Reviews (19)

My Sister is Special
I read the book called I Have A Sister, My Sister is Deaf by Jeanne Whitehouse Peterson.The main characters are 2 sisters.One of the sisters is deaf and there is an older sister who can hear. The author's purpose is that she's showing you how you're not very different from people who can hear.This book is about a deaf sister and an older sister that can communicate with their hands and expressions.The book's illustrations are black and white.The deaf sister can't hear colors.
A Serious Story!
This book was okay.Some parts I liked.For example, I liked that the kids at school were nice to the deaf girl and didn't make fun of her because of the way she talked or the fact that she was deaf.One thing that I didn't like was that the sisters didn't have any names.This book reminds me of how my sister's friend is deaf.My sister treats her no different than how she treats her other friends.The book's illustrations are in black and white, but they are very well drawn.At least I think so.The book is about a girl and her sister that is deaf, and how they care for each other.I think the author wrote the book to teach children and adults how deaf people live their lives.Also, to show us how it feels to have someone close to you who is deaf.Finally, that people are no different.

Little Kid Gold, Big Kid Horror
I thought this book was terrible.First of all, I couldn't picture the girl.I couldn't tell who was the deaf girl because all the people looked the same.This story takes place at the girls house, also at school.The characters are the deaf girl who lives a different life than me.The next character is the deaf sister's sister.She is older than her sister and different but not by much.The final character is the mom who has to take care of the deaf sister and the other sister.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children, Deaf    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Deaf    5. Family - Siblings    6. Family relationships    7. Juvenile literature    8. Language Arts & Disciplines    9. Sign Language    10. Social Issues - Special Needs    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Special Needs   

Reviews (21)

I Had No Idea
I had seen this book in my teacher's library and wanted to see what it was about, and a few days ago I got around to doing it. I had no idea it would be about a mentally challenged girl named Gerri who comes to live with her family after living in an institution all her life. This story is gripping and a little ways into the book, Gerri really touches you in the heart, and it seems like you just want to hug her (that's what she does to everybody). Sure, this story isn't some magical fantasy with adventure in every corner, but I love it anyway. I told some of my friends what it was about, and they were like,"Huh, sounds great." This story is great, told in the view of the little brother, you'll love the story, characters, and everything else about this book. Some humor, a serious tone, and Gerri will make you want to Welcome Home, Jellybean.

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
I STRONGLY RECOMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE! IT SO SAD SO FUNNY AND SO TOUCHING THAT I'LL READ IT LIKE TWICE A MONTH AND STILL NOT GET TIRD OF IT. THE STORY IS ABOUT A 13 YEAR OLD BOY NAMED NEIL WHO'SSISTER 14 YEAR OLD GERRI IS MENTALY CHALLENGED AND HAS STAYED AT AN INTITUION ALL HER LIFE AND IS FINALLY COMING HOME. BUT JUST GETTING HER FROM HER HOME, TO THE CAR, AND UP THE ELEVATOR WAS BIG TROUBLE AND THERE IS PLENTY MORE COMING. BUT GERRI IS SLOWLY LEARNING, AND SOMETIMES LEARNING FOR GERRI CAN BE A BIT TROUBLE. AND ALL OF IT IS MAKING NEIL STRUGGLE IN SCHOOL. SINCE GERRI HAS COME THE OXLEY FAMILY HAS CHANGED A WHOLE LOT! SOME GOOD...AND SOME BAD. MARLINE FANTA SHYER HAS DONE AN EXELLENT JOB THAT I'M SUPRISED THIS BOOK HASN'T GOT AN AWARD!! I LOVE HOW THE AUTHOR LEAVES CLUES AND AND HINTS AT THE END OF THE CHAPTERS MAKING YOU WANT TO READ MORE. THIS BOOK IS GREAT! I JUST WISH IT WAS A LONGER, THICKER BOOK, (LIKE THE HARRY POTTER SERISE)

