The Writing of Tammi Croteau Keen
Poetry, short stories, novels, screenplays, children's books, and songwriting
"Take a chance to look with your heart and you'll see we're not that different after all, especially in our ability, our need, to love and be loved. Loving someone makes you brave. And brave will always be beautiful." --Can't Bring Me Down, 2016
"You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grownups, then you write it for children."
Madeleine L'Engel
Can't Bring Me Down
published December 24, 2016
My first book, Can't Bring Me Down, released on Christmas Eve 2016, is a collection of poems and short stories inspired by friendships formed through the my involvement in I Run 4, a group that pairs runners with buddies who have special needs. No matter the challenges they face, runners, buddies, and families find comfort and encouragement as they cheer one another on across the miles and through the developmental milestones. A diagnosis does not define a person - it is strength, courage, hope, humor, joy, and love that shine through and unite us all. A portion of the proceeds from every book sold will be donated to I Run 4 and the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network.
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*Can't Bring Me Down is a finalist in the 2017 Eric Hoffer Book Award competition, nominated for the Montaigne Medal for most thought-provoking book!
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Cover photo by Giovanni Picione
A Chance to Dance: Singing in the Rain
published November 2017
What could you accomplish if you were just given a chance to try? Kim Smith created an inclusive class where children with special needs are given a chance to enjoy music, movement, performance, and competition just like their typical peers. Told from the perspective of Kim's 7-year-old daughter, Reagan, who has autism, this beautiful children's book will change the way you see the world, and make you want to dance in the rain, too! Written by Tammi Croteau Keen, illustrated by Jason Cheeseman-Meyer, with photographs by Sarah Nelson Conklin.
The Adventures of Super Liam
published November 2017
Follow along with a very special little boy and his adoptive family as they make every day an adventure fit for a super hero. Liam will share his super power with you from the very first page. This beautifully illustrated children's book is full of lessons in unconditional love, acceptance, and what it really means to be a forever family.Â
By Tammi Croteau Keen with Misty Marksberry Meredith, Illustrated by Jessica Reber, with classroom discussion questions provided by special educator Veronica Torraca-Bragdon.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book will benefit I Run 4.
Wherever I Find Myself
published March 9, 2017
She rose like a phoenix from the ashes, stronger for having survived the darkness. Wherever I Find Myself is a collection of poems and short stories, a journey of self-discovery and realization that chronicles the changes in perception and perspective that come with learning to live selflessly. Only by letting go of the life you imagined can you open your heart to the love that's meant for you.
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Photo by Giovanni Picione
Natasha and the Christmas Wish
Illustrated Children's Book published May 5, 2017
In partnership with illustrator Jason Boucher and managing editor Todd Civin, this beautiful children's book tells the story of a little girl in an orphanage in Russia, the American family that longs to adopt her, and the kindness of strangers from all over the world who came together to help deliver Christmas hats to the orphans. Proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit Downside Up, a Russian organization dedicated to advocating for children with Down Syndrome and their families. We are so excited to help Katrina Morriss tell her story. The book is also available in Russian, thanks to the translating skills of Alexander Plotkin. The magical music accompanying the book's video trailer, "Natasha's Theme,"Â is the original work of Veronica Torraca-Bragdon.
BElieve in YOUrself!
Illustrated Children's Book published Sept. 19, 2017
This illustrated children's book will touch the heart of anyone who has ever stood out in a crowd, or had their feelings crushed by careless words. Don't let those words define you - tell your own story. Stand out proudly in that crowd. BE YOU. And never let them dull your sparkle!
By Tammi Croteau Keen with Amy Rosvally, Illustrated by Archangelo Crelencia
A portion of the proceeds from sales will benefit Clowns Without Borders.
Writing A Children's Book with Civin Media Relations
Informational Guidebook, published Sept. 15, 2017
If you've ever dreamed of writing a children's book, we would love to help you make that dream come true! With words of wisdom and helpful hints from our authors and illustrators, we'll guide you through the publishing process and make you part of our team!Â
By Tammi Croteau Keen
Edited by Todd Civin
Sandcastles
Screenplay
Inspired by Ashton and Holden McCormick, this full-length feature was completed over the course of eight weeks while I was working on the pyrotechnics crew at Universal Studios Orlando. It's the story of a young girl with autism who struggles to save her troubled family from the evil forces threatening to tear them apart in the parallel fantasy world within the intricate sandcastles she builds on the beach. With storm approaching and reality mirroring fantasy more and more, Cadie must find a way without words to connect with the only people who can help to save her world before the magic of the sandcastle is washed away forever. Every little girl needs a hero - will Cadie find hers in time? Who will be brave enough to view the world, and themselves, through Cadie's eyes?
Completed March 2015
Novel anticipated release August 2018
