Annette is a former nomad and owner of Beautiful Strength, a nonprofit born out of the need for people to accept their bodies, to love ourselves for who we are, and to celebrate our diversity. Portrait stories have included topics like HIV, Black Lives Matter, Cancer Survival, Autism, Diversity, and Body Positivity.
Taking a break from traveling as a nomad in her Beautiful Strengths Bus (where she drove around the country capturing photos of people in each state), she began substitute teaching in Iowa and wound up helping an entire class publish a book—naturally, in their own words, with their own drawings.
Annette takes that story and brings it to Oshkosh in an event on Sunday, Aug. 30!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Atticus Goes is a joyful children’s book inspired by the real-life adventure of a big pink bus with an even bigger heart.
Once a hardworking school bus, Atticus thinks his journey is over until he meets Miss Annette, a photographer with a dream of turning a bus into a mobile photo studio. Together, they begin a brand-new adventure filled with creativity, kindness, teamwork, and lots of new friends.
This fun, story brings to life the beginnings of the Beautiful Strength project, celebrating resilience, second chances, and the magic that happens when we believe in ourselves and each other. Young readers will delight in Atticus’s transformation and cheer as he once again becomes a place where children feel seen, heard, valued, and loved.
Written by Beautiful Strength founder, Annette McNamara, Atticus Goes is lovingly illustrated by Nat Silver Creates and the imaginative artists of Mrs. Demarest’s 3rd Grade class, making this book a true community collaboration.
Atticus Goes is perfect for classrooms, families, and anyone who believes that even when one chapter ends, a new adventure is just beginning.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Annette McNamara is a Nashville-based freelance photographer, speaker, and the founder of Beautiful Strength, a social movement and ongoing portrait project. She travels across North America in a converted 40-foot school bus named "Atticus," which she turned into a mobile photo studio to capture unfiltered portraits and stories of human resilience.
Growing up, Annette struggled with her own self-image and body confidence. After spending years trying to change how she looked, she realized true worth comes from within.
She works as a keynote speaker for organizations, universities, and corporate events, sharing messages on vulnerability, inclusion, and self-acceptance.
Annette is a former nomad and owner of Beautiful Strength, a nonprofit born out of the need for people to accept their bodies, to love ourselves for who we are, and to celebrate our diversity. Portrait stories have included topics like HIV, Black Lives Matter, Cancer Survival, Autism, Diversity, and Body Positivity.
Taking a break from traveling as a nomad in her Beautiful Strengths Bus (where she drove around the country capturing photos of people in each state), she began substitute teaching in Iowa and wound up helping an entire class publish a book—naturally, in their own words, with their own drawings.
Annette takes that story and brings it to Oshkosh in an event on Sunday, Aug. 30!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Atticus Goes is a joyful children’s book inspired by the real-life adventure of a big pink bus with an even bigger heart.
Once a hardworking school bus, Atticus thinks his journey is over until he meets Miss Annette, a photographer with a dream of turning a bus into a mobile photo studio. Together, they begin a brand-new adventure filled with creativity, kindness, teamwork, and lots of new friends.
This fun, story brings to life the beginnings of the Beautiful Strength project, celebrating resilience, second chances, and the magic that happens when we believe in ourselves and each other. Young readers will delight in Atticus’s transformation and cheer as he once again becomes a place where children feel seen, heard, valued, and loved.
Written by Beautiful Strength founder, Annette McNamara, Atticus Goes is lovingly illustrated by Nat Silver Creates and the imaginative artists of Mrs. Demarest’s 3rd Grade class, making this book a true community collaboration.
Atticus Goes is perfect for classrooms, families, and anyone who believes that even when one chapter ends, a new adventure is just beginning.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Annette McNamara is a Nashville-based freelance photographer, speaker, and the founder of Beautiful Strength, a social movement and ongoing portrait project. She travels across North America in a converted 40-foot school bus named "Atticus," which she turned into a mobile photo studio to capture unfiltered portraits and stories of human resilience.
Growing up, Annette struggled with her own self-image and body confidence. After spending years trying to change how she looked, she realized true worth comes from within.
She works as a keynote speaker for organizations, universities, and corporate events, sharing messages on vulnerability, inclusion, and self-acceptance.
