There are thousands of motivational books out there that will inspire and move you – but few are from the mind and heart of a 12-year-old. Paloma Rambana, a local seventh grader at Maclay School, is redefining what it means to be a young person, a lobbyist, an advocate and, now, a published author. Her new book, “Paloma’s Dream,” details how she successfully lobbied the Florida Legislature to help secure $1.25 million in funds for blind and visually impaired kids. Born with a rare eye condition called Peter’s Anomaly, Paloma because the “Little Lobbyist” who made a big difference. In “Paloma’s Dream,” Paloma tells her story with spirit, humour and heart in a memoir that is sure to inspire kindness and activism in people of all ages.

In 2015, Paloma launched an advocacy campaign “Fund the Gap” after realizing that blind and visually impaired kids between the ages of 6-13 don’t receive state aid for equipment or mobility training outside of school (such as magnifiers or lessons in Braille), regardless of financial need. As part of this campaign, Paloma has met with dozens of state lawmakers, Florida’s governor and congressional leaders; led 2 marches on Florida’s Capitol; and has spoken publicly to groups across the U.S. Paloma was named a 2018 Health Hero by 0, The Oprah Winfrey Magazine, and has been called “a model of the American spirit” by President Donald Trump and “one of tomorrow’s leaders” by former President Barack Obama. Those who are interested in meeting Paloma can attend the Tallahassee book signings in August.