About the Author and Illustrator
Author: Lori DeMonia
Lori and her family live in the Philadelphia area where she works as a Behavioral Health TSS. Their oldest daughter, Leah, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when she was 2 years old. Her articles have been published in Spectrums Magazine, The Autism Notebook Magazine, SEN Magazine, Autism Matters, Autism World Magazine, Autism Parenting Magazine, and Autism Spectrum Quarterly. She serves as a parent consultant with PEAC - The Pennsylvania Education for All Coalition, an organization that supports inclusive classroom placement for special needs children, and also on The Walnut Street Theater Education Advisory Committee. She is the recipient of the 2014 Temple Grandin Outstanding Literary Work of the Year Award for her book, Leah's Voice.
Illustrator: Monique Turchan
Monique is a graduate from The Cleveland Institute of Art with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. She draws her inspiration from children's books, different cultures around the world, and she enjoys to challenge herself with each new project. Monique is always looking for new ways to hone her skills as an Illustrator and a Designer.
About the Books
Love for Logan
Love for Logan is an inspirational story based on actual events. A young girl learns to better understand why day to day life can be challenging for her older sister. While sharing a special night, the story embraces how one girl's love for her sister empowers her to overcome one of life's obstacles.
Leah's Voice
Leah's Voice is a fictional story inspired by two sisters. It touches on the difficulties children encounter when they meet a child with special needs such as autism. Siblings may find it difficult to explain to their friends, or feel disappointed when their friends aren't more understanding. Leah's Voice tells the story of two sisters facing these challenges. Through her kindness and devotion, one sister teaches by example the importance of including everyone and showing acceptance.
About Leah
Leah's Art Accomplishments
- 2009 – Art grant from KindTree / Lane Arts Council for her drawing Four Balloons at age 7
- 2010 – Leah’s drawing, We’re All In This Together, was chosen by the KindTree judges for her second art grant – she was one of six artists chosen
- 2011 - Leah received her third art grant for Liberty, a 24 x 6 acrylic painting – she was one of three artists chosen nationally
- 2012 – Fourth art grant was awarded for Under My Quilt
- 2013 – Fifth art grant was awarded for Night Valley
- 2014 – Leah was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Dept. of Education for an excellent art exhibit at the National Autism Conference at Penn State
- 2014 – Leah placed 3rd in ~ ART: THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE ~ a statewide art contest sponsored by: The PA Governors Office, The Arc of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- 2015 – Sixth art grant awarded for Row Houses
- 2015 – Ballerina accepted for the Autism Artism 2015 Art Gala and traveling art show
"There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what a child can do instead of what he cannot do."
- Dr. Temple Grandin
