initiative brings together elementary teacher advisors, program director Ellie Townsend, and her team to encourage kindness, inclusion, and belonging. According to Conte, her book will be introduced in elementary classrooms as part of this effort. It will help young readers think about how they care for others.

Best Buddies International works to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Born That Way, Within & Through – Kindness Is You introduces kindness as a superpower every child already has. Through familiar situations, such as picking up a teacher’s dropped book or helping care for a puppy, it shows how small actions can express care. The nonfiction picture book encourages children to recognize their ability to help others, treat themselves with compassion, and build confidence.

Grace Conte is an educator, reiki master, and spiritual director. Her book offers parents, teachers, and caregivers a way to talk with children about kindness through experiences they recognize.

Watch the author spotlight interview to learn more about Conte’s book and its message of kindness.