By Bridget O’Connor
Growing up in Eatontown, Lisa Scoppettuolo always felt behind in class, finding it very difficult to keep up with her schoolmates. While completing assignments, she would look around the classroom and notice she was the only student still working.
Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, she had a difficult time processing information. But Scoppettuolo said she felt she was blessed with a very supportive mom who worked with her day in day out to improve her academics. The dedication paid off and was reflected in her grades.
Scoppettuolo graduated with honors from Monmouth Regional High School and then received her bachelor’s degree in health science, exercise science and wellness management from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.
But her academic journey was long and arduous and Scoppettuolo said she often became frustrated along the way.
She decided to keep a journal as an outlet for those feelings. The journaling led her to develop a passion for writing which she used to write short stories. She later discovered she had a talent for creating stories. What began as a therapeutic hobby led Scoppettuolo, now 33, living in Spotswood and a U.S. Postal Service employee, to her other profession – children’s book author.
Scoppettuolo said she wanted to spread joy to others, a feeling her books successfully provoke in her readers.
In “The Brighter Side of The Moon,” the Moon, with help from its friend the Sun, realizes it is unique and valued for its uniqueness. In “Straight Off the Gate,” Suzy the Suzuki, a street motorcycle, is anxious to get away from her protective parents. When finally allowed to explore with her cousin, she winds up having the adventure of a lifetime with the high-flying racer Kal Kawasaki. And in Scoppettuolo’s book, “Please Don’t Throw Me Away,” a dog is left at the side of the road. Luckily, this abandoned dog is found and adopted from the ASPCA. Scoppettuolo said she wanted to teach kids to be considerate of animals, because they, too, have feelings.
Scoppettuolo’s goal as an author is to teach children that with enough determination, nothing is impossible, an important lesson for kids with or without learning disabilities.
Her books are available on Amazon and Kindle.
This article originally appeared in the April 29, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
