Real Life American Heroes: Ketanji Brown Jackson

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Hi, SuperCaptainBraveFans! This is our latest article in our continued celebration of Black History Month about real-life African American Heroes. Today, we celebrate US lawyer and Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson!

Ketanji Brown Jackson was born in Washington D.C., our nation’s capital, but was raised in Miami, Florida. As a child, she had an interest in law and leadership early on in life. Her mother was a school principal and her father was an attorney. In high school, Ketanji Brown Jackson was on the debate team and was her high school class president. She attended Harvard University where she studied law and government. Ketanji Brown Jackson was the editor of the Harvard Law Review, a very important law journal! She graduated in 1996 and married her husband, Patrick Jackson.

After college, Ketanji Brown Jackson worked as a law clerk for federal judges. She worked for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer in 1999 and spent many days doing research about cases. As an attorney, Ketanji Brown Jackson worked as a Public Defender. A Public Defender represents people who are accused of crimes but aren’t able to pay for their own attorneys.

Ketanji Brown Jackson was selected to serve in the United States Sentencing Commission in 2010 by President Barack Obama. This governing body is in charge of making the sentences of people who commit crimes fair and just. Here, she advocated for people who had unfair and harsh sentences. Ketanji Brown Jackson was known to help everyone in the Commission find common ground and agree on rules to employ.

In 2022, Ketanji Brown Jackson was nominated by President Joe Biden to be a Justice of the Supreme Court. On June 30th, Ketanji Brown Jackson became Justice Jackson, replacing Justice Breyer as a Supreme Court Justice. The Supreme Court is the highest court in America! This court makes the decisions that every court in the country must follow. Alongside her colleagues, it is Justice Jackson’s responsibility to protect and uphold the rights and freedoms expressed in the Constitution.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has made American history by becoming the first Black Woman to take a seat on the high court. She is an inspirational hero who upholds the oath to defend and protect our nation and democracy by serving our country.

Thanks for reading our article about African American Hero, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson! Join us again throughout the month of February as we continue to highlight African American Heroes for Black History Month!

 

 

Welcome Kindness Into 2024!

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It's another great year and we hope that you're going to do your Super Best to bring kindness into 2024!

2023 was a fantastic year for us at SuperCaptainBraveMan! Kyle continues to grow and thrive, impressing us every day with his progress and ability to learn more, make new friends, and have fun adventures!

We here at SuperCaptainBraveMan pledge to continue to highlight kids with special abilities and their heroic adventures all year long! Our messages of kindness and inclusion continue to propel us, making the new year full of endless possibilities.

Exciting things continue to happen and we hope to share them all with you soon! Join us on another great year of adventure!

Earth Day: Giving The Earth a Helping Hand

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Earth Day

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Hey there, young eco-warriors! Have you heard of Earth Day? Every year, on April 23rd, we celebrate our amazing home and think about the various ways we can take care of the planet. But what does that really mean, and what are the ways that you can help?

Taking care of the Earth is all about using resources wisely. Resources are things we need, like water, energy, and materials. Resources are limited, and it’s our responsibility to ensure we can make those resources last or reuse them innovatively! So, let’s talk about some easy ways to use resources wisely and help the Earth!

Use Less Plastic

The most important thing you can do if you use plastics is to recycle them! Plastic takes a long time to break down and can negatively affect the environment. There are so many ways to replace plastics with things you use every day! Some examples are by using reusable bags instead of plastic bags when shopping. You can also use a refillable water bottle instead of buying bottled water.

Save Energy

Electric energy is what powers our homes and schools. You can save energy by turning off lights and electronics when you’re not using them. You can also ask your parents to switch to energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.

Save Water

Water is a precious resource, and it’s very important we don’t waste it. There are very simple ways to make sure you’re water-wise. You can save water by turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth or by taking shorter showers. You can also ask your parents to fix any leaks in the house.

Plant a Garden

Plants are amazing for the Earth because they produce oxygen and clean the air. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is a fun way to learn about nature and enjoy healthy food. You can start a garden in your backyard or at school.

Speak Up!

Finally, one of the most important things you can do is speak up for the Earth! You can write letters to politicians or start a petition to make your community greener. You can also talk to your friends and family about why taking care of the Earth is important.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but there are so many ways you can help the Earth. You can make a big difference by using resources wisely and making small daily changes. And the best part is that these habits can stay with you for life and help you improve the world as you grow up!

Diversity and Inclusivity in Children’s Literature: Educating with Compassion

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Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Children’s books are our first steps into the adventures of literature. From the earliest of ages, children enter a world filled with authors and characters that become as dear to them as anyone in the real world. They become our children’s first teachers, friends, and companions.

Authors like Dr. Seuss, characters like The Berenstain Bears, and sleepy-time staples like Good Night, Moon help shape our children’s moral compass, compassion, and awareness in loving and entertaining ways. SuperCaptainBraveMan is so proud to be among such literary giants when you and your family choose quality children’s book content.

