Here’s a sample of the nasty comments I’ve received lately. This is why I speak up. This is why I’m writing an ENTIRE book about disabilities. Because people with facial differences are worthy human beings. I like my smile and I like my face. I just wish society did too... ❤️♿️

I’m not saying Melissa is launching BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE in March because of my birthday. But if y’all tell me any different, I’m blocking you. Also, if I get a vote on merch, I need a Melissa book sticker for my water bottle.

So looking forward to getting this book !!!!! and excited for you

I am sooo excited about this! Melissa Blake has an impactful book coming out next year!

One final birthday gem to share and it’s...FAN ART from Brooke Costello! I absolutely love everything about this illustration... My red hair blowing in the wind 👩🏻‍🦰 My book BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE 📚 The festive pink bow on my wheelchair 🎀 What a sweet surprise! Thank you, Brooke...

AHHH, so excited to share this amazing gift I recently received from Barbie... 💘🎀 My very own Wheelchair Barbie and other goodies. Can’t thank them enough for making inclusion a part of play time for kids and for making adults like me feel seen in my childhood toys! #Barbie

I also just got the little wheelchair Barbie for the kids I babysit to play with!! Just another reminder that representation is so important ♿️

I call this “Switching your phone to selfie mode to get one last look at yourself during Leo season!” It’s art, really... Stay dramatic, my fellow Leo friends!!! 🔥💫

Wanted to show off my summer body. YOU can get one too... ☀️💪🏻 I have a summer body simply by existing. In the summertime. In my body. Just as it is. This idea that you have to do something to make your body “worthy” for summer is toxic. Your summer body is already worthy! ❤️

This was back to school in the ‘80s... 🍎📚✏️

I just knew that Wheelchair Barbie’s forever home had to be on my desk. After all, it’s the place where I do my most important writing and thinking — and scrolling on my iPad — so I wanted her next to me. And now, I can say “Hi, Barbie” every time I sit down to work! And scroll.

From now on, whenever trolls ask me “What are you?”... I’ve got the perfect answer... I’m the author of the forthcoming book BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE, which comes out exactly six months from today from Hachette Books!! Link in bio to pre-order, friends!!! Stay sassy... 👋🏻😉

I love your face. Its so happy.

You are beautiful and you bring light into this world! ❤️❤️❤️

Hi, @BradleyWhitford — just sent you a DM. Would love to chat about something I’m working on! Thanks so much!!