Beyond the pedestal

"Not everyone is brave enough to step off the pedestal the world puts them on—but true friendship demands nothing less."

Cristina Gómez has it all—straight A’s, cheerleading captain, the admiration of her peers. But behind her perfect smile, she’s suffocating under the weight of expectations.

Danny Walker knows what it’s like to be invisible—or worse, a target. Born with cerebral palsy, he’s endured bullying, rejection, and the cruel labels the world slaps on him. But his unshakable faith in Christ gives him a quiet strength few understand.

When Cristina crosses the cafeteria to sit with Danny one day, she doesn’t just change his life—she changes her own. As their unlikely friendship grows, they challenge stereotypes, face down bullies, and discover the transformative power of real love—the kind that sees past flaws, the kind that only comes from God.

But when a cruel prank pushes Cristina to choose between her social status and defending Danny, she learns that the cost of kindness is high—but the cost of staying silent is even higher.

Inspired by the author’s own experiences with cerebral palsy and bullying, Beyond the Pedestal is a powerful coming-of-age story about:

The courage to stand out

The faith to endure

And the friendships that redefine who we are

Perfect for fans of Out of My Mind and the Bluford Series, this heartfelt novel proves that one act of kindness can ripple into a revolution—and that our true identity isn’t found in the world’s labels, but in the love of Christ.

"A story of resilience, faith, and the friendships that save us. Danny and Cristina will stay with you long after the last page."

Tylia L. FloresCerebral Palsy Advocate & Author