Photography courtesy Grace Wolf
When Grace Wolf found herself with extra time on her hands early in the COVID-19 pandemic, she wanted to do something positive. Wolf, now a Clayton High School senior, started learning about Deaf culture and American Sign Language—even earning a certification from the University of Pennsylvania. When she returned to in-person instruction, Wolf founded the school’s American Sign Language Club. And she wasn’t done there.
Last month, Wolf published her first children’s book, May I Sit at The Table?, which follows Abby, a young deaf girl eager to form friendships and feel included while attending an elementary school with no other deaf children. The book emphasizes the power of empathy and spreads a message that everyone benefits when our differences are celebrated.
“I believe that we all have an obligation to do what we can to build kind, cohesive communities,” Wolf says.
Courtesy Grace A. Wolf
Growing up, Wolf knew her older brother, Samuel Gross—who illustrated May I Sit at Your Table?—faced different challenges than she did because he is autistic. “While all of us have, at one time or another, had that feeling of walking into a lunch room and worrying that we have nowhere to sit,” Wolf says, “I am keenly aware that my brother is almost always excluded by the world.”
This clicked for Wolf at a young age, and it troubled her. “I began dreaming of writing books with social stories so that they could be read to elementary school kids,” she says.
May I Sit at Your Table?, one of Abby’s teachers notices the other kids not including her at lunch and decides to learn more about Deaf culture and sign language. One day, when Abby’s not at school, her teacher gathers Abby’s classmates for a special lesson on sign language, lipreading, and the importance of learning about Deaf culture.
When Abby returns to school, some of her classmates surprise her by signing, “May we sit at your table?” From then on, Abby enjoyed lunch with her friends every day, and the teacher implemented daily sign language lessons into the curriculum.
Though Wolf encourages people of all ages to read the book, she wrote it with third-graders in mind. “That is the age where the social/emotional components of exclusions and hierarchies start taking root,” she says. “If we can teach empathy and inclusion at that young age, perhaps we will have fewer people growing up with hatred and judgment.”
Wolf appreciates the help she received in producing the story. During the publication process, Wolf joined the St. Louis Publishers Association and received guidance from Carolyn Vaughan, a member and book designer. She also sought input from Beth Moeller, a program director at St. Louis Arc, as well as from members of the local Deaf community.
“Writing the book was very special for me because I combined my own personal experiences with those of the Deaf community.” Wolf says.
Wolf wants to keep publishing children’s books with a positive message. In between submitting college applications and training as a ballet dancer at COCA, she finds time to work on finishing her second children’s book, which will focus on a young boy with autism.
“I am most interested in learning about issues where science and social issues intersect,” she says. “My brother Sam will continue to influence and guide me.” Her brother has already finished the illustrations for the second book.
You can pick up a copy of Wolf’s book, May I Sit at Your Table, at Barnes & Noble and other retailers. It is also available for purchase on Amazon.