Diversity and inclusivity are critical aspects of children’s lives, and, in turn, Children’s books can and should reflect the world around them. While the classic tales of our childhoods still hold lessons every child should know, it is essential to ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, race, sexual orientation, or family background, are represented in the stories they read.

Representation Matters

For children with disabilities, finding characters, they can relate to in books can be challenging. We all love a good superhero story! Where the main character fights the bad guy, saves the friend, and learns new ways to share their powers with others! It is easy to get attached to that character and find ways you’re similar to them. But how about if that superhero has a trach? Or if he’s wearing his cool AFO leg braces? What happens when a child with disabilities sees a superhero with disabilities? When children with disabilities see characters with similar experiences, it can help them feel seen, heard, and validated. We can attest to this fact every time a mother, father, or caretaker tells us that their child with a disability sees themself in SuperCaptainBraveMan.

Similarly, children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds may not always see themselves reflected in the books they read. By including diverse characters in children’s books, we can help all children feel seen and cherished.

Breaking Stereotypes

Children's books featuring diverse characters can also help to break down stereotypes and biases. For example, children's books that feature characters with disabilities can help to dispel myths about what it means to have a disability. Books that depict characters from different races and ethnic backgrounds can also help to break down stereotypes and promote understanding.

It is important that children's books featuring diverse characters are written and illustrated respectfully and authentically. A refreshing dive into newer children's books showcase authors and illustrators who have lived experience, are diverse, or have done extensive research to create realistic and nuanced portrayals of diverse characters.

Encouraging Empathy

Reading children's books featuring diverse characters can also encourage empathy and understanding in children. When children see characters who are different, it can help them develop a broader perspective and a greater understanding of the world around them. This can lead to greater compassion and empathy for others, encourage kids to learn about customs different from theirs, and lead with kindness.

Promoting Inclusivity

We are so lucky to live in a time where children's books represent various experiences, backgrounds, and abilities. The amount of different voices and stories Children's books provide only helps build our children's view of the ever-changing yet beautiful world we all share. Children's literature can be critical in promoting acceptance and celebrating diversity as we work towards a more inclusive society.

The Disagreement Duel: What Can Be Done When We Don't See Eye to Eye?

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There are a lot of things in this world that we all can agree on. We all know how yummy ice cream is. We also can agree that music is fun to dance to. And what about reading stories? Books are always a fun way to spend time together. But what's the best ice cream flavor to eat? How about the best song to listen to? What if I want Mommy to read an adventure book, but my little sister wants to hear a story about a silly pet? There are plenty of times when it can be challenging to agree on something. There is a variety of different things that people have opinions on, and sometimes those opinions can clash. Even with friends and family members you typically agree on everything with, there can be moments where you disagree. So how can you handle disagreements? Is there one right way to make sure you never disagree again?

Knowing how to interact with people who don't always agree with you is a good habit. We might not always see eye to eye with others, but it's important to remember that everyone has their own opinion and that it's okay to disagree sometimes. We all have different points of view and often think there's only one way to tackle an issue.

There are a bunch of ways to handle disagreements productively. It's very easy to slip into an argument when you disagree with someone. When your Mommy tells you and your little brother to pick one cereal at the supermarket, and he wants Fruity Pebbles, but you want Cheerios, that can turn into a disagreement, and you might not be able to come up with a solution. That's okay. Sometimes we are so focused on convincing others that our opinion is better. An excellent first step is recognizing that our opinions on some things might not be the best way to settle a situation. Being respectful is a perfect start to handling disagreements. Even if you disagree with your little brother, it's still important for him to voice his opinion. This means not being rude or saying things like, "That's silly. Cheerios are better!" Like you, your brother has the right to have his own opinion.

We must also listen actively, which is a way of paying attention to what they are saying. Sometimes we believe our opinion is so right that we forget to look at the other person's perspective. Take a moment to consider why their opinion is different by asking questions, being kind, and always saving your response for after they finish talking.

Another way to approach a disagreement is by looking for common ground. Common ground means finding something in their opinion you might agree with. If your little sister wants Strawberries, but you want Raspberries, think about what you like about strawberries. You may like how they taste in a cake. Compromise can be a great way to settle a disagreement.

It's important to take care of yourself and not let an opinion different from yours make you feel upset or angry. But sometimes, when we cannot agree, even after practicing all of our steps, the best thing to do might be to walk away. Take a second to cool down and let the other person cool down too. Remember, when disagreements are little or big, you can't forget to ensure you are okay at the end of one.

Everyone is different and has a unique way of viewing the world. This diversity is what makes friendships so amazing! It's important to respect and appreciate these differences, even when we don't agree. Keep your Super Power of Kindness handy when you have disagreements. You'll be glad you did!

Winning at Losing: Being Kind to Yourself and Others After You Lose a Game

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Winning at Losing

Everyone loves playing a good game! Some of the best moments in life are playing in a team in a competition. Whether a friendly game of kickball on the playground or a rainy day board game with your family, games can be a great way to develop strategic thinking, cooperation skills, and bonding time. But what happens when a game doesn’t go your way? What if you’re on the losing side of a competition?

