Meet Rachel Kaplan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Kaplan.

Hi Rachel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
This is how I became the person that I am today. When I was very young I would get bullied and teased, and I did not know why. My Mom told me that I had a learning disability and it would take me longer to learn things. My main source of learning how to read was by watching Disney movies and musicals. This gave me hope.

I was so tired of people treating me and looking at me differently, I decided I wanted to make a change in the world. I wanted to tell my story through my eyes. When I told people that I wanted to be an author, they did not believe that I could do it, I didn’t learn to read until High School and had a wonderful teacher who took the time to find the way that I could learn to read. Because of her kindness and never giving up on me, I believed I could do anything that I set my mind to.

I wrote my first book, “Growing up with a Disability” when I was in High School to let people know the challenges that I faced and how kindness is truly powerful. I was so happy to share my story with the world. I am glad to be an inspiration to others. An act of kindness can change someone’s life. I have written four more children’s books with the theme of kindness, friendship, and caring about the world.

I have been interviewed on television and the newspaper and Radio Disney.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. There have been challenges and triumphs along the way.

Having been bullied and treated differently motivated me to become a writer of children’s books so they could understand it is ok to be different. It took a while to get my first book published, but I never gave up on my dream.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have written 5 children’s books so far. I have had four book signings at Barnes and Noble in Phoenix and Scottsdale.

I love that I can spread the word about kindness and friendship and acceptance through my writing. I am so proud that I was recently featured on Channel Kindness a project for Born This Way Foundation started by Lady Gaga. I was also a finalist with my dog, Smokey, in the Furever USA national contest which spread the word about the importance of rescue animals. Smokey was the inspiration of one of my books.

What sets me apart from others is that even though I suffer from anxiety, I have not let this get in the way of my dreams and have kept moving forward. My goal is to continue to spread kindness and acceptance through my work as a writer. I also donate all profits from my book sales to charities that are important to me.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people do not know that I suffer from anxiety and how difficult it is to speak in public and the struggles that I have to face on a day-to-day basis. People may not know that I love Disney and the messages behind the stories.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlerayray18
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racheldisneykaplan