When Being “Small” Feels Like a Big Problem
There are moments in life when people look at you and already decide what you can or cannot do. It happens quietly. Sometimes it is in the way they talk to you, or the way they doubt you before you even try. That is the kind of reality you step into with Yes, I Can! by Deborah Sullivan, a story that feels simple at first but hits deeper the more you think about it.
In Yes, I Can!, Deborah Sullivan tells the story of a young girl who is constantly underestimated because of her size. People treat her like she is younger, less capable, and not ready for real responsibility. But what makes this book stand out is how it turns that frustration into something powerful. Instead of staying quiet, the story builds toward a moment where she proves, not just to others but to herself, that she is more than what people assume.
After lunch, we headed home. I was quiet on the ride home. I thanked my mom for taking me to run my errands today, and she said she was very proud of me. I sat back thinking about all the people who doubted I could do things because I was small. I knew I had changed their minds today about what a person could do even if they were small for their age. I was proud of me too. As I looked out of the car window, I whispered to myself, "Yes, I can!
Yes, I Can!, page 15
Proving More Than Just Others Wrong
This book is about self-belief. The young girl’s journey is not filled with dramatic action or fantasy, but with something more real. Everyday challenges. Simple errands. Small decisions that slowly build confidence. These moments might seem ordinary, but that is exactly what makes them powerful. Readers can easily see themselves in her situation.
The story also highlights how words and assumptions can shape a person. Being told you are “too small” again and again can slowly turn into self-doubt. But this book flips that idea. It shows that growth does not always come from getting bigger or older. Sometimes, it comes from deciding to try anyway. The girl’s actions remind readers that confidence is something you build, not something you are given.
Another thing that makes this story stand out is how relatable the characters feel. The people around her are not villains. They are just people who underestimate her without realizing it. That makes the message stronger because it reflects real life. The impact of the story is not just about proving others wrong, but about changing how you see yourself moving forward.
A Teacher’s Heart Behind the Story
Deborah Sullivan brings real-life understanding into her writing, and you can feel it in every page. As a retired elementary education teacher with thirty-two years of experience, she knows how children think, how they feel, and how they grow. That experience shows in the way the story is told. It is simple, clear, but meaningful.
She lives on Long Island in New York with her wife and is a parent to six children, which adds even more depth to her perspective. Beyond teaching, she enjoys writing children’s books and poetry, along with reading and playing the guitar. Her love for storytelling feels natural, not forced, and it connects easily with young readers. She also shares a fun side, being a huge Harry Potter fan, which reflects her appreciation for stories that inspire growth and imagination.
A Simple Story That Stays With You
If you have ever felt underestimated, Yes, I Can! by Deborah Sullivan will feel personal. It is a reminder that strength is not about size, and confidence is not about what others say.
Yes, I Can!
Pick this up and remind yourself of something simple but powerful. Yes, you can.