It’s an important fact that losing can be upsetting. It’s natural to be disappointed when you lose a game, especially when you work hard to try and achieve a goal. But, it is equally important to remember that the risk of losing is a part of playing any game. Losing can also be an opportunity to learn from mistakes.

Losing can reinforce lessons that can help kids grow. Winning can feel great. We enjoy pushing for success and avoiding failure. But losing is a part of any game. It’s easy to connect failure with the opposite of winning, but that’s not true. Losing is a part of success. Without loss, the vital lessons that games provide will never be learned.

Losing a game teaches us that perfection isn’t a goal to aim for. There is always room for growth and improvement. It can also remind us that perseverance is a win in its own right. When we lose at a game, it’s so easy to give up. But, when we lose, learn from a game, and pick ourselves up to try again, we can set ourselves up for success the next time. That resilience helps create the determination and drive it takes to reach our goals.

One of the most important parts of losing a game is a lesson in kindness and empathy. When you win a game, and your opponent feels bad, you most likely meet them with kind words. Just like how you extend kindness their way, it’s important to remember that if you lose, kindness to the winner is good too. Everybody has those days. Everybody is capable of failing. We all share similarities when it comes to competition. Being kind and supportive reflects your kindness and empathy even when things don’t go your way.

Everyone loves playing a good game! Some of the best moments in life are playing in a team in a competition. Whether a friendly game of kickball on the playground or a rainy day board game with your family, games can be a great way to develop strategic thinking, cooperation skills, and bonding time. But what happens when a game doesn’t go your way? What if you’re on the losing side of a competition?

It’s an important fact that losing can be upsetting. It’s natural to be disappointed when you lose a game, especially when you work hard to try and achieve a goal. But, it is equally important to remember that the risk of losing is a part of playing any game. Losing can also be an opportunity to learn from mistakes.

Losing can reinforce lessons that can help kids grow. Winning can feel great. We enjoy pushing for success and avoiding failure. But losing is a part of any game. It’s easy to connect failure with the opposite of winning, but that’s not true. Losing is a part of success. Without loss, the vital lessons that games provide will never be learned.

Losing a game teaches us that perfection isn’t a goal to aim for. There is always room for growth and improvement. It can also remind us that perseverance is a win in its own right. When we lose at a game, it’s so easy to give up. But, when we lose, learn from a game, and pick ourselves up to try again, we can set ourselves up for success the next time. That resilience helps create the determination and drive it takes to reach our goals.

One of the most important parts of losing a game is a lesson in kindness and empathy. When you win a game, and your opponent feels bad, you most likely meet them with kind words. Just like how you extend kindness their way, it’s important to remember that if you lose, kindness to the winner is good too. Everybody has those days. Everybody is capable of failing. We all share similarities when it comes to competition. Being kind and supportive reflects your kindness and empathy even when things don’t go your way.

ANGRY! What can I do when my child gets frustrated?

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Life is full of super great moments! Each adventure can bring excitement, happiness, and lots of fun. But sometimes, moments can get us a little frustrated or even angry. An angry mood can sometimes damper the joy of an adventure, and it can be hard to get rid of that feeling. So what do we do when kids feel a little frustrated? How can we recognize things that upset them? And what do we do after they're done being angry?

An important thing to remember is that everyone can get angry. It's a normal emotion that you and your kids feel sometimes. People often get frustrated when things go differently than planned, when something is a little tricky to achieve, or if they can't get something they want right away. These things often lead to angry reactions like yelling, screaming, or crying. The results often create a larger and more stressful situation.

Children require their emotions to be validated, and recognizing anger is essential in resolution. Being angry is a proper emotion kids feel is true and real to their situation. It's often hard to remember that in heightened circumstances. Something to remember, however, is that although that feeling is valid, behavior is something your kids can control. A more likely situation that creates frustration between you and your child isn't their anger; it's the behavior that follows. Being angry is okay. How you work out that anger appropriately is a workable course during outbursts.

A great start to helping your child handle their anger is checking in with your emotional response. None of us are perfect regarding flare-ups and terse situations that can spring up suddenly. An awareness helps diffuse things that tend to escalate into a problem. A child receiving the wrong side at mealtime or bringing the wrong toy on a car trip can sometimes be catastrophic. While these situations seem inconsequential to us, to a child, who doesn't have the life experience to process their emotions appropriately, these moments can cause major upset, which in turn can cause you frustration. 

Remember that not reacting to your child's behavior doesn't mean you've given in. It's important to understand that appropriate disciplining isn't in the middle of a meltdown. Employ methods that work for you and your child. An example, encourage your child to take a breath alongside you or give each other space. Problems are best resolved when tempers are settled. 

Please encourage your child to get familiar with their signs of anger. You can help diffuse a situation by noticing when an eruption can occur. Recognizing physical signals like jaw-locking and fist-clenching can help you by getting ahead of a potential crisis.

