Nadine Haruni

Kathryn interviews Author Nadine Haruni.In her first novel for middle-grade (and older) readers, The Hat Diaries: The Secret Life of Ryan Rigbee, award-winning author Nadine Haruni introduced readers to Ryan Rigbee, a 13-year-old loner reeling from losing his dad who forms an unexpected bond with Merlo. The enchanted hats Ryan puts on before bedtime magically transform him into the role of the hat-wearer, and he is drawn into a world filled with nightly action-packed adventures with his dog, Shadow. Now in her second installment, she takes Ryan's adventures to an exciting and dangerous new level. Haruni is an award winning author known for her captivating children's book centered on acceptance and provides comfort for children navigating real-life challenges. She is also a practicing attorney, Certified yoga instructor, and the proud mother of a blended family of five children.Kathryn also interviews Author Becky Faye Smith Galli.Having faced profound challenges, including the loss of her brother, having two children with special needs (one of whom passed away), divorce, and a life-altering paralysis that has left her in a wheelchair, Becky Faye Smith Galli has found a way to redefine life with resilience and purpose. She now shares how to stay positive and "rethinking possible" when life doesn't go as planned. In 2000, The Baltimore Sun published her first column about playing soccer with her son—from the wheelchair that launched her From Where I Sit newspaper column. She believes life can be good--no matter what. With over 400 published columns, she continues to write Thoughtful Thursdays—Lessons from a Resilient Heart, a column for her subscriber family that shares what's inspired her to stay positive.