Eighteen-year-old Sydney Sunderland didnB次元官网网址檛 set out to be a published author when she took on her Capstone Project last year, but here we are.

The Mark R. Isfeld grad and first-year student at Thompson Rivers University has written and illustrated a childrenB次元官网网址檚 book, titled I am Everything In Between.

The book hits the market next month.

B次元官网网址淲e had to do a Capstone Project for our graduation, so I decided to do a childrenB次元官网网址檚 book,B次元官网网址� said Sunderland, who turns 19 later this month. B次元官网网址淎t the beginning, I didnB次元官网网址檛 really have any plans of publishing it, I just wanted to share it with some teachers and possibly the school library, but it just kept building and building (momentum).

B次元官网网址淚t began as just a school project but then I realized that I felt really passionate about the topic that the book is aboutB次元官网网址�. After I finished it I received a lot of feedback from my teachers and peers, encouraging me to publish it. So I ended up sending my copy of the book to several publishers, and one of them liked it.B次元官网网址�

I am Everything In Between is described on the publishing house website (Rebel Mountain Press) as a book that B次元官网网址淏次元官网网址� highlights kids who donB次元官网网址檛 fit into stereotypical gender ideals. This book celebrates children and how they gender identify by sending a positive message that regardless of biological gender, itB次元官网网址檚 okay to feel like a girl, itB次元官网网址檚 okay to feel like a boy, and itB次元官网网址檚 okay to feel like B次元官网网址楨verything In Between.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�

Sunderland says there is a personal angle to the book.

B次元官网网址淭here is sort of a personal connection to it; when I was growing up, I didnB次元官网网址檛 necessarily know what gender identity was, but I definitely did present myself in ways that were different than how a typical little girl would dress and things,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 sometimes got negative comments and negative reactions from that, and that definitely affected me when I was younger, so I am hoping that the message can get out to any kids who might be feeling that way, because I know I would have really appreciated something like that.B次元官网网址�

Her mother, Becky Sunderland, said the book shows a side of Sydney that everyone who knows her sees every day.

B次元官网网址淭he strength that she has always had in her own character, and in knowing who she is, is spectacular,B次元官网网址� said Becky. B次元官网网址淭hen, wanting to share that and confidence she has in herself, and showing other kids that itB次元官网网址檚 OK to literally just be yourself; that star shines so brightly in her.B次元官网网址�

According to the , Capstone is B次元官网网址渁n opportunity for students to further develop and showcase their strengths, passions, and learning journey to a relevant audience. As a celebration of their learning journey, the Capstone is a place where students are encouraged to share successes both in school and out of school, including their reflections on Core Competency development, their contributions and aspirations, and their plans for post-graduation.B次元官网网址�

Sunderland said she didnB次元官网网址檛 totally buy into the concept at first, and begrudgingly took part only because she had to. The finished product turned out to be a lasting legacy.

B次元官网网址淎t the beginning, before I knew what I wanted to do, I thought B次元官网网址榦h, this is a waste of time - why are we doing this?B次元官网网址� But then sometimes it can turn into something bigger, which I think is part of the idea of the Capstone. It can turn into something that you can go into in post-secondary, if itB次元官网网址檚 something you are passionate about.B次元官网网址�

Sunderland said that while she has no immediate plans for another book, she hasnB次元官网网址檛 discarded the possibility either.

B次元官网网址淚 am not sure about that. I am hoping to maybe create more books in the future. I donB次元官网网址檛 think thatB次元官网网址檚 going to be the only one. But I donB次元官网网址檛 have anything planned right now.B次元官网网址�

Sunderland has had a busy freshman year at Thompson River University. She is studying for her bachelor of arts and has been a regular on the pitch for the TRU Wolfpack soccer team.

B次元官网网址淚t was mainly the soccer program that got me up here, for sure,B次元官网网址� said the former Riptide soccer player. B次元官网网址淲e had kind of a rough season, but I have been enjoying it a lot and the team is really awesome.B次元官网网址�

Release date for the book is March 15. Pre-orders are being accepted now at

It will be available locally at Laughing Oyster Book Shop in Courtenay.

terry.farrell@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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