Geena Davis: Overcoming Childhood Teasing in Her New Children's Book

Academy Award winner Geena Davis is embarking on a new journey as a children's author with her first book, 'The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page,' which draws from her personal experiences of being unusually tall during her youth.

Inspiration from Personal Struggles

In a chat on 'CBS Mornings,' Davis opened up about how her height influenced her formative years and the narrative she aims to share with young audiences.

She expressed, 'My deepest desire was to blend into the crowd rather than stand out.' Growing up, she was the tallest student in her classes, not just among the girls. She yearned to be smaller, hoping to avoid unwanted attention.

Artistic Talents Unveiled

Davis didn't just pen the book—she also provided the illustrations, tapping into a lifelong passion for drawing.

'I've always enjoyed drawing,' she shared, despite never viewing herself as an accomplished artist. 'I had a clear vision of the character's appearance.'

Tales of Teasing and Acceptance

Known for iconic performances in movies such as 'Thelma & Louise' and 'A League of Their Own,' Davis recounted being ridiculed by peers who likened her to the towering basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Her story features a girl named Sheila, who grapples with feeling overly tall and loud, eventually embracing her uniqueness as she learns to accept herself.

Finding Confidence

Reflecting on her journey, Davis noted, 'It wasn't until adulthood, when I finally stopped growing, that I realized occupying this space was completely okay.' This theme of self-assurance and acceptance underscores her book's purpose.