Children's book author highlights differences

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Tracy Peterson is a veteran first-grade teacher and children’s author who recently released a book focusing on alopecia.

"Beanies, Ball Caps, and Being Bald" is the true story about a student Peterson taught, Matthew Shelby. It tells about his journey with alopecia, written from his point of view.

The book had an exciting unveiling at the University of Arkansas. Special guests and student athletes, Jordan Walsh (men's basketball) and Rylee Langerman (women's basketball), who both have alopecia, joined in on the celebration.

Peterson's other book, "Cartwheels: Finding Your Special Kind of Smart", was released in 2020. It is the true story about another one of Peterson's students, Sloane LaFrance, and her journey with dyslexia.

"These stories couldn't come to life without the illustrator, Linsdey Witting," Peterson said. "Lindsey just graduated from UCA and is a gifted artist. She was able to share my vision and bring the words to life."

Peterson said she wants to celebrate brave kids' stories and spread the word and messages of each book.

Peterson hinted that more books are in the works. One could be on Type 1 diabetes, the other on dyscalculia, both from a first grader's perspective.

The two books were published by a Etalia Press, a Little Rock publisher. To purchase "Cartwheels: Finding Your Special Kind of Smart", click this link. To purchase "Beanies, Ball Caps, and Being Bald", click this link.

You can also visit Tracy Peterson's website for more information.