Charity Harris did everything by the book.
After completing a college degree, she set out to find work, but she found, to her dismay, that her differences brought more difficulties.
Harris, 36, has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Type 3, and by the age of 21, the neuromuscular condition put her permanently in a wheelchair.
She graduated from Cal Poly Pomona, with a degree in graphic design, in 2015. Three years of going on interviews, only to be overlooked, she believed, because of her disability, saw Harris change her course. She began a foray into children’s literature.
Children’s literature author Charity Harris and her dog Teddy.
(Eric Licas)
Since then, she has endeavored to spread the messages of accessibility, friendship, kindness and inclusivity, while highlighting children that have disabilities. The initial title, “What If We Were All The Same,” drives home that point, and her work took off from there. She now has 21 published children’s books, with more on the way.
Harris sold 20,000 copies of “What if We Were All the Same” in the first year. The San Francisco 49ers showed an interest in her work, purchasing some 2,000 copies and defensive end Arik Armstead read it to Bay Area first-graders.
Following the success of her first book, Harris established Purple Diamond Press, where she has helped publish the work of other like-minded authors.
“Although I wasn’t using a wheelchair till my 20s, I suffered a little differently when I was a child,” Harris said. “Just because I’m different, it doesn’t really mean that much. I’m just like you. I may do things differently, but I can still accomplish things.”
Children’s literature author Charity Harris, right, and her parents, Steve and Kathleen Harris.
(Eric Licas)
When her first book was published in 2019, Harris joined the Orange County Children’s Book Festival, which returns for its 22nd annual event to Orange Coast College on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“It was a great event,” said Harris, who has come back every year since. “So many people, a lot of supporters. I told them about my story, told them about the book, about diversity, disability and inclusion … You get families from all over, teachers, as well, just everyone coming together to support writers, so it’s truly a wonderful time.”
Admission is free to the festival, which this year will feature New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky. Other headliners include authors and comedians Jesús Trejo and Melissa Villaseñor.
The scheduled programming includes interviews and live readings from participating authors on four stages. Families can enjoy free train rides on campus, character encounters, and hands-on activities. There will also be an assortment of food trucks on site.
Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, left, speaks during the 2019 Orange County Children’s Book Festival, an event that returns to Orange Coast College Sunday.
(Michelle Burns)
Stephanie Morales, the communications lead for the festival, said “reading is everywhere,” even if it’s being redefined beyond the words on the page. It also brings families together.
“When I’ve interviewed and spoken to families, … everybody there is super excited, and it’s really great to see that families are coming together,” Morales said. “It’s not just about the kids. The parents need to be interested in those books, too, because they’re going to be reading them. Those authors, this is their life, and they’re such great people, such great stories.
“I’ve heard that [the families have] heard about the festival from teachers … I think there is that love of storytelling … Engaging and connecting with community and people is our strong point.”
Apart from the festival, Harris also enjoys author visits in local classrooms, where she can read to and connect with her audience while also imparting lessons for interpersonal communication.
Children’s literature author Charity Harris will participate in the Orange County Children’s Book Festival at Orange Coast College.
(Eric Licas)
“The kids can see I’m in a wheelchair, so of course they have questions, and I’m so excited to answer any questions they do have,” Harris said. “I’m very comfortable with my disability, and I want to be able to share that with kids to show that there’s nothing wrong with asking questions, and there’s nothing wrong with approaching someone who is disabled …
“If you want to ask about their disability, you can also do that, but there’s a fine way to do it. Don’t just stare at them.”