KM Selvidge, an author whose passion for storytelling stems from personal experience, is making waves in the world of children’s literature with her first book, Kloe’s New Start. For over 30 years, Selvidge dreamed of becoming a writer, particularly for children, inspired by her upbringing as the sibling of a mentally ill older brother. Her work is a blend of semi-autobiographical storytelling, aiming to shine a light on mental health issues, resilience, and strength in children’s lives.
Selvidge’s book, Kloe’s New Start, stands out in the literary world, drawing attention from reviewers and award contests alike. The story resonates with readers, especially those who have faced challenging family dynamics. The book’s animal characters, brought to life with charming, vivid illustrations, not only entertain but also educate children about coping with complex emotional and familial situations. Through these characters, Selvidge addresses the importance of resilience and offers a message that no matter how difficult a situation may seem, one can always find strength within.
As an author, Selvidge has been recognized for her contribution to children’s literature with numerous accolades. Among them are the Readers Favorite 5 Star award, the 2024 Family Choice Award, The Bookfest Award, the Royal Dragonfly Book Award, and the Literary Titan Gold Book Award. Selvidge has also received the International Impact Book Awards and was nominated as a Finalist for the Author of the Year Award for Children’s Social Impact. These honors reflect her commitment to addressing mental health through accessible and meaningful stories for young readers.
Selvidge’s journey to becoming an author has been anything but conventional. Before turning her focus to writing, she pursued a career in acting and dancing, achieving success in various companies, off-Broadway productions, and commercials. However, she soon transitioned to a new career path in nonprofit development and corporate social responsibility. Over the past 25 years, Selvidge has forged meaningful partnerships with global organizations such as The Greater Boston YMCA, the Arthritis Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Columbia Law School, helping these organizations surpass their fundraising goals.
Now, as an author, Selvidge is channeling her skills and experiences into advocating for mental health awareness in children. Her goal is to help families and young people navigate the complexities of growing up with mental illness in the family, both at home and at school. By working with nonprofits, schools, and other organizations, Selvidge aims to create a more supportive environment for children facing these challenges. She seeks to destigmatize mental health issues and show young readers that their circumstances do not define them; they have the power to determine their own stories.
“What I want to do with my work is let children and families know that they are not alone,” says Selvidge. “There is strength and resilience within everyone, and it is possible to overcome challenges. No matter what difficulties life presents, we can find the courage to keep moving forward.”
Selvidge’s book is more than just a story; it is a tool for change. Her work is helping to create a new narrative around mental health in children’s literature, one that emphasizes understanding, strength, and empowerment. Her unique perspective, drawn from her own experiences, offers a fresh and meaningful contribution to the genre.
Through Kloe’s New Start, KM Selvidge continues to build a platform to raise awareness about mental health, particularly how it affects children and their families. By sharing her own story, she hopes to inspire others to find their own voices and navigate life’s difficulties with hope and determination.
For more information about KM Selvidge and her work, visit her website at KMSelvidge.com (currently being updated). You can also follow her on social media via Instagram @Selvkat and on Facebook at Kathryn Selvidge. Additionally, reviews of her book can be found on platforms like Readers Favorite.
KM Selvidge’s work is not only shaping a new generation of children’s books but also opening the door for important conversations about mental health. She invites everyone to take part in this transformative journey of resilience and strength.