About
Developmental Texts Mission
Developmental Texts Researches, designs, and creates books that are real, relatable, and relevant so children who are reluctant, struggling, and striving can become content, accomplished, and happy readers!
Nancy Roop
Inspiration for my first book!
Thinking back to my time in a Special Education classroom for students with autism.
One day, my fourth-grade student sat patiently on the floor next to my feet, leaning her arms and head on a shelf.
The room was bright, and the books were of a variety of genres, levels, and interests. I scanned all the way to the top of the tall bookcase. I was trying to find a book at her reading level, meeting her very particular tastes.
But reading about dancing frogs and aliens in spaceships can be confusing for those who take in every word literally. In complete frustration I thought, somebody needs to write books for neurodivergent kids—they need to be real and relatable!
Now after extensive research, I write sensory-friendly high/low early readers that adapt the book to the child, just a bit, so they feel comfortable in the written world.
How I help.
I write developmentally inclusive books for neurodivergent readers who are not yet ready for traditional chapter books. Books that are found in elementary classrooms are designed for typically developing children and can be frustrating for some.
In my ten years as a Paraprofessional assisting students with unique academic and behavioral needs, I discovered that finding texts that fit their interests and reading levels was nearly impossible.
I address this complex problem as a parent, educator and researcher. I produce engaging texts that are accessible to students with learning, executive function, or sensory disorders.
The appearance, depth of language, and subject matter impact whether a student will be comfortable with a book. Building on the language that a student has acquired from their life reduces frustration when learning to read and improves comprehension.
I am publishing a series called Alex and Jordan Explore due out in 2023!
Check out my blog which features books, behavioral supports, academic modifications, and a few author musings based on my experience as a paraprofessional and Educational Consultant with Discovery Toys.
Education
Oakland University:
Bachelors of Integrative Studies
Summa Cum Laude (2020)
Alpha Iota Sigma Honor Society
Golden Key International Honor Society
Macomb Community College:
Associate of Liberal Arts (1992)
Developmental Texts for Students with Autism;
Creating a Safe Space in the Written World
Building on experience in special education, I researched teaching methods to design a book format specific to students with language-based learning differences.
I found common ground between linguistics and developmental psychology, laying the foundation for pedagogical methods to be reimagined within engaging texts.
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Professional Memberships
Society of Book Writers and Illustrators is a nonprofit that acts as a network for the exchange of knowledge between writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people.
The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) is a not-for-profit membership organization serving and leading the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. With over 4,100 members, IBPA is the largest publishing trade association in the U.S.
Nancy Roop is a member of IBPA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Publishers have a unique opportunity to support diverse perspectives. All children deserve to see themselves in books.
actively supports
Aim High School
Grades 6-12
Farmington Hills, Michigan
We Need Diverse Books is a nonprofit organization created to promote diversity of multiple forms in children's literature and publishing.
Dedicated to the academic and social success of students with a variety of language-based learning differences, anxiety disorders, and attention deficits. Belief of strong teacher-student relationships and small classes are key to developing students’ abilities, talents, and interests.
First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books, educational resources, and other essentials to educators serving children in need.
Meet The Developmental Texts Team
Mariana is currently writing and illustrating her own kidlit graphic novels. Her work is known online as M.RYBO.
Marianna Boune. aka. M. Rybo;
Illustrator; https://mryboart.wixsite.com/portfolio
Lori Siesto is currently writing and illustrating an activity book that will accompany The Big Aquarium Adventure.
Lori Siesto of Kidlit Motivates,
Contributor kidlitmotivates.com
Megan primarily works at a local school district as a Behavior Consultant. She provides guidance on neurodiversity to Developmental Texts, and speaks with Nancy at Educational Conferences.
Megan Cavanaugh MA.SPEd.,
QBHP; Consultant and Co-Presenter
Monica is everything about the design of The Big Aquarium Adventure. She has brought beautiful organization to our early chapter book format. She works with many other authors and illustrators at TLC Book Design.
Monica Thomas; TLC Book Design;
Nancy pulled together this team, along with a few other wonderful people who have contributed to the success of The Big Aquarium Adventure.
She will continue to lead, manage, write, speak, learn, research, and create more developmental books in the series, Alex and Jordan Explore!
Other projects are in the works, too!
Nancy Roop, Founder and Publisher