Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1493935
www.FredericksburgParent.NET 7 Pouches' Book Nook WRITTEN BY LENOR KRUK-MULLANAPHY "Nelson Beats the Odds" by Ronnie Sidney Instilling confidence in children, encour- aging a love of reading and possessing a heightened level of social awareness are some of the most important les- sons for youngsters to learn, and now all three are wrapped up in one book series. "Nelson Beats the Odds" is the first book written by Ronnie Sidney, II, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). It's geared to students who may be struggling academically, emotionally or behaviorally. A therapist, author, professional speaker and entrepreneur, the Tappahannock resident said the book, which was published in 2015, is a semiautobiographical novel about a young man who overcomes the stigma of being placed in special education. "My former special education teacher encouraged me to tell my story after I earned my master of social work from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)," says Sidney. "I wanted to inspire struggling students to beat the odds." Sidney was diagnosed with a learning disability in third grade, spending the next seven years in special education. His early aca- demic challenges led him to share his story. Celebrating friendship, resilience and empowerment with colorful illustrations, the book is ideal for individuals diagnosed with learn- ing disabilities and mental health disorders. Sidney became a licensed clinical social worker in 2017 and has been noted as one of the "15 Black Male Therapists You Should Know" by HuffPost. That same year he was honored by Old Dominion University (ODU)—where he received a bachelor of science in human services in 2006—for the "Darden Award" for alumni who have made outstanding achievements. He was one of 200 VCU Alumni in "The Power Issue" of the school's Shafer Court Connections magazine. With so many titles, Sidney also holds those of husband and father. He is a member of the VCU Center on Transition Innovations, the Essex County Economic Development Authority and Essex Youth Football Association. He also makes author visits, conducts workshops and provides keynote addreses, where he inspires students, parents and professionals to push their boundar- ies and grow. For more information on "The Nelson Beats the Odds" series and Sidney, visit the website atnelsonbeatstheodds.com. The books in the series can be purchased on Amazon. Sidney can also be found on Twitter and Instagram @ronniesidneyii and on Facebook at face- book.com/ronniesidneyii/nelsonbeatstheodds.com.