Debra Whiting Alexander | Award winning author

Eliza Jane Finds Her Hero

Eliza Jane is stronger than she thinks. And full of surprises! She may be a quiet, ten-year-old girl with Tourette syndrome, but with the help of her beloved Chihuahua she dares to be a heroic friend and becomes her own best superhero. Come along for a ride in Eliza Jane Finds Her Hero and discover how even one spark of kindness can change everything.

“You can’t expect yourself to be like anyone else. Or them to be like you. That’s the fun part—don’t you know? Learning about each other’s differences makes life an adventure!”

Eliza Jane ~ from Eliza Jane Finds Her Hero

Cover Art and Illustrations by Patricia Culwell and Jazlin Sobel, a Pacific Northwest Mother/Daughter Artist Team.
(To learn more: www.theellart.com)

Debra’s granddaughter, Eliza, was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome when she was eight-years-old. This children’s book was inspired by their desire to write a story together that all children could relate to. Eliza Jane Finds Her Hero shines a light on the challenges for children living with a medical condition that many people don’t understand. Eliza’s beloved Chihuahua, Archie, has a starring role in it too!.

Awards for Eliza Jane Finds Her Hero

Named BEST CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR by The Reader Views Kids Award

Praise for Eliza Jane Finds Her Hero

“Beautifully written, gorgeously illustrated, utterly unique. …a tale of tough challenges, unlikely heroes and finding that the power in helping others can be the path to healing ourselves.”

~ Ellen Notbohm

International best-selling author of Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

“Eliza Jane won my heart! An inspirational story for both young and old—reminding us to always look for the magic and have the courage to be our true selves.”

~ Melissa Lind, LCSW
Clinical Director of Direction Service Counseling Center

“Being ‘different’ can be difficult. This story lends hope and inspiration! A fun and fantastical adventure… Although written around the unique challenges of living with Tourette syndrome, the lessons learned by our hero, Eliza Jane, will be helpful for any human being who struggles with the particulars of their own identity and circumstances (i.e., just about all of us).”

~ Maureen D. Thrash
Author and illustrator of My Armadillos: A True Story

“Heartwarming and wise… This little gem of a book is beautifully written and full of heart! It’s also filled with nuggets of wisdom, and a profound message for all of us—young, old, with tics or without—about accepting and appreciating our differences.”

~ Rhoda Weber
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“This story is full of imagination and humor while being educational simultaneously. …I hope this will be the first in a series!

~ Sherie W. Rohal
Retired RN, MN, Nurse Practitioner

What readers are saying:

“This story is an absolute treasure!”

“Schools should have this book for teachers to read to their classes!”

“What a fun read! Loved the characters. I want an Archie, too!”

“…a great story! …for all ages about kindness, being a good friend, and the differences that make us all who we are.”

“Eliza Jane is someone you’d definitely want as your friend!”

“Inspiring! Loved this book.”

“Readers will come away with a greater understanding of Tourette syndrome and new perspectives about neurodiversity in general.”

“I was so enthralled with the story I didn’t notice I was learning so much at the same time! Bravo Kelley and Alexander!”

“…delightfully written for young and old.”

“Entertaining, educational, and inspiring!”

“My granddaughter and I loved it! This story made us laugh and cry—a bonding experience. I highly
recommend it.”