Jannesy DeLeon Shares How Her Children Inspired Stories That Celebrate Inclusion and Visibility

PHOTO: Award-winning author Jannesy DeLeon, pictured with her children Gabriella and Nicholas, the inspiration behind her inclusive storytelling.

Championing Representation and Joy Through Real-Life Inspiration

Jannesy DeLeon transforms her lived experience as a caregiver and mother into heartfelt children’s books that champion inclusion, reflect underrepresented lives, and empower readers with empathy, understanding, and joy.

Jannesy DeLeon brings a heartfelt clarity to children’s literature, drawing deeply from her life as a devoted mother and caregiver to her two children, Gabriella and Nicholas. Her stories, inspired by their courage and spirit, are not only beautifully written but serve as a much-needed mirror for families navigating similar journeys. With her acclaimed debut Tag! You’re It, Jannesy places children with disabilities at the heart of the narrative, not as side notes but as vibrant protagonists worthy of joy, adventure, and visibility. Speaking with the warmth of lived experience and the determination of an advocate, she uses storytelling as a tool for change—inviting empathy, fostering inclusion, and reminding us all that every child deserves to be seen, heard and celebrated.

In this interview, she shares how her personal world has fuelled a growing movement in children’s publishing, one where difference is embraced and stories reflect the full spectrum of childhood.

A powerful voice in children’s literature, DeLeon writes with authenticity and love, centring disabled children as heroes in their own stories.

Your books are inspired by your children, Gabriella and Nicholas, and aim to promote inclusion for children with special needs. Could you share how your personal experiences influenced the themes and characters in your stories?

My journey as an author is inseparable from my journey as a mother and full-time caregiver. Gabriella and Nicholas, my two incredible children, are the heart behind every story I write. They’re both non-verbal, non-ambulatory, and live with complex medical conditions, yet their spirits, humor, and resilience shine brighter than words can describe. As their full-time caregiver, I’ve seen firsthand how often kids like mine are left out, not just from books and classrooms, but from everyday conversations. Sadly, I also realized early on that they rarely show up in picture books—certainly not as central characters with depth and joy. I wanted to change that narrative. My stories are a way to show their world—their joy, their personalities, their value—to families and children who may not otherwise see it. It’s an intentional invitation for readers to understand that disability is not something to pity. It’s simply part of the human experience. Gabby and Nicky may need support, but they’re full of life and deserve to be celebrated.

“Gabriella and Nicholas, my two incredible children, are the heart behind every story I write.” – Jennesy DeLeon

“Tag! You’re It” introduces readers to Gabby and Nicky in a narrative emphasizing inclusion. What message do you hope young readers and their families take away from this story?

I hope families walk away understanding that inclusion isn’t a complicated concept. It’s about creating space where everyone feels like they belong. Tag! You’re It isn’t just about disability; it’s about friendship, empathy, and recognizing the value in people who may move, speak, or think differently. I want young readers to feel empowered to ask questions, be curious, and lead with compassion. And for families who have children with disabilities, I want them to feel seen—really seen. Because representation isn’t just about being visible; it’s about being valued.

Balancing writing with raising two children with complex medical needs must present unique challenges. How do you manage your writing process alongside your parenting responsibilities?

The truth is, there are stretches where I don’t even look at a manuscript for months. My life doesn’t always allow it. Between caregiving, managing medical needs, and everything else that comes with our day-to-day, writing often has to take a backseat. Especially recently, with all that’s been going on, I’ve had to constantly shift gears. But when I do get those windows—no matter how small—I hold onto them. I enjoy the creativity, the process of building a story from scratch, and knowing that I’m working toward something that has meaning. Writing this series is about purpose. It’s about showing what inclusion looks like and leaving behind something lasting that centers kids like Gabby and Nicky.

Representation is a central theme in your work. How do you envision your books contributing to broader conversations about diversity and inclusion in children’s literature?

There’s been growing momentum around diversity in children’s literature, but disability representation still lags far behind. And when it does show up, it’s often oversimplified or used as a teaching tool rather than a celebration of a full human life. I want to shift that. In my books, children with disabilities aren’t side characters—they are the story. They’re joyful, funny,

complex, and worthy of being centered. I also hope educators and parents use my books to spark conversations with their kids and students about what true inclusion looks like—not just saying “everyone’s welcome,” but showing it in action.

Are there any upcoming projects or future books in the pipeline that continue to explore themes of inclusion and representation? What can readers look forward to next from you?

Yes—there’s a lot I’m excited about. I’m currently preparing to publish “Here Comes Sam”, a story inspired by our real-life rescue dog who formed an incredible bond with Gabby and Nicky. Sam’s presence in our home has been a beautiful, healing force, and I wanted to capture that kind of connection in a story that blends inclusion, friendship, and unconditional love. I’m also working on my fourth manuscript, continuing the series. Beyond the books, I’ve been expanding the message of inclusion through hands-on tools—like my Inclusion Affirmation Cards and teacher resource guide—that help educators, families, and kids bring these lessons into real-world spaces. I’m also developing a caregiver-focused project to support those navigating this journey without much help. And on top of that, I’m creating an interactive inclusion workshop for children that makes learning about empathy and accessibility fun and meaningful. Everything I do—whether it’s a story, a product, or a conversation—comes from the same mission: to make sure no one feels invisible.