Innovate 8 and the Original Adventure of Opal

Innovate 8

We decided we needed to share our Inclusion Journey to hopefully inspire other students, so we wrote a chapter book for students in grades K-5 called THE INNOVATE 8.

This first book, The Innovate 8 and the Original Adventures of Opal, is based on our friend, Bailey. We wanted to share how we felt when we first met her, which truthfully, was a little scary. We got to know more about her through the amazing Kindness Club that was started at our school. After developing a friendship with her and some of the other students in the Special Education program, we were devastated to hear that they were going to move it to another school site. We had built such a great community, we had to do our part and fight to keep our friends with us.

Innovate 8 has been published and we have sold over 1300 copies! Teachers are reading it to their classes, we are reading it to our Student Leadership Team, and parents are reading it to their kids. Most kids have never learned how to interact with people with disabilities because they haven’t always had the same exposure that we were lucky enough to have. But, it is never too late to start your inclusion journey!

Start today.

Purchase your copy here!

What People Are Saying

“These kids show true dedication, perseverance and have a CAN DO attitude! They are what is considered the true meaning of inspiration. Dedicating their time to three core values, Advocacy, Education, and Celebration (A.C.E.). They are true ANGELS and we are honored to be partners with them.”

— Robin

“The book arrived this afternoon. I thought I would review it but once I began to read I could not put it down. Of course I read it to the end. What a wonderful story you told. There is a lesson in it for all of us. Thank you for sharing it with us.”

— Carole

“I loved this book! It made me laugh - and cry a little. The dialogue was very natural but also informative. It was a perfect balance of teaching AND entertaining. Well Done! I can’t wait to read the next installment! “

— Tricia

“Such an uplifting story of empathy and acceptance. An important book for every kid to read to understand that even though we are all different we are all looking for the same thing- friendship, acceptance and to have fun. ”

— Tiffany

“This book brought happy tears to my eyes for so many reasons. Working in Special Education, one of the most important things for our kids is peer interaction. It has been 18 years and I have seen it done well, but nothing like this book. I personally know “Opal”. She is a love and her smile is infectious. To see peers “The Innovate 8” really deep down feel the love and want for friendship with Opal is beautiful. The story I can absolutely imagine in my mind. The author, Moorea Marchi, took her love of friendship and writing one step further. This book is inspiring for anyone, all ages. Inspirational for everyone to be a good friend and as a writer, to follow your dreams. 5 Stars!”

— Charm

"As Bailey's parents, we are deeply touched by the friendships team ComoFun has created for our daughter. A friendship that needs no words is truly an amazing thing to see. We are thankful to these kids for seeing the beauty and innocence we see in Bailey's presence everyday.”