Three years ago, Lauren McGowan, a Beechwood resident, wrote her first book. In Kayla’s World, She’s Never Afraid to Have Big Dreams, McGowan introduced us to Kayla, a character dedicated to her late best friend, Kayla Jo Young. Now, Lauren has published her second book.

 

Kayla’s World: Kayla Meets Brooke takes us back to Kayla’s childhood. We learn what it is like growing up with Cerebral Palsy, meet characters with other complex conditions, and get to read the story of an amazing girl as she goes through life’s many ups and downs.

 

While Kayla is inspired by Lauren’s friend, much of the story is based on Lauren’s own experiences growing up with Cerebral Palsy.

 

“In times like these, what keeps me going is working with amazing residents here at Woods.  Lauren, one of our wonderful residents, recently gave me her latest authored book, which she also illustrated, Kayla’s World.   Lauren writes books to represent children with disabilities, as there were few books about disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy or autism when she grew up,” Woods President and CEO Tine Hansen-Turton said. “Lauren’s words of wisdom – through her inspirational character, Kayla, is more important than ever:  Life is beautiful, and being different is a wonderful experience.  Thanks, Lauren, for all you do.  Kayla’s World is a recommended read for all ages – children and adults”

 

Lauren hopes that children growing up with Cerebral Palsy can read this book and see themselves in the main character. Lauren shows us some of the challenges she faced growing up as well as some of the challenges faced by Brooke, a character with autism who is based on another friend of Lauren’s. Though Brooke and Kayla seem very different at first, they are able to bond, learn about each other, and grow together.

 

Lauren McGowan is a resident at Woods’ Beechwood Neurorehab. She enjoys writing, Facebook, going to the mall, spending time with her family and friends, and living life to the fullest.

 

Lauren has focused very hard on developing her craft as a writer. After her first book, she joined the Bucks County Writing Group, a community-based group that meets once a month. The members read each other’s stories and give feedback.

 

Ms. McGowan is very excited about the progress she has made as a writer. She is very passionate about her writing and feels that she has really developed her skills. Lauren’s book, Kayla’s World: Kayla Meets Brooke, is published by Shutterfly. To purchase a copy, please email the author’s manager at thmcgowan54@yahoo.com.