GREAT book!
I thought that Welcome Home, Jellybean was an excellent book. I couldn't stop reading it! I really like how at the end of each chapter the author made it so you wanted to keep reading and reading. It is about a girl who is mentally challenged and she comes home. The family, especially Neil, has to adapt to Geraldine's(the mentally challenged girl) special needs. I would tell everyone to read it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers and sisters    2. Children's 9-12    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Family - Siblings    6. Fiction    7. Mentally handicapped    8. People with mental disabilitie    9. People with mental disabilities    10. Social Issues - Special Needs    11. Social Situations - Special Needs    12. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Special Needs   

Reviews (37)

Suicidal Football

Life Through the Eyes of Teens
Lying in bed, not wanting to move, and fearing the thought of getting up is how Austin Reid feels every morning.Austin, a star football player for the Panthers, popular in the eyes of his peers, finds himself hating everything.Everything that used to matter to him just doesn't faze him anymore, Austin has a secret that he doesn't want to let out - he is depressed beyond desire.Austin finally confronts Heather, his girlfriend about his issues but she gets scared and freaks out, causing Austin to open up to an early friend who has cared from the beginning.You get the feeling that his friend straitens his life out and helps him on his way to a less stressful life.
"Damage"-great YA read
The book Damage will surely keep and young adult reader on edge! Austin Reid, a senior and star on star football team has everything going for him. Everything in Austin's life is perfect, or so it seems. He is popular, does well in school, is the star on the football team, and his girlfriend Heather, is the hottest girl at school. There is only one problem, Austin is not happy, and nothing at all seems to help. At a young age Austin's father passed away, which could very well be the root of his depression. Day in and day out, in the small Texas town of Parkers Ville, all Austin feels is depression. Eventually he grows farther and farther away from his friends and family, and the only option he sees is suicide. It is as if Reid has everything to live for, yet can't find an interest to live for anything! The unique second person viewpoint Jenkins uses adds some creative flavor to his novel. In the case of this book the second person view did not work so well. The feelings and emotions of other characters were not able to be seen. The whole mood throughout the book is one that is well, depressed. Many young adults can relate with a book like Damage, that is what makes it a great read! This novel is very real and is perfect for teens and young adults! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Depression (Psychology)    4. Depression, Mental    5. Fiction    6. Football    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Social Issues - Adolescence    9. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    10. Social Issues - Special Needs    11. Social Situations - Adolescence    12. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    13. Social Situations - Special Needs    14. Sports & Recreation - Football    15. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Special Needs   

Subjects:  1. Blind children    2. Blindness    3. Children with visual disabilit    4. Children with visual disabilities    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    6. Children, Blind    7. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    8. Eye    9. Health & Daily Living - Physical Impairments    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. Social Issues - Special Needs   

Subjects:  1. Asperger's syndrome    2. Autistic children    3. Children with Special Needs    4. Children's 9-12 - Family    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    6. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    7. Health & Daily Living - Personal Hygiene    8. Health Sciences (Young Adult)    9. Health and hygiene    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. Patients    13. Social Issues - Special Needs    14. Schools & education centres   

Reviews (7)

It's Time For Tacos!
I just love this book and feel it does an invaluable service.
Tacos Anyone?
Siblings of children with autism often struggle with understanding what autism is and why they don't have the same sibling relationship that their friends have with their brothers or sisters.Tacos Anyone and Marvie Ellis' Keisha's Doors both offer a glimpse into the autistic child's world that a sibling can understand.I also like that Ellis used a therapist character in her books to illustrate how a sibling might try and interact with their autistic brother or sister.

