Partnership with children’s therapist and author promotes self-esteem and coping skills

Martha Conradt • June 23, 2020
Children’s therapist and author Vladimir Sainte visits Academy for Integrated Arts as part of Lead to Read KC’s author visit program.

Lead to Read KC is pleased to partner with local children’s therapist and author Vladimir Sainte for a second year. The goal of our partnership, which includes author visits and sharing Vladimir’s books with our students and teaching partners, is to promote self-esteem and coping skills among students. 

Vladmir’s book It Will Be Okay brings a message of hope about overcoming bullying, anxiety and fear. Just Like a Hero teaches personal values and challenges negative thoughts.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, our in-person author visit program is on pause. We’re sharing Vladimir’s important messages virtually.

Check out these new read-alouds and activities: 

Vladimir said this about his partnership with Lead to Read KC:

“As a therapist of color, it has been difficult finding inclusive children’s literature that focuses on emotional health. So, I decided to create my own book series that highlights it is okay to talk about mental health with children. I am excited to partner again with Lead to Read KC, a wonderful organization focused on building connections between our city’s youth and reading mentors, to share this message with their students.”  

Many thanks to the Children’s Services Fund of Jackson County for providing funding for this important program! We look forward to resuming in-person author visits when the time is right. 

Learn more: vladimirsainte.com

Vladimir Sainte presents It Will Be Okay.
Children’s therapist and author Vladimir Sainte shares his book It Will Be Okay with Lead to Read KC students and Reading Mentors at Academy for Integrated Arts.