The 2025 China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) once again brought magic to life from November 14 to 16 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (SWEECC). Celebrating over a decade of inspiring young minds, CCBF continues to live up to its powerful motto—“Embracing the Future.” More than just a book fair, it has grown into a vibrant hub where creativity, storytelling, and innovation meet. As one of the leading global platforms for children’s book publishing, CCBF connects authors, illustrators, publishers, and readers in an atmosphere bursting with imagination and possibility.
Beyond the colorful displays of books and illustrations, this year’s fair featured a dynamic lineup of events—from insightful conferences and seminars to the prestigious Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition, the engaging Illustrators Avenue, and the inspiring Children Plus Exhibition. Each activity reflected CCBF’s unwavering mission to promote quality children’s literature and nurture a lifelong love for reading among the young.
Citi of Books (COB) was thrilled to be part of this event! Traveling all the way from Albuquerque to Beijing, COB proudly featured 16 remarkable titles from our talented authors. Among the standout selections that captivated attendees was “Hearts Of Gold: Broken Bodies, Immeasurable Blessings” by Kathy Pounds Graham.
Kathy Pounds Graham is a pioneer in the fight for Equality in the Field of Disabilities. She had a vision that her sons & others would have the same opportunities in life their able-bodied peers enjoyed.” Because of her vision, dedication, determination and faith in God, many opportunities for people with disabilities were created.
Many of these opportunities she and her sons planted seeds for have come to fruition and allow people to live, work, recreate and participate in life next to their peers. Although her sons are no longer with us Kathy continues the legacy she and her sons began in 1974.
She continues to educate the public about the world of disabilities Through. The Eyes of she and her sons as they made history.
Submitted by Vicki Killingsworth, Master’s degree in education, fellow advocate and coworker.
“Hearts of Gold – Broken Bodies: Immeasurable Blessings” tells the moving and inspirational story of Shawn and Jason Odle, two brothers born with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease—a rare genetic condition that brought immense challenges yet revealed even greater strength and love. Their lives, marked by courage and faith, stand as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Told through the heartfelt perspective of their mother, Kathy Pounds Graham, this memoir captures a journey of advocacy, hope, and relentless determination. From their small Mississippi community to national recognition, Kathy’s dedication opened doors for progress in education, healthcare, and disability rights, forever changing how inclusion and accessibility are viewed.
Hearts of Gold is more than a story about struggle—it’s a celebration of life, love, and purpose. It honors two extraordinary sons whose spirits continue to inspire those around them and reminds readers that every challenge carries the potential for immeasurable blessings.
With deep emotion and unwavering faith, this memoir encourages us to look beyond physical limitations and recognize the divine beauty in perseverance, compassion, and the will to make a difference.
You can purchase the book through the link below: