Dazzling Travis, A Story About Being Confident and Original

About Dazzling Travis

“I am who I am! There’s no boy and girl line. In sports or in dress-up, I’ll sparkle and shine.”

From the moment I began reading this book, I loved it!

Dazzling Travis is a powerful story of a young boy named Travis who loves to play with dolls, dance, and play with other girls. He gets bullied and judged by others who tell him that he should be playing sports and other “boy” toys. Instead of succumbing to peer pressure and bullying, Travis stands up for himself and remains confident and original in how he wants to be and what he believes in.

The author takes your through various situations that Travis has to endure but he never gives up his belief “to stay the true you.”

At the end of the book, there are mini biographies of others who “struggled against the opinions of others” such as Elizabeth Stride, Fernando Bujones, Coco Chanel, Langston Hughes, and the character who inspired this story, Seth.

Language and Learning Tips

Dazzling Travis has many valuable lessons such as being confident, original and brave. As you are reading the book, pause and use some think aloud strategies. Ask your child questions such as , “How do you think Travis feels when he is bullied?”, or “Why is Travis being bullied?” Discuss what Travis goes through and how he perseveres and stands up for himself. Discuss what it means when the children tell Travis, “be normal”. What does that mean? What makes you original or your children original? This book has endless lessons that can be discussed during mealtime or anytime!

About the author and illustrator

Hannah Carmona Dias is a Writer who currently resides in Tennessee. She is also the author of Beautiful, Wonderful, Strong Little Me. In addition to writing, Hannah is also a wife, mother of two, co-founder of Collective Art School of Tennessee, YouTuber, and Actor.

Brenda Figueroa is a freelance illustrator living in Madrid. To learn more about Brenda visit her website here.

Dazzling Travis: A Story About being Confident & Original