Some children tend to feel embarrassed or sorry for their emotional outbursts. A practical way to confront uncomfortable emotions is to approach them calmly and in a way that leads to a productive outcome. A helpful method following an eruption can be discussed openly with your child. Ask them why they were upset, what triggered that response, or how things could have ended differently. Remember that your child can set the tone of what they're comfortable discussing. If frustration remerges, drop the conversation, you can always return to the topic at a calmer time.

Anger happens. It's an emotion that we all share. Although it can sometimes be frustrating, listening with attentive ears, a rational mind, and an open heart can help any little superhero! The best part about the people we love is their varied emotions and ability to compromise when things get rough. 

We found these articles helpful in researching this blog post:

Responding to Anger in Children

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/passive-aggressive-diaries/201402/reponding-anger-in-children

Helping Your Child With Anger Issues

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/help-your-child-with-anger-issues/

Angry Kids: Dealing with Explosive Behavior

https://childmind.org/article/angry-kids-dealing-with-explosive-behavior/

Kindness: A Secret Super Power!

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Superheroes like SuperCaptainBraveMan have extraordinary abilities! They can jump high, fly amongst birds, and lift the heaviest objects. But what if we told you that a secret Super Power exists in everyone? It's a simple power that all kids have and can use to save any day. Of course, we're talking about the Super Power of Kindness! While being Kind is an innate action, it is important to remind ourselves now and then to lead with Kindness.

Why is Kindness so important?

Fostering Kindness early in life is vital in raising empathetic and compassionate children. "Kindness helps children's mental health, their resilience, as well as their peak performance," educational psychologist and author of Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Some Kids Shine, Michele Borba states. "Practicing empathy helps a child develop a kindness mindset. They say, 'I see myself as a kind person,' and then they're more likely to keep doing it."

What is the best way to encourage a Kindness Mindset?

Reading books with your child is a fantastic way to promote their Super Power of Kindness. Reading quality stories to children and analyzing character emotions in real-time can help foster empathy cognition. A simple question of, "What do you think this character is feeling right now?" promotes critical thinking and can develop empathetic thoughts that segue into leading with Kindness.

How can I create a kind environment?

The best way to create and maintain a kind environment is by example! Parents and caretakers are often a child's first teachers. Children can learn to lead with Kindness by employing empathy and compassion in daily interactions.

Another way is to validate a child's emotions. Even during a child's frustration or anger, an excellent method to steer back to Kindness is to talk your child through their frustration. "They also learn a key lesson," Borba says. "Compassion in action is one of the best ways to help another and yourself."

Kindness is a Super Power everyone possesses, and it can assemble bonds, leaders, and lessons essential to creating a better world. Children can share Kindness in so many different ways. Equipping them with healthy and positive Kindness Mindsets can help propel their confidence.

Share your Super Power of Kindness at every opportunity!

https://micheleborba.com/books/thrivers/

We found Michele Borba's book, Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Some Kids Shine, a great resource.

https://www.supercaptainbraveman.com/shop/hardcover-fab-five

SuperCaptainBraveMan Books are great stories to kick off conversations about Kindness! Check out our bundles by clicking the link!

GTubes: What Are They and Why Do Some Kids Need Them?

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Energy is vital to any superhero's mission, so growing heroes must get their daily balance of nutrition to keep their adventures going!

One of the most important ways a kid can get their energy is from nutritious food and a healthy diet. Typically, this is accomplished by eating a healthy balance of proteins, vegetables, starches, and fruits by mouth. But what about kids who can't eat by mouth? How can they be assured that they receive the appropriate nutrition? One way that some kids get their food is through a GTube.

A GTube, or Gastrostomy Tube, is a surgically placed device in the belly that directly pipes enteral (liquid nutrition) formula into the stomach.

Kids need GTubes for different reasons. Sometimes, GTubes are placed when a child has difficulty swallowing, has congenital disabilities that interfere with their ability to eat, or has difficulty meeting milestones regarding their weight or nutrition absorption.

GTubes are placed only in extreme situations when a child cannot physically have nutrition through their mouth. Children and parents first meet with their doctors, Gastroenterologists, and care teams. Before, during, and after the procedure, the child and family are given instructions about GTube care, feedings, and potential problems they can run into. All of this is vital to proper care and use of GTubes.

GTubes can be a pivotal part of a child's developmental progress. But sometimes can be a point of frustration. Having the ability to eat by mouth compromised can be an uncomfortable thought, and those feelings are valid. An important note is being able to relate to your child's needs for growth and adequate nutrition. How you and your child approach life with a GTube are strictly personal to your family's journey. Utilizing the knowledge of your healthcare team and other parent-led GTube communities on social media can benefit you.

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and be Super, and that starts with healthy nutrition!

Check out these GTube-themed and Nutrition stories we've enjoyed, and feel free to start the conversation in the comments below!

Happy New Year!

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Hello to the new year!

2023 is here and we’re so excited to share our plans for the coming year.

But first, let’s catch up with what the SuperCaptainBraveMan team did in 2022!

This year, Kyle turned 16. And by the end of the year, he has grown to an amazing 4 feet 4 inches. Which means that sooner rather than later, he’ll be taller than both Nurse Brigette and Nurse Leah!

