YESENIA'S POWER TO SPEAKS UP

<p><strong>An empowering social-emotional learning (SEL) picture book in the <em>Yesenia's Adventures</em> series that helps children recognize bullying understand their emotions and find the courage to speak up.</strong></p><p></p><p>Eight-year-old Yesenia-known as Yaya-is a <strong>neurodiverse Afro-Latina girl</strong> whose bright ideas and creativity often lift her right onto her toes. She loves collaborating with her friends and expressing herself at school-until a classmate's repeated unkind words slowly dim her confidence and make her feelings feel small inside.</p><p></p><p>As Yaya tries to make sense of what she's experiencing she learns an important truth: <strong>speaking up is not tattling-it is self-advocacy</strong>. With encouragement from her family support from peers and the guidance of a trusted teacher Yaya discovers that courage doesn't always sound bold or loud. Sometimes courage begins quietly with honesty emotional awareness and an adult who listens and responds with care.</p><p></p><p>Written by Industrial-Organizational Psychologist <strong>Dr. JeVona Maniex</strong> <em>Yesenia Speaks Up</em> is a warm inclusive and developmentally appropriate story that gently explores teasing repeated unkindness and <strong>bullying</strong>. The book helps children learn how to: </p><p>• Identify and name uncomfortable emotions</p><p> • Recognize when behavior crosses a line</p><p> • Seek help from trusted adults</p><p> • Practice self-advocacy and emotional safety</p><p> • Rebuild confidence after being hurt</p><p></p><p>This <strong>anti-bullying picture book</strong> supports <strong>social-emotional learning (SEL)</strong> and provides a relatable entry point for conversations about emotional awareness inclusion and resilience. It is especially affirming for <strong>neurodivergent children</strong> offering representation and validation for kids who may feel deeply think differently or struggle to speak up in the moment.</p><p></p><p>Ideal for classroom read-alouds small-group discussions and home conversations this book supports learning around: </p><p>• Bullying prevention and kindness</p><p> • Emotional intelligence for children</p><p> • <strong>Neurodiversity</strong> and inclusive friendships</p><p> • Safety boundaries and trusted adults</p><p> • Confidence courage and self-expression</p><p> • Elementary school teamwork and peer relationships</p><p></p><p>Featuring full-color inclusive illustrations neurodiversity-affirming storytelling and <strong>bonus SEL reflection questions</strong> <em>Yesenia Speaks Up</em> is a valuable resource for families classroom teachers <strong>school counselors</strong> social workers psychologists and SEL-focused programs.</p><p></p><p><strong>If you are looking for an inclusive children's book that helps kids feel seen supported and empowered to use their voice this heartfelt story from the <em>Yesenia's Adventures</em> series is an essential addition to any home classroom or school library.</strong></p>