Rahway Elementary School Teacher Publishes Children's Book, Spreads Message of Love and Support
By DAVID BRIGHOUSE
Published: January 16, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Last Updated: January 16, 2023 at 9:17 AM
RAHWAY, NJ — TAPinto Rahway has written recently about several children's authors with Rahway connections who visited the district's elementary schools. Most recently, we also published a story about a children's author from a neighboring town.
But, then, when Roosevelt School paraprofessional Wendy DeChellis reached out to alert us to the fact that the school had its very own in-house children's author, we thought it was about time we learned more.
Laura Elizabeth Necci is a PSD (Preschool Student with a Disability) teacher in Roosevelt. Her book, Luna the Lion, was just published in November by Halo Publishing International and emphasizes some of the difficulties that individuals on the autism spectrum can often face. The book is illustrated by Sarah K. Turner.
TAPinto Rahway was thrilled to interview Necci and hear more about her recent, amazing accomplishment. See our discussion below.
Q: Laura, thanks so much for speaking with us, and congratulations on the new book. We want to hear all about it. But, first, tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
A: Sure. I was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Old Bridge, surrounded by a lot of love, family, kindness, and support. I had a childhood full of opportunities and experiences that led me towards my current passion of teaching. I have always loved creating, inspiring, and having fun in and out of the classroom. I spent many years volunteering and working with individuals on the autism spectrum. These experiences opened my eyes to this wonderful population and the challenges both these individuals and their families face on a daily basis. I am a PSD teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School here in Rahway. I have been teaching in Rahway now for six years.
Q: So how did you come to write this book? Was writing a children's book something you always wanted to do?
A: Reading and writing is something that I always gravitated towards in school. I always loved exploring books and creating poems for family members. My sisters always said I missed my calling and should have written greeting cards for Hallmark. The story and idea of Luna the Lion came to me after a series of difficult times that I experienced throughout my own life journey. It was through these experiences, hardships, and loss that I realized I had a story that could help people in a way that was bigger than myself. The hardest part of the writing and publishing process was believing that I actually could write a story that made a difference. Once I wrote the story, I decided I owed it to myself to try to get it published.
Q: Tell us about the book itself. What's it about?
A: The story of Luna the Lion is a story about love, acceptance, and overcoming the hardships and obstacles that we must navigate throughout our lives. Our friend Luna moves through the jungle where she will face obstacles that are common among individuals who are on the autism spectrum. The story highlights that with love and support there is not a thing on earth we cannot face. Throughout my experiences, I have come across amazing families, parents, siblings, friends, and caregivers, who show up every day for their loved ones who are on the autism spectrum. So often they are facing a silent battle in which they feel like they are not doing enough, they are not doing what they are supposed to be doing, and, most importantly, that they are alone. I wanted this story to be a reminder that the love that is given every day is enough and is making a difference in the lives of these individuals. This message is a special one because it is universal. The challenges and hard times that we face throughout our lives will help shape us, mold us, and propel us to find our purpose and true place.
Q: What has been the response thus far to the book? How do you feel now as a published author?
A: I have been overwhelmed with joy and am truly so grateful for all the support and love that has come my way. My goal of writing this story was to merely get the message out to my own family and the families of the students I interact with on a daily basis. To hear that the message of Luna is in fact bigger than myself and can make an impact beyond my own perimeter is surreal. To be honest, sometimes I forget that I actually published a book. I’m still showing up every day in the classroom and giving my all to my students. I do have those "pinch me I can’t believe that this actually happened" moments. I am just so grateful and blessed.
Q: What's next for you? Do you think you will write another book?
A: I am so lucky to have found a publishing agency that has shown me the way and made this process such a wonderful one. The message of Luna the Lion is just a small fraction of what individuals on the autism spectrum go through and face on a daily basis. There are so many stories that deserve to be told, and I most definitely have some ideas brewing!
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us or anyone you'd like to mention or thank?
A: This process and my life experiences have shown me that no day is promised. I want the readers to remember that if they have a goal or a dream they owe it to themselves to pursue it. You never know the impact you can have by following your dreams. I want to thank my family and loved ones who have shown me support and unconditional love not only throughout this process but throughout my life. I’d like to thank God who helped me through those hard times and brought me to Luna. And, lastly, I want to thank everyone who celebrates the differences and gifts that make each of us unique. I thank you for your interest and support. Here is to making an impact and change!
Q: Laura, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with TAPinto Rahway. It's truly been an inspiring and exciting experience.
A: Thank you so much for the interview. I really appreciate it.