Sampson to the Rescue

PN Online visits with author Angela Irick on her new book Sampson to the Rescue.

For many kids today, going to school can be a daunting ordeal. The social setting demands myriad hurdles for students, and some find it difficult to fit in and be accepted. Imagine having to do it in a wheelchair.

Sampson to the Rescue is the story of Josh, a newly injured grade-schooler, who returns to school to face his peers from the seat of a wheelchair. He struggles with memories of his former life and abilities to run, jump, and take part in some of his favorite activities.

To help his transition, Josh was paired with his new service dog, Sampson who ends up helping in more ways than one.

Author Angela Irick talked with PNOnline to discuss her book and her run for the 2012 Ms. Wheelchair Texas crown.

PNO: What was your inspiration behind this book?

Irick:   I wrote this book for a variety of reasons. The one that stands out the most is when I’m out in public, children are always so curious about my wheelchair. Most times, before I can even answer, parents quickly pull them in the opposite direction or the parents will ignore their questions. This behavior teaches kids to ignore the disabled instead of acquainting them that being different isn't bad.

PNO: What do you hope to accomplish with this book?

Irick:   I hope my book teaches kids, disabled or not, to be themselves. Kids with disabilities should know that being different doesn't define who you are. I want this book to educate more people about the disabled community and realize that we are capable of great things.

PNO: Do you plan to write a sequel to this book?

Irick: I actually have two other children's books that will be
published this year. I wrote all three books in one night more than 8 years ago but never pursued getting them published. After a year of sending my manuscripts to various publishing agencies in 2010 I decided to research self-publishing. After speaking with other authors, they recommended self publishing would be the best way to get my message out.

PNO: What was the hardest part in bringing this book together?

Irick: In all honesty, the publishing process. Finding the right publisher and the services they offer was a challenge.

PNO: How many copies have you sold?

Irick: As of right now we have only sold 200 copies.

PNO: Talk about your quest for the Ms. Wheelchair Texas Title.

Irick: Ms. Wheelchair America and Ms. Wheelchair Texas Pageants are competitions designed to select the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for the millions of disabled Americans. The selected representative must be able to communicate both the needs and the accomplishments of her constituency to the general public, the business community, and the legislature.

As Ms. Wheelchair Texas, my duties would be numerous. I would have the opportunity to travel, make public appearances, and conduct radio, print, and television interviews to promote awareness on the importance of eliminating architectural and attitudinal barriers, educating Texans on disability issues, and informing the public of the achievements of people with disabilities.

Sampson to the Rescue can be found by visiting Irick’s web site Heels with Wheels or by contacting her directly at info@heelswithwheels.com.

For more information on the Ms. Wheelchair Texas Pageant visit them online at http://mswheelchairtexas.org/

 

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