In a recent blog post, bestselling author Jody Sharpe has raised concerns about media bullying of individuals with special needs, particularly in light of a recent incident involving a 17-year-old boy whose father is running for vice president. Sharpe, drawing from her 25 years of experience teaching children with disabilities, emphasizes the importance of respect and protection for those with special needs.
Sharpe, who has received multiple awards from the National Federation of Press Women, including an honorable mention in 2024 for her novel ‘Summer of Angels’, argues that bullying can have severe negative impacts on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. She stresses that adults have a responsibility to protect children from bullying, making the recent media incident particularly troubling.
In her blog post, Sharpe writes, ‘These children and adults with special needs don’t choose their life’s path, this is their life experience and they should be respected.’ She calls for teaching children self-respect and respect for others while also protecting and caring for them. Sharpe expresses disappointment that the media figure responsible for the bullying incident had not apologized at the time of her writing.
Sharpe’s advocacy for individuals with special needs is a recurring theme in her work. Her memoir, ‘Special Needs Children The Angels On My Shoulder’, which placed second in the National Federation Of Press Women’s At-Large Communication contest, details her experiences teaching children with special needs. The book has been praised for its ability to identify the ‘special’ in ‘special needs’ and for offering insights into the education system and social encounters that changed her perspective.
The author’s commitment to raising awareness about special needs individuals and combating bullying is evident in her extensive body of work. Her novels, including ‘To Catch an Angel’, ‘The Angel’s Daughter’, and ‘Town of Angels’, often incorporate themes of bullying and the experiences of individuals with special needs. Sharpe’s most recent mystery novel, ‘Summer of Angels’, features a psychic protagonist who uses her abilities to solve crimes and help others.
In addition to her novels, Sharpe has published a children’s book, ‘When The Angel Sent Butterflies’, which aims to help children understand that they are surrounded by love and that love can conquer fear. This book, suitable for ages 2 to 7, reinforces Sharpe’s message of compassion and support for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or challenges.
Sharpe’s work extends beyond her writing. She maintains a ‘Tuesdays With The Angels’ section on her website, where she shares stories of real-life encounters with angels. She also invites readers to submit their own angel stories, fostering a community of shared experiences and support.
The author’s efforts to raise awareness about bullying and advocate for individuals with special needs have garnered recognition beyond her literary awards. Sharpe was chosen as a winner in the annual ’50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading’ Book Awards, selected from hundreds of authors through a public voting process.
As media bullying continues to be a pressing issue, Sharpe’s call for respect and protection of individuals with special needs serves as a reminder of the impact of our words and actions. Her work underscores the importance of creating a more compassionate and inclusive society, where all individuals are valued and protected from harm.
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