Talking Shit About Nothing Podcast | Episode 16: Abilities (ft. Author & Illustrator Michelle MacLean)

This week, Jimmy and Richie talk to Jimmy's daughter, Author and Illustrator Michelle MacLean about her book "Abilities". Michelle MacLean is a 7th grade Special Educator in Sudbury Massachusetts. Her inspiration for her graphic novel came when her students with different disabilities started to make negative comments about their challenges with school. Not finding any characters for her students to connect with, she decided to create them. Michelle had her own challenges growing up in school as she was placed in a sub separate special education class for having dyslexia. Despite having dyslexia, she was always a creative cartoonist. Michelle went on to earn her masters at Framingham State University in Special Education. Her goal for this book is to help kids with different disabilities learn more about themselves and persevere through the challenges of school. The character in her book Daniella is a reflection of herself growing up in middle school.