2022 was a year of collaborations for us.

Partnering with O & P in Motion, 2 murals featuring SuperCaptainBraveMan are now proudly displayed on the outside of their Los Angeles location.

We also had the privilege to collaborate with Marc Laver and his initiative, Jonnie and Friends. This inspiring initiative led the restoration of Universal Universe’s All Access Playground. We are so thankful and honored to be part of such a lovely project.

And we here at SuperCaptainBraveMan want to send out a special thanks to Fenton Primary School for hosting our first live book reading since the pandemic. We love sharing our stories with kids and have missed seeing all of the excited faces live and in person.

New Year, New Merch!

We’ve added more items to our shop! In addition to our T-shirts, you can now order hats, beanies, PJ pants, and “One Brave Kid” shirts. Even our four legged friends can get their SuperCaptainBraveMan on with our doggie kerchiefs featuring Mochi!

Head over to our shop to grab some garb to dress in SuperCaptainBraveMan head to toe!

This year—more than most—reminded us all that we are beyond grateful for each and every one of you. Your support, comments, and likes mean the world to us.

Our continued love for creative stories that showcase inclusivity are at the heart of everything we do. From diabetes to Down Syndrome, SuperCaptainBraveMan strives to teach kids about kindness, empathy, and the power to connect to the superhero inside.

Happy 2023!

Comment below with your New Year’s resolutions and hopes for the coming 12 months.

Stay safe and stay brave, SuperCaptainBraveFAM!

National Superhero Day at Fenton Primary School!

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What makes a superhero? Is it the power to fly high? The ability to leap over buildings? Or is it catching the bad guy before dinner time? While we can all agree that these talents are super, we at SuperCaptainBraveMan believe that the one thing that makes a superhero is: Kindness!

On National Superhero Day, April 28th, the SuperCaptainBraveMan Team had the honor of visiting Fenton Primary Center School to read their TK through 2nd graders The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan books! This fantastic event was our first live book reading since the COVID-19 lockdown!

We were so impressed with how well these little superheroes listened and participated in our SuperHero Storytime! All of these super kids wore their best superhero costumes. Thank you to Mrs. Salazar and the incredible staff and teachers at Fenton Primary School for welcoming us so warmly! You guys are the real Super Crew!

Thanks for allowing us to celebrate National Superhero Day with you all! We are so grateful to help kids unlock their superhero power of kindness!

Jonnie and Friends Reach For the Stars and Universal Universe’s Playground Renovation

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Hello everyone! We hope the weekend was super, especially with your Super Hero Mamas!

A neighborhood park is a great place to play and enjoy time outside. They're even more fun when you play with friends! In our first book, The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan, Book 1: A Day at the Park, SuperCaptainBraveMan helped a young girl in a wheelchair named Emily make new friends at her favorite park.

Someone who knows just how fantastic neighborhood parks are is Marc Laver. His son, Jonnie, was a young boy who enjoyed playing at local parks. Jonnie utilized a wheelchair to get around, and Marc and his wife Linda made it their mission to add inclusive play features to existing parks. In 2005, the City of Sacramento asked Jonnie and his family to cut the ribbon on Southside Park's new Universal Universe Playground, one of the first all-access playgrounds in Northern California. Following Jonnie's passing in 2019, Marc and his family created an amazing initiative called Jonnie and Friends Reach for the Stars. The fundraising effort was created to renovate Universal Universe's Playground, update its play equipment, and fix general wear and tear due to years of play.

We were delighted to hear about Marc and Jonnie's story and were honored to be invited to participate in this epic event! SuperCaptainBraveMan and the team donated books, shirts, and stickers to their raffle event held on Saturday, May 7th! We were so happy to receive amazing photos of the event.

Thank you, Marc, and everyone at Jonnie and Friends Reach for the Stars! The beautiful initiative you have begun creates a space for kids to assemble, play, and make new friends! The need for all-access playgrounds for kids of all abilities is so important.

Nurses Day 2022

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Nurses are such an important part of healthcare! Often the first line of communication between patient and care, Nurses perform an assortment of medical assessment, hospital intervention, and add a touch of much needed compassion in times that can be a bit scary.

In our personal life, nurses play an integral role in every aspect of daily life! Kyle's team of home nurses past and present continue to show their knowledge, experience and dedication to his overall health!

Nursing as a profession in healthcare truly began with Florence Nightingale. She was a trailblazing woman who organized and trained other women to become nurses during the Crimean War. Nightingale's care, compassion, and emphasis on cleanliness and sterility in hospitals launched the idea of modern nursing. Now we see people of all genders, races and backgrounds assuming the mantle of nurse, honoring the legacy created by this heroic woman!

Today, May 6th, is National Nurses Day! A day that celebrates Nurses and all the amazing acts of kindness and care they perform every day! Nurse Appreciation Week begins today and ends of May 12th, Florence Nightingale's birthday!

