This month, Living Resources was honored to welcome a very special guest: author Kathleen Mooney, the beloved sister of our resident, Kevin Mooney. Kathleen visited to share the love and inspiration behind her new children’s book, About My Brother, a heartfelt story born from her own life growing up with Kevin.
When Kathleen was just seven and Kevin only two, a tragic accident left him with permanent disabilities. From that moment forward, their lives were forever intertwined in a story of resilience, compassion, and unconditional sibling love.
As they grew, Kathleen began to notice something painful: children her age often excluded Kevin or, worse, made fun of him. To Kathleen, though, he wasn’t “different.” He was simply Kevin, her little brother with the same joy,
mischief, and longing to belong as every other child.
That tender perspective shines through in About My Brother. Written through the eyes of 8-year-old Kathleen, the book begins with a simple invitation to play, paired with a childlike “disclaimer” about her brother. From there, readers are gently guided from uncertainty to laughter, compassion, and, ultimately, acceptance as they discover Kevin’s wonderful spirit.
During her visit, Kathleen read a moving excerpt recalling a snowy afternoon when neighborhood kids wouldn’t let Kevin join their snowball fight. In her warm, teacher’s voice, she shared how moments like that stayed with her and how her years in the classroom inspired her to write the book. She realized that children often just need a little guidance and exposure to see the beauty in differences.
About My Brother offers both “windows and mirrors,” a chance for children to either see themselves reflected or to step into the world of someone whose life is different from their own. It’s more than a story; it’s an invitation to important conversations about kindness, empathy, and inclusion.
We are so grateful to Kathleen for sharing her family’s story, and Kevin’s shining spirit, with our community.
You can purchase the book directly from the author’s website at https://www.kathleenemooney.com/about-my-brother or on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/About-My-Brother-Kathleen-Mooney/dp/B0F2377HGM.