Official Site of Author & Poet
Nikki Sian-Leigh Aksamit
Books for young children
With the diagnosis of ADD or ADHD becoming more prevalent in children, it is important for them to understand what that diagnosis means. This book tells them that both children and adults can be diagnosed with ith ADD or ADHD. "Mommy, what is ADD/ADHD?" explains that the condition means that while their brain works differently, and they may need special learning plans or even medication, but that it does not make them any less smart or capable than other children. "Mommy, what is ADD/ADHD?" tells kids that ADD and ADHD are only part of who a person is and that everyone is special in their own way.
“Mommy, what is autism?” explains that autistic people have brains that work differently from most people, but that it is part of who they are. It explains that autism behaviors and thinking are different for each person that has it, but that autistic people have feelings just like everyone else. Most importantly, it tells kids that it may be difficult for autistic people to make friends and that they should practice patience and kindness to reach out to those with autism.
“Mommy, what is anxiety?” explains that while anxious feelings are normal, there are those who can have long-lasting anxiety that sometimes gets worse over time. It tells kids that those with anxiety may have trouble controlling their thoughts or feelings, but that talking to a professional or sometimes using medication can help. “Mommy, what is anxiety?” encourages kids to talk to someone if they are having bad feelings, and that those who care about them want them to be healthy in both mind and body.
“Mommy, what is a bully?” explains to young children that a bully is someone who may try to hurt their feelings, says mean things, or tries to physically hurt them. It teaches that a bully is not being a friend, even if they say they are. Using simple, straightforward text, “Mommy, what is a bully?” reminds kids that their feelings are important and that it’s okay to tell a grown-up how they feel. Most importantly, “Mommy, what is a bully?” tells kids to let someone know if they are being bullied.
Aimed at children ages 2-8, using language they can easily understand and with simple pictures to help, “Mommy, what is cancer?” explains what cancer cells are, who can get cancer and how they can get it. It describes the treatments that are used to help fight cancer, but also tells kids that not all cancer cells can be killed. By letting young children know that there are people all around the world looking for ways to beat every type of cancer, “Mommy, what is cancer?” sends out a message of hope. “Mommy, what is cancer?” was written to try to help parents, educators and caregivers answer questions young children may have about cancer and cancer treatment. a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
"Mommy, what is dead?” explains the difference between body and soul, and the various ways people and animals die. Taking no religious stance, it offers two of the most common beliefs as to what happens to the soul after death ("heaven" and reincarnation). "Mommy, what is dead?" offers comfort by telling children that our memories are the way love continues on. With gentle text, and simple pictures, young children instantly understand its message.“Mommy, what is dead?” was written in the hopes of becoming a tool for parents, caregivers, teachers, and educators to use to provide clarity and comfort to young children who are dealing with the loss of a loved one, pet or to help answer some of the difficult questions they have about death.
Aimed at preschool-age children, “Mommy, what is deaf?” explains sound, the definition of “deaf”, and all the reasons why some people cannot hear. With straightforward text and uncomplicated pictures, young children easily understand how the ears work, and why in some people they do not. Kids are also challenged to “feel” the sounds around them, as deaf people do. “Mommy, what is deaf?” was written with the hope of helping parents, educators, and caregivers more easily explain deafness to preschool children.
Written for preschool and younger school-age children, “Mommy, what is fat?” explains how fat tissue is formed in our bodies. It explains how fat is used as energy and protects us from the elements, but that too much fat on our bodies can make us feel tired or sick. Kids are encouraged to eat foods from the five food groups and get plenty of exercise. “Mommy, what is fat?” was written to help parents, teachers, educators, and caregivers explain how our bodies create, store and use fat, and to encourage kids to make healthy food and activity choices.
"Mommy, what is depression?” explains that depression is a sickness and can affect how people feel and act. It tells kids that depression is treatable, and that those who are feeling depressed can seek help from doctors, therapists, or support groups. "Mommy, what is depression?" explains that it may take time for depressed people to get well, and that there are many causes for depression, but that they are not one of those causes. Most importantly, this book lets kids know their mental health is as important as their physical health and encourages them to talk to someone if they are feeling mentally unhealthy.
“Mommy, what is gay?” explains that love is universal and that heterosexual and homosexual love are the same. Using the word “gay” to describe same-sex couples, kids are told that there is no difference in the romantic love that any two people share, regardless of gender.
Books for older kids
Set in a simpler time, when water came from a well and families worked together to run their village, the children in the story of "The Inbetweens" must embark on a perilous one day, cross-country journey that every child of their age is expected to take - the journey of The Crossing. Brynn, Paulo and Ryu have all heard stories of The Crossing from their families and others in their village; stories of its treacherous terrain and the many obstacles encountered by those that had walked its path before them. The Riddles found etched into stone along the way will challenge the children's perceptions of trust, the truth, and especially themselves. The Somethings and The Nothings will try to trick, mislead, help, guide and sometimes even entertain them during their travels. Together Ryu, Brynn and Paulo must decide how to find their way home, and in the end, together they must decide which one of them won't be going home at all.
“Time for Rhyme to Have Its Turn – Using Rhyme to Help Kids Learn” is a collection of educational poems based on K-8 curricula. Broken into the categories of Math, English Language Arts, General Science, Animal/Plant Science, Earth Science, Weather Science, Space Science, Geography, Social Studies, and Measurement, each poem is constructed to give kids foundational knowledge in a wide range of topics in a fun and engaging way. Based on the principles of mnemonic learning, “Time for Rhyme to Have Its Turn – Using Rhyme to Help Kids Learn” offers teachers and educators an alternative resource to traditional texts.
For adults
Like many stay-at-home moms, I have an “explore-the-world” mind. I have learned that an imagination is a wonderful thing when doing day-to-day mundane chores like laundry and cleaning toilets. My imagination has often led me to questions ranging from fantastical (#190. What if you could choose your dreams before you went to sleep?) to world-changing (#1216. What if the memory of everyone on Earth was suddenly erased?). Sometimes my mind even meanders to downright weird places (#55. What if humans had no cartilage in their noses or ears?). Peppered with celebrity quotes about imagination, What if Sweat Smelled Like Chocolate? – The Ponderings of a Wandering Mind is simply a list of 1216 of those What if…? questions that popped into my head as I was folding my umpteenth load of laundry. Covering random topics ranging from sports to dating, politics to celebrities (and yes, even s-e-x), questions range from the somewhat common (#13. What if every word in the English language was actually spelled the way it sounds?) to “What the heck made you think of that?!” (#289. What if you woke up in the morning with blood all over your clothes and cuts and bruises on your hands?). Party, dinner party, barbeque, or even a first date - this book is the ultimate conversation starter! - Author Nikki Aksamit
Video Poetry and Recitals
No, Bully! recited by:
Grace Schools, Gbagada Estate Phase 1, Lagos
Lycée Français International de Bangkok LFIB
Love Each Other recited by:
Orangewood Academy, Garden Grove, CA, USA
Kids Unlimited Academy, Riverside Medford, OR, USA
Delano Academy, Ontario, Canada
Contact
For inquiries or bulk orders (10 copies or more) please contact:
Tel: 480-494-0804|
Email: nsla.wordsrpower@gmail.com
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