A very compassionate look at Autism within a family
I had the great good fortune to meet Dr. Ellis at an autism convention recently and be introduced to her books.Her insight into what it must be like to be the "normal" sibling of an autistic child is delightful and heartrending for those of us with children "on the spectrum."My first reading had me in tears at the end.My son, who is has the diagnosis of very high functioning PDD-NOS, was eager to "make tacos" after reading it.If you have an autistic child, or you wish to teach your children compassion for those who are different, you could not make a better choice than this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Family - Siblings    3. General    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Preschool Picture Story Books    6. Social Issues - Special Needs    7. Spanish: Kindergarten    8. Autistic children    9. Autism    10. Spanish: Grades 1-2    11. Children's 4-8    12. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks   

Reviews (1)

Apartment 3
I first read this book to my daughter when she was 4-years-old. The New York tenement setting was such a foreign world in contrast to her suburban Dallas upbringing that she was immediately enthralled with the fact that so many families of diverse ethnic backgrounds would all live in one building.Keats paints such a vivid word picture that a child as young as she couldeasily be drawn into the story line. The characters and events became realto her, to the extent that she could literally hear the harmonica playing.My daughter begged to revisit this story and consequently every trip to thelibrary for the next year included Apartment 3. To this day, at age 29 andexpecting her first child, she still recalls this book and wants a copy ofher own. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apartment houses    2. Blind    3. Brothers    4. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    10. People with disabilities    11. Performing Arts - Music    12. Social Issues - Friendship    13. Social Issues - Special Needs    14. Social Situations - Friendship    15. Early learning / early learning concepts    16. Fiction dealing with social issues    17. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship    18. Special needs & learning difficulties    19. Urban communities   

Reviews (7)

People are desperate
That's what you really need to be to decide to publish books of this low caliber. I know it's a niche market so there aren't that many authors writing for AI kids. Still, they should be more interesting than this. My son thought it was boring and completely missed the AI aspect.Nice try, but too simplistic.

Wonderful
My 8 year old son has AS. As with the other books by Kathy Hoopmann, the family is embracing Asperger as just being a unique genius situation, that is mostly enviable, as opposed to tabood. My son attributes his smarts and intellect to AS, he does not consider the "negative" behavior important. Which is ok, because you need to build to positive self esteem in those kids.
This book REALLY Rocks!!!!!!
This book was a really good book about a boy with Asperger's and an Asperger's adventure. I am a 10 year old boy with Asperger's and this was a great book with a great title.It was kind of an adventure and a mystery.I think parents with kids with Asperger's should read these 2 books, because they help explain how a kid with Asperger's thinks. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asperger's syndrome    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Extraterrestrial beings    5. Family & Relationships    6. Fiction    7. Parenting - General    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Science fiction    10. Fiction dealing with specific issues    11. Special needs & learning difficulties    12. Teaching of those with special educational needs   

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Courage    5. Epilepsy    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Health & Daily Living - General    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Schools    11. Sisters    12. Social Issues - Special Needs   

Editorial Review

Colleen Minou is a hard-core stoner, a girl whose motto is, "I'll gethigh and do anything." Ben Bancroft is a movie-addicted preppie who suffers fromcerebral palsy, "the resident spaz, invisible as the sign that says NO RUNNING,the one no one pays attention to." Together, they form the most unlikely couplesince Dharma and Greg. He's Brooks Brothers, she's Salvation Army. He's nevereven smoked a cigarette, she's got 20 different chemicals running through herveins. But when these two lonely teens meet one night at Ben's favorite hang,the Rialto (a classic film theatre that "smells like butter from thePaleozoic"), sparks fly. At least for Ben they do. Maybe it's because Colleen'sthe first girl to ever really notice him, to have the nerve to tease him abouthis disability instead of pretend it's not there. For once, Ben is actually moreinterested in his real life than a movie. Colleen takes him clubbing, lights hisfirst joint, even challenges him to direct his own movie. But when Ben, in turn,dares her to stay straight, Colleen admits that, despite his devotion, she stillneeds the drugs to "smooth out the edges." Is Ben capable of convincing herotherwise? If not, how will he ever be cured of his Colleen addiction?Read more