The third book in our SuperCaptainBraveMan series is all about appreciating and celebrating the fantastic ways Nurses show care! Last year, Jennifer shared The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan, Book 3: Nurses Are Amazing! in a virtual storytime for World Read Aloud Day!

To celebrate this super day, join us in rewatching this fantastic story about Super Sidekicks Nurses!

Happy Nurses Day 2022!!


SuperCaptainBraveMan Mural Project at O&P in Motion

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Hello SuperCaptainBraveTeam! It's Victor here with a SuperCaptainBraveMan update!

We here at SuperCaptainBraveMan believe that heroic kids of all abilities can achieve their biggest dreams and adventures, just like SuperCaptainBraveMan does in our stories! But just like SuperCaptainBraveMan, sometimes a little help can get them closer to reaching those epic goals.

To Kyle (and to many with a child with a disability in your life), "little help" appears in the form of medication, external devices, and Super Sidekicks like doctors and specialists.

One of these Super Sidekicks is Kyle's Orthotic Team at O&P In Motion. O&P In Motion is a company that specializes in creating, customizing, and even designing braces for kids with scoliosis and foot orthosis. Located in Reseda, California, O&P in Motion has crafted these "Super Suits" for kids in the Los Angeles area for 22 years! Phillip Ambroset and his fantastic crew have customized Kyle's personal DAFO (Dynamic Ankly Foot Orthosis) leg braces his entire life! We are so grateful to O&P in Motion and their dedication to helping kids feel and look super!

O&P in Motion has two grand walls with murals on each side of its building. Following an appointment to get Kyle's DAFO braces fitted, Kyle's mommy, Jennifer, asked Phillip and the team about the murals. While the murals are beautiful and showcase children at play in their orthotics and prosthetics, Phillip told Jennifer that the exterior murals needed a little care. The outside paint had dulled slightly from the sun and hadn't had a proper refurbishment in 22 years! Knowing how important this place is and how much they do for families and kids, Jennifer brought up the idea of rejuvenating O&P in Motion's murals.

Along with Jennifer, Phillip, and the crew at O&P in Motion, I drew mock-ups for new art for the murals. The illustrations include a sweeping rainbow, kids running and playing in their O&P orthotics, and Kyle as SuperCaptainBraveMan, flying high above! Needless to say, we were all so excited to make this dream a reality. After contacting the amazingly talented Pidge Jobst, aka Topanga Muralist, we were ready to roll! Painting coverage has begun on the exterior walls of O&P in Motion! This brilliant company has done so much to help the children of their community rise up, stand tall, and tackle any adventure. It's our honor to be involved in such a great project.

As the month progresses, stay tuned here at the SuperCaptainBraveMan blog to watch this epic masterpiece come alive! We'll be posting progress pics and videos regularly! We are so excited!

Big thanks to Phillip Ambroset, Pidge Jobst, and the team at O&P in Motion for bringing us along on the amazing adventure!

It's October!

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Hello, SuperCaptainBraveFam!

It's is October! Wait...really? October?

The year has flown by so fast! With everything going on in the world, it's time to get back into the swing of the upcoming holiday season with some classic traditions celebrated with a 2021 twist.

As the last months of the year come up, we have so much to look forward to. From Halloween to New Year's Eve everyone is eager to spend time and catch up with friends and family.

We encourage you all to embrace life to its fullest and as safely as possible. Remember to mask up, wash your hands, and get vaccinated as soon as you can.

Also, our newest book, The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan Book 5: The Hero Inside is available for sale on our shop.

Enter code: NEWFRIEND for 15% off your entire order!

Get one book or all 5 hardcovers today!

Until next time, SuperCaptainBraveFam.

Stay safe and stay brave.

Don’t forget to like and follow us for more content and upcoming announcements!

Instagram: @supercaptainbraveman

Facebook: www.facebook.com/supercaptainbraveman

It All Started A Long Time Ago...

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For 5 years, SuperCaptainBraveMan has flown from the park to the savannah and beyond on his adventures. Unlocking the Super Power of Kindness from within, he’s helped kids better understand each other and the world around them.

But how did it all start?

How did he get his name?

When did he begin his adventures?

Who helped SuperCaptainBraveMan find the hero inside?

These questions and more will be answered in our newest book!

Just in time for Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week, we are proud to announce the release of our 5th hardcover book in The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan series!

The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan Book 5: The Hero Inside

Available on September 20, 2021 at the SuperCaptainBraveMan Shop, as well as Amazon.

Join Kyle as he remembers his very first adventure and makes friends that will last a lifetime.

As always, SuperCaptainBraveFam,

Stay safe and Stay Brave.

www.supercaptainbraveman.com

Instagram: @supercaptainbraveman

Facebook: www.facebook.com/supercaptainbraveman

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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Hello, SuperCaptainBraveFAM!

Nurse Leah, here.

Did you know that May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?

Many members of our team are part of the diverse and rich cultures that make up the AAPI community. From author and co-creator Jennifer Norman’s Korean heritage, to the deep Filipino roots myself and illustrator, Victor Lodevico share…

To Kyle, the inspiration for SuperCaptainBraveMan, whose parents gifted him with the magnificent tapestry and interweaving of their Korean and African-American cultures.

