In the bustling halls of Mesa View Middle School, one student is quietly — but powerfully — changing lives.
Logan Tappen, a seventh-grader with an extraordinary outlook on life, has become a source of inspiration not only to his classmates and teachers but also to readers far beyond his hometown. Known for his infectious joy and uplifting spirit, Tappen has a rare ability to brighten any room he enters.
His spirit alone lifts the spirits of anyone who meets him, said those familiar with Tappen’s daily impact. That same energy caught the attention of local author Kim Dawson, whose encounter with Tappen would ultimately shape a central character in her children’s leadership book series, “Living Love Forward.”
Dawson recalls the moment vividly.
“I was having a rough day and happened to look out the window and see a student racing across the grass in his wheelchair,” she said. “He was smiling and laughing, and it made me pause and laugh too. His joy for life was so heartfelt.”
That moment took place at Wildwood Elementary School, where Tappen was a student. Moved by what she witnessed, Dawson reached out to learn more about the boy behind the smile. What she discovered was a mindset rooted in resilience, gratitude and unwavering positivity.
Today, Tappen serves as the real-life inspiration for the character “Mathew” in Dawson’s widely read series. Through stories like “Having a Voice,” “Through the Eyes of a Bully,” “What’s Your Pet Peeve” and others, Dawson brings to life the same optimism and strength that Tappen demonstrates every day.
Tappen’s influence, however, extends well beyond the pages of a book.
Within the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, he has become a symbol of kindness and perseverance.
In recognition of his impact, Tappen was honored with the district’s prestigious “Make a Difference” award — an acknowledgment of the positivity and inspiration he spreads throughout the community.
From school hallways to storybooks, Tappen’s message is simple yet powerful: joy is contagious, and perspective can change everything.
As his story continues to reach new audiences, one thing remains clear — what started as a single moment of laughter outside a classroom window has grown into a movement of encouragement, reminding others what it truly means to live with heart.
The “Living Love Forward” series is available through Amazon. Search for “Living Love Forward, Kim Dawson” for all the series book titles, empowering kids one book at a time.