Author Showcase: Wacky Jacky by Jaclyn Stapp

By Amber Clark, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 27, 2011

Wacky Jacky: The True Story of an Unlikely Beauty Queen

Wacky Jacky is a determined young girl who teaches important lessons through her life experiences. Wacky Jacky, at times, is seen as both awkward and an outcast, but she transcends and transforms her circumstances with her attitude, actions and the help of her family. She allows us to see the gifts hidden beneath the differences that too often divide us.

Based on Jaclyn’s childhood experiences, Wacky Jacky’s ultimate message is that “you don’t need a crown to sparkle.” By imparting valuable character lessons in an engaging story, Wacky Jacky is a tool for parents and teachers to teach lessons in self-esteem and positive attitude, and illustrate social issues like bullying. This playful and endearing story will inspire young girls to transcend their circumstances.

“I wrote Wacky Jacky to inspire every child to pursue their dreams, no matter what type of bully they may face. I felt the need to communicate to my children and to others that confidence, generosity and determination are all you need to succeed, and that it really is okay to be different. The easiest way for me to convey that inner beauty endures was through my own experiences. Wacky Jacky is that exciting and heartfelt journey, and I feel very fortunate to be able to share it with others,” says Jaclyn.

A portion of book proceeds will benefit Jaclyn’s national outreach foundation, CHARM (Children Are Magical), a 501c3 non-profit organization which aims to heighten awareness of children’s issues, empower young women and enrich the lives of underprivileged youth by providing them the tools for a fulfilling future.

About the Author:

Jaclyn Nesheiwat Stapp is an accomplished philanthropist, model, mentor, and spokesperson. This loving wife and mother of three has appeared magazine covers, national ad campaigns and has won many titles, including Miss New York USA 2004, Mrs. Florida America 2008 and Mrs. America First Runner Up 2008.

After losing her father at the age of 9, Jaclyn was raised by her mother, Hayat, in the Florida town of Umatilla. Known at a young age as “Wacky Jacky,” Jaclyn was one of five children who learned early in life the merits of kindness, value of hard work and importance of family. This one-time skinny, boyish-looking girl discovered the joys of community service while volunteering with her brother and sisters, especially at the Florida Elk Children’s Hospital, where she brought happiness to rehabilitated children with her warmth and energy. After graduating from Umatilla High School in 1998, she attended Stetson University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Communications in 2002.

Jaclyn’s first introduction to the stage came at 11 years old at the local Sunburst Beauty Pageant. Although she didn’t win, she placed and received her first trophy. This life-changing experience inspired Jaclyn to embark on more opportunities in pageantry as a way to bring awareness to the philanthropic causes close to her heart.

Today, Jaclyn is a full-time mother, wife and mentor who travels around the world empowering at-risk youth and championing for women’s rights through her national outreach foundation, CHARM (Children Are Magical), which aims to heighten awareness of children’s issues and enrich the lives of underprivileged youth by providing them the tools for a fulfilling future.

Jaclyn is married to Grammy Award winner Scott Stapp, singer, songwriter and voice of Creed. They reside in South Florida with their three children, Jagger, Milan and Daniel.

Wacky Jacky: The True Story of an Unlikely Beauty Queen

Author: Jaclyn Stapp

Publication Date: December 2010

Pages: 33

Price: $16.95 +Tax

ISBN: 978-0-9816092-8-7

Format: Hardcover, Color

Publisher: TriMark

The Author Showcase is a place for authors and illustrators to gain visibility for their works. This article was provided by the author. Learn more …