We are part of the AAPI Community.

This past year has been difficult for many reasons. Heartbreaking for many more. And yet, there is always hope. I, personally, see this hope in the growing generation of people willing to wear their compassion for others proudly and without fear. Those willing to stand up and bring about change not only for themselves, but for the people around them. Those willing to reach out and share their experiences to foster understanding and empathy.

While this subject is one that is difficult to discuss with kids, we are creators for a book series hoping to begin difficult discussions with children & their parents about differently abled people. As such, we encourage parents, teens, and children to learn more about the experiences of the people in their communities. And since it is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, why not start with the experiences we have here in the US?

We stand with the AAPI Community.

One of the core beliefs of the SuperCaptainBraveMan series has always been that of inclusiveness and empathy.

Whether differently abled, neurodiverse, or one of the many brilliantly varied cultures that call Earth home, in our hearts, we believe that all anyone wants and deserves is to be treated with respect, kindness, and compassion.

We are part of the Global Community.

To learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month visit

• https://asianpacificheritage.gov/

To find out more about Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage, check out the kid’s books listed here:

• 24 Beautiful Kids’ Books that Reflect the Asian American Experience

Read a very personal and semi-autobiographical children’s book about growing up as a first generation Filipino in America in the book

• Someone Said Written by Leah Lodevico, Illustrated by Victor Lodevico

Approach the subject of anti-Asian hate with your children with a free download of the book

• A Kid’s Book About Anti-Asian Hate Written by Kim Pham

As SuperCaptainBraveMan shows us, although we may look different on the outside, we all share one common super power: Kindness!

So, SuperCaptainBraveFAM,

Stay Safe,

Stay Brave,

And Stay Kind.

Be sure to subscribe to our blog and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming news, pictures, and posts!

www.supercaptainbraveman.com

Instagram: @supercaptainbraveman

Facebook: www.facebook.com/supercaptainbraveman

Celebrating 5 Years of SuperCaptainBraveMan

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Hello, SuperCaptainBraveFAM!

It’s Nurse Leah!

April was a very busy month for us. The final adults in our team got vaccinated, some of our kids went back to in-person learning, and last but not least, we celebrated Kyle’s 15th birthday!

If you follow us on YouTube, you might have seen the interview series I did with Jennifer Norman, Paul Norman, and Victor Lodevico to commemorate SuperCaptainBraveMan’s 5th year anniversary.

If you haven’t seen them, scroll down and watch them now! There are also links to transcripts of the interviews, if you read faster than we talk.

Nurse Leah sits down for a chat with SuperCaptainBraveMan co-creator, Paul Norman

Talking about inspiration, drawings, and quizzes with illustrator, Victor Lodevico.

Catching up with SuperCaptainBraveMan co-creator, Jennifer Norman.

SuperCaptainBraveMan's 5th Anniversary!

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Hello, SuperCaptainBraveFAM!

It’s Nurse Leah here to take you all on a trip down memory lane.

Not so long ago, in the year 2016…

The Golden State Warriors’ home game streak of 54 straight wins came to an end thanks to the Boston Celtics. San Francisco became the first city in the US to mandate paid parental leave. Danny Willett won the 80th US Masters Golf Tournament. The amazing singer-songwriter and musician Prince, sadly, passed away. Beyoncé released her album “Lemonade.”

And our book, The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan Book 1: A Day at the Park launched on April 23, 2016.

Yes, April 2016 was monumental and life changing for many reasons.

But the story of how SuperCaptainBraveMan came to be starts long before the book launch. Before the blog and before I even joined Team Kyle as one of his nurses.

It’s a story that we’ll be sharing with you all over the next few weeks. But first, let’s get a quick glimpse at the adventures our superhero has gone on so far.

Kyle is a young boy who likes to learn new things, make new friends, and always lends a helping hand. When Kyle dreams, he turns into…SuperCaptainBraveMan!

So far, SuperCaptainBraveMan spent a day at the park with us, flew across the rainbow, showed us the wonderful world of Nurses, and took us on a safari we won’t soon forget. And that’s just what happened in The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan!

In the 3 book Kyle Adventure series, Kyle meets and becomes friends with Trixie, David, and Arjun. Each one of them have something important to teach Kyle and with the help of his nurses and his new friends, Kyle embraces what it means to expand his knowledge and understanding of the world around him.

But Kyle also knows that there is always more to learn and more friends waiting just around the corner!

With 4 hardcover and 3 companion books, SuperCaptainBraveMan has made a lot of friends during his adventures and showed us that the best way to help someone is to listen, be kind, and most of all, be a true friend.

So, with the birthday of the SuperCaptainBraveMan book series coming up, I thought I’d surprise you all!

Because as we count down to our 5th Anniversary, I’ll be sharing a few behind-the-scenes facts, interviews with the creators and illustrator of the series, and a few extra surprises along the way!

