The Gift of Being Different
By Author Monica Berg and Co-created with Her Daughter Abigail
When eight-year-old Abigail learns that she has a superpower, she doesn’t feel all that special. In fact, she feels a little stupid. With the help of her Mom, Abigail learns that her superpower (a diagnosis of dyslexia) is actually pretty cool and allows her to think and problem solve in unique ways. Abigail discovers that the thing that makes her different is, actually the greatest gift of all.
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About Abigail Berg
At eight years old, Abigail Berg made her writing debut as the co-creator of The Gift of Being Different. The book was conceived before she could even read or write. Inspired by her diagnosis of dyslexia, Abigail chose not to let dyslexia define her. Instead, with help from her mom, author Monica Berg, she would redefine what it means to be different not only for herself but for children all around the world. Since the book’s release, Abigail has been visiting schools all across the country with her Mom to share the powerful message of embracing the things that make us different. Inspired by an outing Abigail had one day with her babysitter, storytellers Abigail and Monica embarked on this book, exploring the idea that we’re all much more alike than we are different. With empathy, they model how to put ourselves in another’s shoes and prioritize kindness over being right. Abigail hopes that readers are inspired to greater kindness and empathy. The youngest of four siblings, Abigail lives in NYC with her parents, siblings, and her dog Miles.
About Monica Berg
Monica Berg is the author of Rethink Love, Fear is Not an Option, and The Gift of Being Different children’s book, as well as the co-host of the popular Spiritually Hungry podcast, a researcher of human habits that hold us back, and a Look Within-fluencer. She’s been called “The Marie Kondo of the Soul,” showing us how tidying up our inner mess can help us find the joy we’ve been seeking. Monica is a fresh voice that channels the powerful internal spark of Light living within us all. Authentic and fearless, she reminds us of our extraordinary potential and pushes us onward with compassion and understanding.
While informed by her many years of kabbalistic study, Monica also draws heavily on her own personal life experiences. She battled and overcame a debilitating eating disorder at a young age, and as a mother of four children, one of whom has special needs, she has become an outspoken advocate for him and others struggling to find their voice.
With her trademark blend of humor, insight, and honesty, she shows individuals how to create a life that feels like it is working, like it makes sense, and most importantly, a life in which they are living and loving as the powerful, fulfilled person they’ve always wanted to be. Her personal endeavors have taught her how the practical wisdom of Kabbalah can bring Light and strength into even the most challenging experiences by changing the one thing we can control: ourselves.
Monica Berg, a self-professed Change Junkie, shares her combination of wisdom and real-life awareness with talks found compelling to a wide range of men and women at different stages in their lives. She leads people to not only see how they can change (change is the only constant in life) but also inspires them to get excited about a lifestyle of change.
Most recently, Monica Berg launched a six-part master class entitled, RETHINK IT: Love, as the first piece of on-demand content to appear on spirituallyhungry.life, offering groundbreaking teachings, practical tools and takeaways, for anyone who’s in love, wants love or is looking to rekindle love.
Monica Berg serves as Co-Director for Kabbalah Centre International. She lives in New York with her husband Michael and their children David, Joshua, Miriam, and Abigail.
About Sonia Maria Luce Possentini
Italian illustrator and painter Sonia Maria Luce Possentini graduated with a degree in Art History from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna. During her studies, Sonia received scholarships from the prestigious Magnani Rocca Foundation and Olands Grafiska Skola of Venice. She further refined her artistry under master illustrator Štěpán Zavrěl Kveta Pacovska.
Sonia has illustrated over 200 children’s books, and her work has been featured in publications around the world. She has received numerous awards, including the MAM Master of Art and Craft Award, the Andersen Prize for best illustrator, the Cento-Ferrara International Illustration award, first prize by the International Children’s Illustration Competition, and the Pierluigi Cappello Illustrated Poetry Award.
Sonia currently resides in Prignano sulla Secchia in the Modena Province of Italy with her partner and their three dogs, Mia, Nina, and Flora. When not illustrating or painting, she can be found roaming the hills and meadows of the Modena Apennines and tending her garden. Sonia is represented by MB Artists in the U.S.
On Being Book Series
The Gift of Being Different is the first of the ON BEING book series that follows Abigail as she makes her way through her young life with the beautiful messiness of it all. This series of ten picture books, written for children ages 5-10, was conceived to help shine a light on the many tremendous superpowers we are each born with but do not recognize. The series also explores global issues like homelessness, shame, fear, and empathy. Set in present-day New York, the stories are told with humor, authenticity, and a powerful message to celebrate and embrace our differences.