Meet Rachel Kaplan | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Kaplan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I took the risk of becoming an author and have published 5 children’s books. People doubted that I could succeed or tell my story. I proved everyone wrong by pursuing my dream and was not influenced by what other people thought. I decided that I wanted to make the world a better place. I didn’t learn to read until High School and my source of information was through music and Disney movies. By taking this risk, I have become an inspiration to others. I have become a more determined and confident person.. My books have the theme of kindness, friendship and caring about the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love that I can spread the word about kindness, friendship and acceptance through my writing of children’s books. Having been bullied and treated differently motivated me to become a writer. My first book, “Growing Up with a Disability” let people know the challenges I faced. This has not been a smooth road. There have been challenges and triumphs along the way. It took a while to have my first book published but I didn’t give up.
I suffer from anxiety and have not let this interfere with speaking in public. I have had four book signings at Barnes and Noble and was featured on Channel Kindness. My goal is to continue writing and spread kindness and acceptance.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite places are Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale Quarter, and OdySea Aquarium and the Musical Instrument Museum. I also enjoy visiting Sedona. I enjoy casual restaurants such as In n out, Butterfield’s, Zinburger, Cheesecake Factory, and Fly Bye.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is to The Born this Way Foundation and Channel Kindness. Their philosophy helped to teach me that I am not alone and that it is ok to be different. An act of kindness can change someone’s life. I also would like to recognize my teachers at Pinnacle High School. They never gave up on me and taught me to read and pursue my dreams. I also would like to recognize the Disney Company because their movies and stories while I was growing up help develop my imagination and see the good in people.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlerayray18

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racheldisneykaplan