Helping Hands

by Angela Cleveland, Elfaza Studio (Illustrator)

Join eight-year-old Jamie on a heartwarming journey of creativity, compassion, and career exploration in this engaging children's book. Jamie's hands take her on exciting adventures—kneading dough like a baker, practicing stretches like a physical therapist, modeling jewelry in a photo studio, and learning sign language to connect with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Along the way, she discovers how hands can create, heal, comfort, and connect while exploring new skills and imagining future possibilities.

With vibrant storytelling and relatable experiences, Helping Hands inspires readers to uncover their own potential to make a difference in the world while introducing them to the idea of careers that use creativity and compassion. This empowering tale blends fun, learning, and life lessons, making it an ideal choice for shared storytime or independent reading.

Whether at home or in the classroom, Helping Hands is a celebration of kindness, creativity, and the endless possibilities of what hands—and young minds—can achieve!

Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2025

About the author

Angela Cleveland is a celebrated former school counselor known for her vibrant approach to education and student development. Recognized as New Jersey's 2017 School Counselor of the Year, Angela's passion for fostering resilience and growth in young people shines through in her daily work and beyond. She has also been honored as one of William Paterson University's 50 Alumni Under 50, a distinction that celebrates her impactful career and dedication to the values of leadership and progress instilled during her time at the university.

In addition to her role in school counseling, Angela is a dynamic speaker, frequently invited to share her insights and strategies at educational conferences both in the U.S. and internationally. She has co-authored essential resources for school counselors, including 50+ Tech Tools for School Counselors: How to Be More Engaging, Efficient, and Effective and Coding Capers: Luci and the Missing Robot, blending her expertise in counseling with innovative tech solutions.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Angela is known for her spirited pep talks directed at her cat, always encouraging him to think outside the litter box and stay pawsitive. Through her work, Angela continues to inspire both her students and colleagues in the educational community.