While most high school students are going through AP classes, extracurriculars, and college applications, senior Skylar Snyder (12) has done something remarkable during this time. Becoming an official author, she published a children’s book, Benny the Bunny’s Big Race, in the summer of 2025. Inspired by her younger brother’s experience of living with severe ADHD, Skylar delivered a powerful and heartfelt story to her readers.

Skylar’s inspiration came from watching the struggles her brother faced, ranging from misunderstanding to bullying, which led her to create a book that would spark empathy in young readers.

“Because people don’t wear their diagnosis on their shirt, it can be hard, especially for children, to understand certain behaviors,” Skylar shared. “Without that understanding, differences can be judged instead of appreciated. I wanted kids with ADHD to feel seen and valued, and for their peers to learn empathy.”

She chose a bunny as her main character to symbolize ADHD’s hyperactivity and heightened sensitivity. “Bunnies are naturally very alert and reactive to their environment,” she explained. “That reflects the distractibility and constant movement that often come with ADHD.”

Skylar spent months researching ADHD in the process of bringing Bunny to life. She spoke with her brother, family members, and even a psychiatrist to accurately capture the challenges and strengths of neurodivergent children.

After a week of writing and finalizing the text, she devoted nearly six months to digitally illustrate the book. Page by page, she often worked late into the night.

“I started with my brother’s old iPad, a basic stylus, and a free illustration app,” Skylar said, hoping to inspire other young creators. “You don’t need expensive equipment to create something meaningful. What matters most is resourcefulness and determination.”

Since its release, Benny the Bunny’s Big Race has touched many readers’ hearts. Hilary Xu (12), a YLHS student bought Skylar’s physical book. “I was completely moved by how well the subject of ADHD was taught through a children’s book,” Xu said.

Though simple, it expresses more than a narrative. “Skylar uses this book to dive into the daily struggles of living with ADHD with Benny’s troubles of staying on track, and how his friends are able to support him during these times. Skylar has done a wonderful job in her book, and I hope to see more in the future!” Hilary explains.

Skylar has received messages from teens with ADHD who connected with Benny’s story and who felt seen through her work. Her mission now is to integrate the book into schools and libraries across the country—not for sales, but to spark understanding and change in readers nationwide. Lance Low (12) also mentions that this book is “a beautiful story that is making its way to local schools, libraries, and even churches.”

Additionally, Skylar’s creative drive extends beyond this particular project. She is currently working on a novel that explores grief, discrimination and cognitive dissonance, which she plans to publish during college.

Outside of writing, Skylar is a producer at Yorba Linda High School’s Film Academy of the Arts and is excited to put her energy into filmmaking this year. Though she sees law as a likely career path, Skylar is determined to keep storytelling and creativity a central part of her life.

Looking back at the long nights and challenges of publishing her first book as a high schooler, Skylar says it was all worth it: “Every late night, every challenge, and every small victory made it worth it. If I had the chance, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

Skylar Snyder is a reminder that passion and determination can create real change. Through Benny the Bunny’s Big Race, she is teaching children everywhere that neurodiversity is not something to mock or hide but something to celebrate.

This story was originally published on The Wrangler on September 16, 2025.