Reviews (39)

unexpected changes
This book is about a boy named Ben who has cerebral palsy. He lives with his over protected grandmother because his dad died and his mom ran away. One day he goes into the Rialto Theater and he meets Colleen, a drug addict from his school. After that Ben and Colleen make a friendship. Colleen treats Ben as if he was normal and he starts to fall in love with her. When Ben meets the new neighbor, Marcie she gives him a camera and helps him start a documentary about school and the truth about it. Colleen and Ben then sort of become boyfriend and girlfriend, but never really called each other that. Then with Colleen's drug problem, she finds herself into the hospital. The day of Ben's movie, he finds Colleen buzzed with drugs when she was trying to quit her problem. From there Ben realizes Colleen will never change
Underestimated
This book was better than I expected it to be.I thought it would be filled with pointless conflicts between characters, but it all made sense.Ron Koertge writes Colleen and Ben with such sophistication you forget they're only sixteen.I also loved the humor he added here and there.I especially loved the grandma, who reminded me of Rue McClanahan.The whole book made sense, until the end.The end was bit rushed, and didn't seem to fit.In my opinion, Koertge could've gone on to make a longer book, just to clarify the ending.But everything before hand, was PERFECT!Definetley more than a romance novel for the MTV generation.

It was okay
Stoner and Spaz was an okay book. It could have been better the ending was disapointing and I was expecting something more between the two main characters. The idea that some one will go all the way through rehab and then go back to drugs is believable but the fact that a person will get an aword for a movie on the first try is very unlikly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cerebral palsy    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. People with disabilities    7. Self-acceptance    8. Social Issues - Drugs, Alcohol, & Substance Abuse    9. Social Issues - Friendship    10. Social Issues - General    11. Social Issues - Special Needs    12. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Special Needs   

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Religious    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Cliques (Sociology)    5. Down syndrome    6. Family - Siblings    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. People with mental disabilites    10. Religious - Christian    11. Social Issues - Special Needs    12. Christian Interest    13. Juvenile Fiction / Religious / Christian   

Reviews (11)

Great for Middle School Students
Parents Wanted is an excellent book for middle school students. As a middle school reading teacher I found Parents Wanted to be a great choice for the students. The book provides the inner thoughts of 12 year old Andy Fleck as he is transitioning from sporadic foster care to living with his new adoptive parents, Jeff and Laurie. As Andy has ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and biological parents who do not care for him, he has a large amount of challenges to overcome.
Parents Wanted:Applications Are Being Accepted
The picture of the boy on the cover of this book is strongly reminiscent of a very young George Harrison, circa 1962.That is what caught my attention.
It is very good to read! Really it is.
I loved this book and I keep reading this over and over I can never get enough of it. I really dont like to read but I picked this book up at a store and just read it over and over til it was time to close, which was about ten. So at the end I bought it because I just wanted to keep reading it. I have read the book at least 32 times. I love it because I wish I had a family like that. I might not have been in foster homes but I dont like where I am so to me this is a book that I wish I was in. I hope whoever reads the book realizes it is a very good book. 5 stars all the way. I am only 15 and I have not read too many books but this book got me into reading so it has to be good. I think I am repeating myself so I am gonna go. Later. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    3. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    4. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Family - Adoption    8. Fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Social Issues - Special Needs    11. Social Situations - Special Needs   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Health & Daily Living - General    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Neurology - General    7. Social Issues - Special Needs    8. Tic disorders    9. Tourette syndrome   

Reviews (65)

Read it in middle school and still remember it
I am currently in college and read this book in the 6th grade and loved it. Initially, I picked it up thinking it would be a cool science fiction book. I was half wrong. Science fiction, no. Cool, yes. The storyline is amazing, very realistic plot and characters. Just a great book to read.

The Only Alien on the Planet
Of all the books I have read in my life, and that's quite a lot, this may be my favorite book of all time! It's about a boy named Smitty who was abused in his life so badly he refused to talk to anyone until he met Ginny. Ginny thought that she loved the boy she lived next too, but she never realized she loved someone else until that person almost left her life for good. She helped Smitty go around this emotional block. When I picked it up, I first thought that it would be a science-fiction book, but boy was I suprised. I still like it more than most books I've read, but I don't think that I will ever truely understand it.

