Brenda Schmidt’s She Heard Her Footsteps introduces Lily, a girl whose vibrant imagination meets the world of sound through new hearing aids. This illustrated tale, inspired by the author’s life, celebrates curiosity and the beauty of embracing differences.
Why it matters
Lily’s journey underscores the power of inclusion in a world quick to exploit differences. Her hearing aids don’t just amplify sound—they deepen her connections, showing how understanding others grows when we actively listen.
Sertoma Speech & Hearing Centers is one of the only non-profit organizations I know of that genuinely wants to help people become the best they can be. I have been a client for a long time, and I feel their mission to improve the quality of life for people at risk or impacted by hearing loss matches mine. —Brend Schmidt
The big picture
This isn’t just a story about hearing aids. It’s a lesson in self-discovery. As Lily learns to cherish giggles, rustling leaves, and chirping birds, she reminds readers that joy often hides in life’s simplest moments.
The backstory
Brenda Schmidt’s experiences anchor this tale. By weaving real-life moments of discovery into Lily’s adventure, the book invites readers to pause, listen, and appreciate the sounds we often ignore.
I love to remind my patients that our brains are just like our muscles—they need regular exercise to stay strong and healthy! Wearing hearing aids is a workout for the auditory center of the brain. The more they wear them, the more benefits they’ll experience. Brenda Schmidt’s charming book, 'She Heard Her Footsteps,' does a wonderful job of illustrating this for kids, their parents, and teachers. — Christy Brand, Au.D., Sertoma Speech & Hearing Centers
Brenda is not only an author and advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing, but she's also a generous donor to SSHC, giving a portion of her book sales to SSHC.
In this interview, Brenda discusses her background, book, and plans for Lily.
► Buy your copy of She Heard Her Footsteps here.
