13-Year-Old Carsyn Todd Inspires Ohio Youth Through Acts of Kindness
Children Spotlight of the Month
At just 13 years old, Carsyn Todd of Columbus is showing that small acts of kindness can spark big change. A sixth-grader at McCord Middle School, Carsyn has taken her observations of unkind behavior among peers and turned them into a published book designed to encourage positivity in schools and communities across Ohio.
Her book, Young Heroes, Big Hearts, began as a personal journal of kindness prompts, offering readers weekly suggestions for thoughtful actions such as helping classmates, giving compliments, or baking treats for neighbors. Each activity is designed to inspire reflection and empathy, showing that simple gestures can have a meaningful impact on others.
“I saw a lot of people at school being mean,” Carsyn said. “And I was like, ‘What’s the point of this? How can we change this and make this better?’”
Despite managing a full schedule of schoolwork, gymnastics practice, and social activities, Carsyn worked closely with her publisher to bring the book to life. She made decisions on everything from fonts to layout while her mother, Debbie Todd, helped ensure the process accommodated Carsyn’s ADHD, emphasizing the importance of pacing and support.
“Part of this journey is knowing that diagnoses don’t define you,” Debbie said. “Carsyn had to work in small steps at a time, and that taught her patience, perseverance, and confidence.”
Young Heroes, Big Hearts not only encourages kindness in readers but also supports broader social initiatives. A portion of every sale benefits InspiHER, a girls’ leadership foundation dedicated to empowering young women to dream big and develop leadership skills.
Carsyn hopes her work will inspire other children to actively practice kindness in their daily lives. “I hope everyone sees it and looks for something to be kind about instead of just walking past,” she said. Her favorite acts of kindness include baking cookies for neighbors and offering compliments, activities she says create lasting positive impressions in the community.
The book’s interactive design invites readers to record their own acts of kindness and reflect on the impact of their actions, reinforcing empathy, responsibility, and social awareness.
Beyond her publication, Carsyn’s journey demonstrates how Ohio children can combine creativity, leadership, and social responsibility to make meaningful contributions. She plans to pursue a career in teaching, carrying forward her passion for inspiring kindness and curiosity in younger generations.
Carsyn Todd’s story is a reminder that age is no barrier to influence. Through intentional, positive actions, Ohio’s youth have the power to shape compassionate communities, one thoughtful gesture at a time.
Young Heroes, Big Hearts is available on Amazon and at kids-give.com.