The BEST BOOK EVER!
I think this book should get more than 5 stars, more like 20! This is my #1 book! i loved it. It was amazing how Ginny could change Micheal (Smitty), a boy who hasn't talked for 13 years! also, i was amazed how Micheal stood up to his brother for the last time. I stayed up all night just to read this book. This was amazing! This is the BEST BOOK EVER! I'm going to email Kristen D. Randle about this book, to ask her if she made a sequal of it, or is going to. I LOVED THIS BOOK! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Fiction    4. Friendship    5. Moving, Household    6. Mutism, Elective    7. Social Situations - Friendship    8. Social Situations - Special Needs   

Reviews (2)

Excellent Book and Author Presenter
Barbara Roberts has written four books with Phoebe Flower as the main character.These books areengaging andfun for children and adults to read. The books affirm the uniqueness in all children.Barbaraalso presents wonderful workshops for children and adults who would like to know more about becoming an author. Barbara has been a visiting author in many schools andI highly recommend her books and school visitations.

A Wonderful Book
As a mother with an eight year old girl diagnosed with ADD, I embraced this series of books.Phoebe Flowers is a girl with all the same attributes and mindset as my daughter.As ADD can present itself quite differently in girls, this book refers to a girl that my daughter can relate with, and see that she is not all that different.The socializing problems, the lack of friends, and the difficulty in forming friendships is explored in the text of this narrative, from the viewpoint of the central character.With great humour Barbara Roberts explores the mysteries of social cues and poinantly allows the reader to make conclusions on their own.My daughter and I laughed our way through the book together.There were important breaks in the chapters which allowed me to delve into further discussions with my daughter about her ADD and how it affects her, and her environment.This is a must read for anyone with a child with ADD.It is also a must read for any child in the primary school years.All children can relate to the characters, and their predicament. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    2. Best friends    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - General    6. Friendship    7. General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. School & Education    10. Schools    11. Social Issues - Friendship    12. Social Issues - Special Needs    13. Fiction / General   

Reviews (4)

Not Only an Author
Mrs. Roberts is not only known as an author to me. My brother Josh and I both had her as our Kindergarten teacher!We've both read the books as they come out and love to read them remembering our times we had when we in her class room! This book truly brings out the kid in you!

That's Me All Right!
Even though I'm not a second grade girl, as I read this charming little book I found myself remembering my own childhood and saying, "That's me all right!" This book is a valuable resource for any parent with an ADHD child. In plain language, using an interesting story, Barabara Roberts portrays the dilemmas that haunt every child with attention deficit disorder. "But, Mom, let me tell you what really happened" is their theme song. This is a MUST have and MUST read for every parent of an ADHD child. Fun, affirming picture book for the active girl
Phoebe is an enthusiastic, creative girl. Because of her high activity level, she has has to struggle to pay attention in class, and has only one good friend. Girls with hyperactive AD/HD as well as other active kids may see something of themselves in Phoebe. Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    2. Behavior    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Children: Grades 3-4    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. School & Education    9. Schools    10. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    11. Social Issues - Special Needs    12. Fiction / General   

Reviews (7)

Helpful for children & adult family members - even teachers & profeesionals
I am a medical professional with lots of experience in psychiatric & social disordersm and I recommended this book to a group of women (Veteran's wives) with high rate of autism in their children.I learned a few new things from this book myself.
Dara Lane author Small Miracles Day by Day
I think this is an excellent book-warmly written by a father. The pictures are wonderful. As the parent of a low functioning autistic child, I was glad to see a book that to which our family could relate.

INDIVIDUAL PORTRAIT OF AUTISM
The author has three children, one of whom has autism.He does a good job in capturing Russell's expressions as he navigates socially within his family.The other children provide their insights on their brother's behavior. Read more

Subjects:  1. Amenta, Russell    2. Autism    3. Autistic children    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. General    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Mental health    10. Pediatrics    11. Social Issues - Special Needs    12. Life Skills & Personal Awareness, General Studies    13. Psychiatry   

Reviews (2)

