Phoenix elementary school counselor Detty Rodriguez was inspired to write her debut children’s book, A Girl Named Monique the Unique (self-published, $14.14), after befriending a young woman named Monique, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. (Full disclosure: Monique is the sister of PHOENIX managing art director Angelina Aragon.) The book chronicles a challenging day in Monique’s life, one of those days where everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Monique is frustrated and discouraged by these obstacles, but throughout the day, she recommits to having a positive attitude, triumphantly reminding herself that she is “Monique the Unique!” and can get through anything. The book may inspire other young people who see themselves in Monique – and, for those who don’t, it provides a lesson in awareness and empathy.
