JOY, TO THE WORLD

A young Dumpliln' meets Melissa in this joyful and energetic middle grade novel about a twelve-year-old girl living her life to the fullest, celebrating her love for sports and fighting for her right to cheer. Based on Kai's own experience as a transgender kid, Joy, to the World is a refreshing story that centers trans experience and joy.

TIME KID OF THE YEAR FINALIST
Kai Shappley has advocated for trans youth and trans rights in Texas. Kai has been named a Time Kid of the Year finalist and has garnered media attention for her activism. A video of her testimony against the Texas Legislature went viral in 2021, airing on shows like Good Morning America and reposted by prominent trans activists like Chase Strangio and Alexandra Billings.

IMPORTANT AND TIMELY TOPIC
As the battle for trans rights in Texas and America ramps up, Kai's story is an important addition to trans voices in children's books.


Kai Shappley is a young American actress and activist. When she was in kindergarten, she stood up to the Texas State Legislature against their attack on trans kids. Her journey was recorded in the Emmy winning documentary, Trans in America: Texas Strong. She has also guest starred in the first season of The Babysitters Club on Netflix. She loves her family, friends, pets, and Dolly Parton!

Lisa Bunker lives in Exeter, New Hampshire. Before taking up writing full time, she had a thirty-year career in public and community radio. In November of 2018, she was elected to represent her town in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. She is married and has two grown children. Her geekeries include chess, piano, gender, storycraft, and language.