Meet VA Rivera: The Educator Behind a Children’s Book That Inspires Compassion
Children’s literature has the power to shape how young readers understand themselves and others. For author VA Rivera, storytelling is more than entertainment—it’s an opportunity to nurture empathy, creativity, and inclusion.
Her book, Why Does She Copy Me?: Recognizing and Understanding Mirroring, reflects that mission beautifully.
Rivera’s background as an educator and poet influences every page of the story. She believes imagination is one of the greatest gifts children possess, and with encouragement, it can lead to remarkable achievements throughout life. That philosophy is also reflected in her poetry workshops, where children of all ages are encouraged to express themselves through original writing.
In Why Does She Copy Me?, Rivera introduces readers to a common misunderstanding that occurs among children. When one student becomes upset because another child continually imitates her, a compassionate teacher helps explain the concept of mirroring—a behavior commonly observed in some children on the autism spectrum as they learn social interactions.
Rather than focusing on labels, Rivera focuses on understanding. Her story encourages children to ask questions instead of making assumptions, fostering a classroom culture built on kindness and respect.
The book’s rhyming format makes the lesson enjoyable for younger readers while helping parents and educators introduce conversations about autism in an age-appropriate way. Its bilingual English and Spanish editions also expand its reach to more families and schools.
Beyond writing, Rivera draws inspiration from her Christian faith, yoga practice, travel experiences, and interactions with people from different cultures. Those influences contribute to the warmth and openness that characterize her work.
As conversations around neurodiversity continue to grow, books like Why Does She Copy Me? play an important role in helping children understand that differences deserve compassion rather than criticism.
VA Rivera demonstrates that meaningful children’s literature doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, a simple story told with heart can leave the greatest impression.