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Carla The Conqueror: Building Adoptee Confidence and Identity
A Children’s Book About Overcoming the Anxiety to Read Aloud Carla loves to read, but not out loud! When her teacher Mrs. Brooks asks for volunteers to read to the class, Carla raises her hand too quickly, but then is panicked. She has never read out loud in class before. Practicing with sister Sarah at home, Carla’s mistakes make her even more nervous. When it’s finally time to read to the class, Carla finds herself unable to do it. She thinks she knows the perfect solution, but will it work? Find out in this heartwarming and uplifting story about courage and discover how Carla finds the strength to conquer her fear. If you enjoy stories about taking action to solve problems, you'll love this inspiring story of a young girl's journey to self-confidence in reading aloud.
39 pages, ebook
Published August 10, 2023
12 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Anna Maria DiDio
5 books8 followersAnna Maria DiDio, MSW - is an adoptive mother, speaker and author of multiple best selling children's and middle grade books. She is a baker, quilter, and washed-up athlete who is addicted to thin and crispy chocolate chip cookies. Her L.I.F.E.* Adventures Series of children’s books feature stories about adoption and are appropriate for all blended families. Anna Maria hopes that her books encourage open and honest exploration about what children are thinking and feeling. She resides in The City of Brotherly Love.
*Love Inspires Families Everywhere
https://medium.com/@annamaria.didio
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 17, 2024
Carla the Conqueror is a lovely reminder to readers of the struggles of second language learners and how the desire to “get it right,” no matter what their age, can take a huge emotional, psychological, and social toll on second language learners. With kind, gentle, understanding and support, such learners can overcome their fears and venture more confidently into their new language. As a former teacher, I am reminded once again, through Carla, how critical a supportive learning environment is for students and how important it is to give students the time and space to conquer their fears. Through Carla’s struggle, the Anna Maria DiDio reminds us that reticence by students may have nothing to do with laziness, lack of caring or intelligence; it may be just the contrary – the desire to do well in their own eyes and in the eyes of those about whom they care.
August 20, 2023
Carla Conquers Fear
It is often said that fear of public speaking is the number one fear, even greater than the fear of death. Anna Maria DiDido tackled this fear not only in a child, but in a child whose first language wasn't English. She succeeded brilliantly and shows how the fear of reading aloud was conquered in a classroom setting. The story and the fantastic illustrations will inspire children, parents and teachers. It certainly inspired me. Thank you for writing this book, Ms. DiDido!
It is often said that fear of public speaking is the number one fear, even greater than the fear of death. Anna Maria DiDido tackled this fear not only in a child, but in a child whose first language wasn't English. She succeeded brilliantly and shows how the fear of reading aloud was conquered in a classroom setting. The story and the fantastic illustrations will inspire children, parents and teachers. It certainly inspired me. Thank you for writing this book, Ms. DiDido!
August 19, 2023
Carla does it again lessons for all
The book in the Carla series does it again for kids and adults to relate to issues we all faced. Carla teaches kids that it's ok to be afraid to do things in front of a class like reading but with practice you can do it. The dialogue is on point and shows the emotional point of view of the main character kids can relate to. It should be a book for all teachers to have on hand and to have an open conversation with their class.
The book in the Carla series does it again for kids and adults to relate to issues we all faced. Carla teaches kids that it's ok to be afraid to do things in front of a class like reading but with practice you can do it. The dialogue is on point and shows the emotional point of view of the main character kids can relate to. It should be a book for all teachers to have on hand and to have an open conversation with their class.
September 11, 2023
Carla the Conquerer was a heartwarming and effective book that can be used with children of all ages to help them go through difficult learning experiences . It is an easy book to read with a child. It gives very good guidance on helping children know that there are many supportive adults as well as other children in their corner. And it helps children to understand the signs of an anxiety or panic attack and how to deal with them when they happen.
September 14, 2024
Vulnerable and relatable
Carla, although adopted is like most children. We all get nervous! I can resonate with this so much and I love seeing the real emotion she’s going through when being approached with a task of reading aloud. I appreciate her showing that it’s OK to get help and how important practicing is to build confidence. Such a sweet story and I think classroom teachers, parents and grandparents would love to share this book with any of their Littles.
Carla, although adopted is like most children. We all get nervous! I can resonate with this so much and I love seeing the real emotion she’s going through when being approached with a task of reading aloud. I appreciate her showing that it’s OK to get help and how important practicing is to build confidence. Such a sweet story and I think classroom teachers, parents and grandparents would love to share this book with any of their Littles.
August 14, 2023
Lovely Story and Illustrations
Just grabbed this book with Kindle Unlimited and noticed the illustrations right away. They’re wonderful. The story grabbed me from the start as well. Kids and adults will enjoy it and it’s sure to spark great conversations about overcoming fears. I found myself feeling nervous for Carla and cheering for her. Great book!
Just grabbed this book with Kindle Unlimited and noticed the illustrations right away. They’re wonderful. The story grabbed me from the start as well. Kids and adults will enjoy it and it’s sure to spark great conversations about overcoming fears. I found myself feeling nervous for Carla and cheering for her. Great book!
August 15, 2023
Great confidence booster!
This is a wonderful story for every child who needs a bit of self confidence, especially those new to a school or neighborhood and those learning English or another second language. The story, told from the child's viewpoint, is very relatable and the illustrations are beautifully done. I recommend it for any classroom library or family library.
