Sharon Balardo

I Am Abel Sharon Balardo

When the reader first met Abel, all he wanted to do was make a friend at school. Not being able to walk and having to use a wheelchair got in the way of that for a while. The children at school used to think of Abel as being different and not able to do the things that they could do. As we read the adventures of Abel, the reader discovers that Abel has many talents. He is a true friend to many as we witness when Abel supports his newest friend, Shyla, as she prepares for the school-wide public speaking contest. There is just one issue. Shyla has social anxiety. As she approaches the stage to speak and sees all the students watching, Shyla can feel herself getting warm, and her heart is pounding in her chest. She attempts to speak, but no words will come out. Abel can see from a distance that Shyla is starting to panic. He lowers his head, wiggles in his seat, and fidgets with his pocket. He feels so sorry for his friend. Will Shyla remember the advice that Abel has given her to prevent her from panicking? Can Shyla continue with her speech?