Author of
An Unexpected Normal
Coming February 2026
“An Unexpected Normal is a testimony to the importance of community, told with clarity and emotion by a warrior mother who never gives up.”
—Marianne Leone, actress and author of Jesse
A beacon of hope for parents of children with disabilities, I share our story of a Chicago couple that learns unconditional love, complete acceptance, true compassion, and a new definition of normal after our baby is diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
“An Unexpected Normal is a heartfelt memoir, and Angelini conveys her emotions with unflinching honesty, sharing moments of fear, guilt, and exhaustion alongside tenderness and pure love, allowing readers in on a deeply human level. . . she brings her family’s daily life vividly to the page. Beautiful, and very highly recommended.”
—Readers’ Favorite, 5–star Review
Founder of
Leap into Literacy
Adaptive Books
Adaptive Books are mainstream stories made accessible for children with special needs then donated to public libraries to give all children free access to appropriate reading materials. Children's books are adapted to teach children the love of reading by enabling them to take part in reading for fun and enjoyment.
Inspiration for the Project:
In 2004, Jodi Miller and Rita Angelini, two mothers with special needs children, searched for books their children could enjoy. Finding little that was suitable, they researched available methods and assembled their first adaptive book. With the high material costs and labor involved, they shared the books with other special needs children by donating them to libraries, making it available for all to enjoy. They sponsored their first fundraiser and celebrated Jake and KiKi's birthdays by raising money through a backyard carnival with games, singing, and face painting.