This is a wonderful story for every child who needs a bit of self confidence, especially those new to a school or neighborhood and those learning English or another second language. The story, told from the child's viewpoint, is very relatable and the illustrations are beautifully done. I recommend it for any classroom library or family library.
August 14, 2023
Great book!
Carla The Conqueror: Building Adoptee Confidence and Identity by Anna Maria DiDio is a wonderful book on conquering a fear. I was shy as a child and I understand the feeling of speaking and reading in front of others. Great story.
Carla The Conqueror: Building Adoptee Confidence and Identity by Anna Maria DiDio is a wonderful book on conquering a fear. I was shy as a child and I understand the feeling of speaking and reading in front of others. Great story.
August 19, 2023
Wonderful story
This is an inspiring story for children who suffer
from anxiety or their friends and siblings. In fact it's good for adults too. The lovely illustrations are lush with detail and add a soft and cozy atmosphere. Lots to feast your eyes upon.
This is an inspiring story for children who suffer
from anxiety or their friends and siblings. In fact it's good for adults too. The lovely illustrations are lush with detail and add a soft and cozy atmosphere. Lots to feast your eyes upon.
August 19, 2023
short story for kids to build their confidence.
Every kid should read this book and I’m sure they can relate in their own way to build confidence, in tasks that they really doubt themselves. Practice makes everyone perfect! Good book to have in your kids collection.
Every kid should read this book and I’m sure they can relate in their own way to build confidence, in tasks that they really doubt themselves. Practice makes everyone perfect! Good book to have in your kids collection.
August 30, 2023
Fun and Insightful!
Anna Maria DiDio does a fantastic job capturing the nervousness and insecurity a child who is adopted or in foster care may be facing. As someone who lived in foster care for a few months, I found myself connecting with Carla AND remembering the nice family who took care of me in my darkest days.
Anna Maria DiDio does a fantastic job capturing the nervousness and insecurity a child who is adopted or in foster care may be facing. As someone who lived in foster care for a few months, I found myself connecting with Carla AND remembering the nice family who took care of me in my darkest days.
September 14, 2023
This lovely book is definitely a game-changer when it comes to boosting confidence and conquering life's challenges. The author's relatable storytelling and practical advice make it an enjoyable and empowering read.
October 12, 2023
Inspirational
What an uplifting tale of a young girl who finds many ways to conquer her fear of speaking. The message that there are always people out there willing to help others was resounding. I would recommend this book for any child looking to conquer shyness.
What an uplifting tale of a young girl who finds many ways to conquer her fear of speaking. The message that there are always people out there willing to help others was resounding. I would recommend this book for any child looking to conquer shyness.
February 18, 2024
It is a nice read for kids, who struggle with public speaking. I wish I had it when I was a child to conquer my fears of public speaking. Overall, a good story and relatable to not just kids but adults too.
March 28, 2024
Great book on conquering fears
Carla the Conquerer is such a cute book. Anna shows great courage in her character, Carla, and any kiddo who reads or hears this story will see that you can overcome your fears if you work through them. Great read.
Carla the Conquerer is such a cute book. Anna shows great courage in her character, Carla, and any kiddo who reads or hears this story will see that you can overcome your fears if you work through them. Great read.
May 13, 2024
Great lesson for kids and adults
I found this to be a personable story about facing fear, overcoming it, and achieving a goal in a social environment. This is a nice bedtime story for kids that teaching a life lesson in an authentic way.
I found this to be a personable story about facing fear, overcoming it, and achieving a goal in a social environment. This is a nice bedtime story for kids that teaching a life lesson in an authentic way.
July 12, 2024
Read aloud 😊
Practice makes perfect! Public speaking is a fear among many of us. Even through college, it was for me, I’d practice so much that I practically memorized my entire speech. To all: keep going!!
Practice makes perfect! Public speaking is a fear among many of us. Even through college, it was for me, I’d practice so much that I practically memorized my entire speech. To all: keep going!!
November 25, 2023
Beautiful, inspiring story!
Great tale about facing fears with colorful illustrations and upbeat characters with a positive message. I highly recommend it for kids of all ages!
Great tale about facing fears with colorful illustrations and upbeat characters with a positive message. I highly recommend it for kids of all ages!
September 11, 2023
A fantastic read about a young girl overcoming her fears. Anna Maria DiDio really got it right with this book. I'll be purchasing this book for the school teachers in my life to share with their students. Carla is indeed a conqueror!! Loved it!
August 17, 2023
I enjoyed the beginning of the book before the story, where the author has helpful tips for teachers in the classroom and parents of adoptive children. This immediately opens up conversatons. The story itself shows a scared little girl who reacts just like other kids when they are scared. It's sad she felt she had to hide under the desk. But Carla took her fear and took herself to get help first with her sister and then at school. She gained confidence and even though she was still very nervous, she accomplished her goal of reading the very book her mother use to read to her. Take away: You can do anything you put your mind to but you have to try! Victoria Smith
August 30, 2023
A beautiful and relatable story
I picked this book for my 6 years old daughter who is heading to 1st grade. As a shy girl, the story resonated with her and she loved how Carla conquered her fears. On behalf of me and my daughter, we highly recommend this book!
I picked this book for my 6 years old daughter who is heading to 1st grade. As a shy girl, the story resonated with her and she loved how Carla conquered her fears. On behalf of me and my daughter, we highly recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews