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Two Children’s Books With Local Ties Highlight Inclusion 10-Year-Old Pittsburgh Native Writes, Designs Children’s Book After a Mikayla’s Voice inclusion assembly at Hoover Elementary School, 10-year-old Holden Frye was inspired to write a children’s fiction book about the non-profit’s logo, a ladybug with one yellow spot. Dot is a “teenage ladybug with a cool and different look, and life is good… but it wasn’t always that way.” The challenges she faces are relatable to any child who has ever felt different. Holden, now age 11, returned to his elementary school to read his book titled “The SpOt” to the entire student body as
Holden Frye
Education, shared, “It is a true privilege to recognize students that exemplify the values of the Pennsylvania Department of Education of equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are so proud of Mr. Holden Frye for his accomplishments and for being a role model for all our students. Congratulations Holden!”
the highlight of a school-wide celebration of inclusion. Carole Clancy, Pennsylvania’s Director of Special Education at the PA Department of Education, attended and presented Holden with an award. In reference to the award, Dr. Sherri Smith, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Elementary and Secondary
Thanks to a donation from The Law Offices of Steidl & Steinberg, Mikayla’s Voice was able to gift a copy of Holden’s book to every kindergarten and first-grade class in Allegheny County. Achieva partnered with Mikayla’s Voice to coordinate book distribution to 43 school districts and a dozen charter schools.
