Publications

Sharing stories of kindness, growth, and human connection through collaborative writing.

Say Something Kind Book Cover
Published 2025 Co-authored

"Say Something Kind": A Collection of Stories by a Boy With Rauch-Steindl Syndrome

By David Zhao, Mentored by Lucas Wu

"Say Something Kind" is a one-of-a-kind creative collection by nine-year-old David Zhao, a boy living with Rauch-Steindl Syndrome (RAUST), a rare genetic condition. Guided and mentored by high school student Lucas Wu, David transforms his everyday thoughts, questions, and dreams into poems, stories, and journal entries that are as imaginative as they are heartfelt.

41
Print Length (Pages)
2
Stories
12
Poems
9
Journals
Purchase on Amazon

Key Themes

💪

Kindness as Courage

This theme runs throughout the book, from David's anti-bullying journal entries to the title itself. Kindness isn't presented as something soft or passive; it's an act of strength, choice, and resilience. David's writing invites readers to rethink kindness as a superpower, especially in the face of difference, misunderstanding, or exclusion.

🎭

Rare Stories, Real Voices

David lives with Rauch-Steindl Syndrome (RAUST), a condition few people know about. This book raises awareness not just through facts, but through lived, creative expression. It gives visibility to a rare diagnosis without defining David by it.

✨

The Power of Imagination to Reframe Reality

From Minecraft battles and dragons to reflections on playground drama, David processes real-life challenges through storytelling. The book becomes a mirror of his inner world and a testament to how children use creativity to cope, grow, and connect.

Our Writing Journey

1

Collecting Stories

We began by sharing personal experiences, observations, and moments of connection that had shaped our understanding of kindness and friendship.

2

Collaborative Writing

Through patient collaboration, we learned to blend our different writing styles and perspectives into a unified voice that honored both of our experiences.

3

Refining & Editing

We spent months carefully reviewing each story, ensuring that every word served our mission of promoting understanding and celebrating human diversity.

4

Publishing & Sharing

The moment we held our published book was incredibly meaningful – knowing that our story could reach and inspire others facing similar journeys.

Reader Feedback

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5.0 out of 5 stars
"A story about love and understanding. A journey about pursuing happiness, passion and inspiration."
— Lawrence
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5.0 out of 5 stars
"David's book is very good. It has great stories and poems. David's parents must be proud of the growth David has done. Lucas is a special friend for David, it is very sweet. The pictures in the book are very cute. I love them."
— Little Three
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5.0 out of 5 stars
"This book is an absolute gem. Say Something Kind is a beautiful and moving collection of stories, poems, and reflections written by David Zhao, a remarkable 9-year-old living with a rare condition called RAUST. With the support of his mentor Lucas Wu, David turns everyday thoughts and experiences into creative, thoughtful, and often funny pieces that stay with you long after you finish reading."
— Amazon Customer
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2025

Get Your Copy Today

Join us in celebrating the power of kindness, understanding, and human connection.

Buy on Amazon Read Our Story