Listening with More than Ears
THE HEART'S LANGUAGE is a story about a small boy who could communicate with trees, the ocean, and even the animals, but couldn't communicate with other people, not even his parents.Neighbors talked about him, calling him crazy, and even his parents discussed their son's behavior with concern.One frustrating day, the young boy falls asleep under a tree feeling dejected and with little hope.He is awakened by a big blue bird, who explains that he has come because the boy called him using the language of his heart.He goes on to explain that if the boy wants his greatest wish, to tell his parents he loves them, to come true, all he has to do is tell them using his heart.As the boy returns to the house, he remembers what the bird told him and once again tries to convey to his parents all the words trapped inside of him with hopes of finally being heard.
THe Heart's Language
A VERY BEAUTIFUL BOOK, both illustrations and the story!While it does not mention Autism, and can actually cover a number of disabilities, the book touches your heart.It would be a wonderful book to read to small children,or have for older children to read to themselves.(As well as adults)
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Family - General    4. Fiction    5. Interpersonal communication    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Love    8. Parent and child    9. Social Issues - Special Needs    10. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (2)

I LOVE THIS BOOK!
This is a great book about numbers.It has clear, colorful, beautiful pictures of children with Down Syndrome holding objects to represent the different numbers up to 20.The children in it all look happy and it is a wonderful, cheerful book.It is simply a number book, but the items are easily identifiable and my son (who has DS) really enjoys turning the pages and counting each object.(especially the little girl with the hats!)I would like to see this book on the shelves of every elementary school library.It would be a big ego-booster for children WITH Down Syndrome, and a wonderful learning tool for children without DS.

1,2,3 review
This is a very special book for me, not only because of the wonderful children and pictures, but one of my students is on the cover and in other pictures throughout the book.Now everyone can share in the joy of seeing his beautiful smiling face.Behind that beautiful face is a wonderful, kind, and caring young boy who can lift your spirits with his jokes and loving hugs.I think it is wonderful that Meg Girnis protrays children who have Down's Syndrome in her books. I hope shecontinues to write more children's books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. Concepts - Counting & Numbers    4. Counting    5. Down syndrome    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Social Issues - Special Needs   

Reviews (3)

Honest answers to good questions about blindness
Kids sure ask better questions than adults a lot of the time!Good thing that Mrs Alexander is prepared to answer them in an informative way. Learn About Blindness
Author Sally Hobart Alexander does remember the color blue because she lost her sight completely at age 26.In this book, she answers 13 questions children have asked her about going blind.Alexander's honesty and wit discussing how she met her husband, ways her two sighted children played tricks on her and how she handles day to day activities, allows the reader to understand how a blind person lives a happy, fulfilling life. A good choice for a 4th or 5th grader. Included in this book is an activity, "What does it feel like to be blind?"also a note about blindness, a list of resources and an index.The black and white photographs of Alexander, her family and innovative gadgets are set on black, white or gray backgrounds.

A Parallel Universe
You know that you're not supposed to be nosey and ask questions about someone's disability. But Sally Hobart Alexander, the author of this book, travels around the country giving talks to people about her experience with her blindness. She invites, and receives, a lot of questions from childrenand teens, and in this book she tries to answer some of them.In somerespects, it is a very satisfying book, because it calls attention to themillions of little details of ordinary life that usually require eyesight.How do you know what's in the refrigerator? How do you know what clothesmatch? Many of us don't consider that you need to face the person you aretalking to, or where to extend our hands for a handshake. Because Alexanderwas not born blind (she lost her sight gradually over two years, when shewas in her twenties), she is aware of all of the differences, and she isgenerous in sharing her experiences. But this is not just a book aboutthe details of living without sight. This book also shares some of theemotional experience of losing vision--the frustration, disappointment, andanger Alexander had to work through. And then the positive feelings oftriumph, as she learned that happiness and success do not depend on theability to see with your eyes. Basically an upbeat, interesting story, Ifound the writing a little weak. But I would recommend this book stronglyfor anyone who is struggling with any kind of disability, or anyone who issimply curious about blindness, because it is truly inspirational andfrank. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Blind    3. Blind authors    4. Blindness    5. Children's 9-12 - Diet    6. Children: Grades 3-4    7. Health - Physical Impairments    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Social Issues - Special Needs    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Family / General