Where Stories Lead
My books often begin with a simple idea
connection, curiosity, empathy, or helping kids better understand themselves and one another. Sometimes those ideas grow beyond the pages of a book.
They become conversations, student collaborations, community partnerships, and opportunities to put those ideas into action. This is where I’ll share those projects, the people who make them possible, and what we’re learning along the way.
SEEDS OF THE SUN
From Story to Connection
How it started - the book, meeting Tetiana, why Seeds of the Sun came to be.
As the war raged in Ukraine, I found myself wondering, What can a normal person do? I literally searched, “What can a normal person do to help Ukraine?” That search led me to ENGin, a program connecting Ukrainianas with English-speaking volunteers, and to an educator named Tetiana. What began as wekkly conversations grew into a friendship we realized we were both learning from each other. After I had the opportunity to meet with her students, an idea began to grow: What if we create a book that helped children become curious about Urkaine? After all, curiosity needs a little knowledge to spark it.
Kids Connecting Across an Ocean
ACTIONABLE EMPATHY
10 Computers! A 3D Printer! Router/Mesh Network! Tetiana requested equipment that would allow students to learn through the war. “They will need to rebuild Ukraine!”
The Story Reaches Ukraine
The Next Chapter: Kids Talking to Kids!
What Happens Next?
2 more sessions: October 31 & November 7
Contact me (kelley@kelleypeel.com ) if you would like to watch the young people via zoom
How can you help?
Sign up for emails, donate, share the story with others.
Pick a project that interests you. Share your expertise with us or donate.
At the same school where students talk about volleyball, music, and simply being kids, remnants of weapons used against their community are displyed-some transformed by local artist into powerful works of art.