Behind the Scenes Fact 1:
Did you know that The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan launched on the same day as Kyle’s 10th birthday?
So, when SuperCaptainBraveMan series turns 5, our Kyle will be 15 years old!


Be sure to subscribe to the blog, like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, for updates and more!

See you next week.

Or maybe even sooner…

As always, stay safe and stay brave, SuperCaptainBraveFAM!

www.supercaptainbraveman.com

Instagram: @supercaptainbraveman

Facebook: www.facebook.com/supercaptainbraveman

World 1-2: What is CPR?

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Hello, SuperCaptainBraveFAM!

Last week, we learned about the lungs and how we breathe. Today, we’ll learn about a way we can help someone in case they suddenly can’t breathe on their own. At least, until emergency medical personnel arrive.

Cardiopulmonary means relating to the heart and lungs.

Cardiopulmonary means relating to the heart and lungs.

This process is called Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR.

Cardio means heart.

Pulmonary means lungs.

Resuscitation means to resume or revive.

Sometimes, a person can collapse very suddenly. Because of an accident or physical problem, their heart can stop beating and their breathing will pause as well. This can be very bad because the reason we breathe is to exchange carbon dioxide for fresh oxygen. And oxygen is essential to creating energy in our bodies.

In World 1-1, we learned that the lungs inflate and deflate when we breathe. This allows air to travel into our bodies from our nose and mouth. Muscles move to expand the space in our chest and exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen.

The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body and is very important!

Resting in our chest along with the lungs is the heart. The heart needs to be close to the lungs because it’s the muscle that needs fresh oxygen the most. It pumps and pushes blood to the rest of the body and has the most important job ever.

The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body and is very important!

Thanks to the heart pumping oxygen rich blood in our bodies, we can do things like dance, walk, work, play with our family, and sleep soundly.

So, when there are problems with our hearts, there are very serious problems with our bodies.

Modern CPR as we know it was introduced to the world in 1960 by Dr. William Kouwenhoven, Dr. James Jude, and Dr. Peter Safar. Thanks to the work of this team, they made it possible for everyday people to help those that collapse and need help.

“…anyone, anywhere can initiate cardiac resuscitation procedures. All that is needed are two hands.”

– Dr. William Kouwenhoven

According to the American Heart Association, there are two types of CPR.

Some people trained in CPR carry special one time use mouth guards to make mouth-to-mouth resuscitation safer.

The first is known as conventional CPR.

Some people trained in CPR carry special one time use mouth guards to make mouth-to-mouth resuscitation safer.

It’s the kind of CPR usually shown in TV shows and movies. Chest compressions are done along with mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths. It’s a multi-step process and one that you can get certified in after taking a CPR class.

This type of CPR is performed by healthcare professionals and others certified in CPR. It’s used to help people of all ages in an emergency situation.

The second type is called compression-only CPR or Hands-Only CPR.  

This kind of CPR doesn’t require any mouth-to-mouth. Since there is no mouth-to-mouth, Hands-Only CPR is a great way to help in an emergency if direct contact with the other person’s mouth isn’t advisable.

This type of CPR can be performed by anyone and is recommended only for adults & teenagers who suddenly collapse in out-of-hospital situations.

Unlike conventional CPR, Hands-Only CPR is made up of 2 steps.

  • Step 1: Activate the emergency response system.

    • Call 9-1-1 or have someone nearby do that.

  • Step 2: Push hard and fast in the center of their chest.

    • The best way to keep track is to push to the beat of a fast song like:

      • “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees

      • “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

      • “MMMBop” by Hanson

      • “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga

      • “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira

If you still have the model lung we made in World 1-1, you can see how Hands-Only CPR works to inflate our lungs. The movement of chest compressions also helps mimic the way the heart beats and keeps the blood moving in our bodies.

Hands-Only CPR Example Using the Model Lung Experiment

According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. (Cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions or stops working correctly.)

In fact, another study showed that sixth graders are able to perform Hands-Only CPR correctly once shown how to do it. CPR training is a high school graduation requirement in 34 states so far. In our home state of California, it’s been a requirement since 2018!

There are several different jobs that require CPR certification besides healthcare providers. Firefighters, police officers, child care providers, and flight attendants all need to learn CPR in the event someone collapses.

But Hands-Only CPR doesn’t need certification!

There are even kiosks that give a quick lesson on Hands-Only CPR located in different airports across the US. The lesson includes a video introduction and tutorial. As well as an interactive practice session on the manikin attached to the kiosk. A list of airports with these kiosks can be found here.

Watch below for a quick video on how Hands-Only CPR works. So easy, even Ken Jeong can do it!

Don't be afraid to use Hands-Only CPR, you could save a life!

Getting CPR training is a useful skill for everyone to have. In person classes might not be available right now, but once they are, we fully encourage everyone to get CPR certified.

After learning how the lungs work and how important oxygen is for us, knowing how to give aid in an emergency is a great way to help save a life.

So, remember to stay safe and stay brave, SuperCaptainBraveFAM!

The journey continues next week on…

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