I Pretend to Be Normal

I Pretend to Be NormalA heartfelt picture book about trauma, trust, and healing.By Kendel Ford“You see a pretty girl with a head full of black hair, but you never know what’s going on up there…”Behind her quiet eyes, a little girl carries a secret too heavy for her to hold alone. She’s been hurt by someone she should have been able to trust. Unsure of what to say or who will listen, she hides the pain behind her smile—until she meets a classmate who understands.Together, they begin to open up, share their stories, and find safety in speaking the truth. With the help of a gentle therapist, they learn that healing is possible—and that they are never alone.💬 I Pretend to Be Normal is:A rhyming, picture book story for children ages 9–11A tool for opening sensitive but necessary conversationsA safe space for children who have experienced traumaPerfect for therapists, educators, caregivers, and advocatesPart of the Lane Estates Publishing Social Impact Catalog.Followed by the upcoming adult companion book: I Pretend to Be Normal, Too: A Grown-Up’s Guide to Healing the Inner Child. Read more