Hi, I'm Kai - New Children's Book by Christina Roberts, CHC Mom
- John Cochary
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
A Celebration of Identity, Curiosity and Confidence
We’re excited to spread the word about Hi, I’m Kai, a wonderful new children’s book by Christina Roberts, with a titular character inspired by her son Kai who receives services at the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC).
It’s a joyful, empowering read that celebrates identity, curiosity, and confidence. We connected with Christina to learn more about what inspired the book and what she hopes families will take away from it.
Q&A with Christina Roberts
CHC: What inspired you to write this book?
Christina: Kai has always had a deep love for reading, a passion that started when I read to him as a baby. However, I observed a lack of stories that fully reflected his identity. We struggled to find books featuring a Black boy with bilateral cochlear implants. While there are wonderful stories about main characters navigating hearing loss, they often only represented parts of his experience, rather than his entire being. I wanted to contribute to a diverse array of characters that showcase children with hearing loss, highlighting their unique journeys and identities.
This gap inspired me to create a story where my son could see himself as the main character. I wanted to show that while he has hearing loss, it does not define him. My goal was to provide representation for other children of color and children with hearing loss while creating a bridge for those who don't have it, encouraging curiosity and understanding. Children often stare at Kai's cochlear implants, and I want them to feel comfortable asking questions about them. His cochlear implants make him visibly different, but at his core, he is just a kid sharing many of the same experiences as other children. Through this book, I aimed to create something fun and informative that balances all of that.
CHC: What do you hope other parents—especially those new to hearing loss—will take away from your story?
Christina: I hope other parents will encourage their children to embrace their uniqueness and take pride in every aspect of who they are. This includes both the visible traits, such as assistive hearing devices, and the invisible ones, like experiencing big feelings and discovering the courage to be themselves. It's important for children to feel confident enough to navigate their emotions as they arise.
Every child and family's journey with hearing loss is unique and non-linear. I have experienced many emotions on this journey and continue to learn and grow alongside Kai. I encourage parents to give themselves and their children grace during uncertain times and to find comfort in knowing that there is a world of support available to guide you along the way.
CHC: In what ways has Kai grown, adapted, or surprised you along the way?
Kai is so incredibly proud of his cochlear implants! I love to see him take pride in his hearing loss and be proud of his cochlear implants. Whether he's speaking to a room full of adults or kids, he openly informs them that he is deaf and explains what his cochlear implants are. From a young age, Kai discovered that he has the power to control sound, turning it on and off to suit his preferences, and he truly enjoys that sense of autonomy. He is so proud and confident of who he is at 7 years old and it constantly leaves me in awe. Kai is something truly special, and I couldn't be prouder of the person he's becoming.
CHC: How has this experience shaped your perspective on communication, advocacy, or parenting?
Navigating this journey is not for the faint of heart. When I learned that Kai was profoundly deaf in both ears, I knew very little about hearing loss. The baby I knew loved to dance to music and I grieved the idea of him ever doing that again. Discovering cochlear implants was a breakthrough; I was amazed by the technological advancements in hearing assistive devices. After thorough research, I decided to get Kai cochlear implants which was the best choice for my family. This experience has taught me that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for children with hearing loss.
I've realized that I am my child’s biggest advocate. This journey has highlighted the importance of surrounding myself with knowledgeable support. Being a part of the CHC family has shown me the strength of community and connection. Trying to navigate this path alone can be challenging and isolating. The more involved I became, the more connected and empowered I felt—not only to advocate for my son but also to support other families on their journeys.
Purchase Hi, I'm Kai
Kai’s story reminds us how powerful it is for children to see themselves represented. We’re proud to share this beautiful book with the CHC community and hope it finds its way into the hands of families who will cherish it.