Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. 32 p., Putnam, 2006. Sometimes our assumptions about disabilities turn out to be inaccurate. Such is the case for Lee, a jazz pianist who loses his hearing. The band leader fires him, asking, "Who will listen to a deaf musician?" Discouraged, Lee enrolls in a school for the deaf, thinking he can learn a new skill. He meets a man there, a saxophonist named Max, who questions his assumption that he can't play music any more. The two have long sign-language conversations about music, and eventually try playing a duet. They find that they play well together. Playing in the subway, they draw the attention of Rose, a bass player who signs, and whom they invite to join them. When they decide that they need a singer, Rose invites her friend, Ellie, a sign-language interpreter. The quartet plays daily in the subway, and Lee realizes that he's playing for his largest audiences ever. When his former band leader shows up with a compliment, Lee reminds him of his question - and Lee has an upbeat answer for it. An afterword celebrates the meaning of music that's beyond sound. With colorful illustrations that match the jazz theme, this story encourages children with and without disabilities to question their assumptions in positive ways. Ages 4-8
Showing posts with label disability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disability. Show all posts
Let's Talk About It: Extraordinary Friends by Fred Rogers
Illustrated by Jim Judkis.32 p., Penguin Putnam, 2000. When encountering a person with a disability is new to you, you might feel curious, surprised, or even scared. Mr. Rogers acknowledges all these feelings in this book about understanding disability in particular, and difference in general. He encourages children to talk about their concerns with adults, and suggests that able-bodied children make friends with disabled ones in the same way as with other people: by introducing themselves. In the context of acknowledging universal human experiences such as needing friendship and love, he educates children about ways to address differences. For example, he advises able-bodied children to ask before helping a disabled child, reminding them that they, too, sometimes want help, and sometimes not. Wisely, he remarks that as we get to know people, we learn much about them that isn't obvious from first impressions, and increase our self-knowledge as well. Illustrated wtih color photographs of children who are introduced on the first page, this book offers gentle, supportive, honest encouragement for understanding and looking beyond disability. Ages 3-6
Nathan's Wish: A Story About Cerebral Palsy by Laurie Lears
Illustrated by Stacey Schuett. 32 p., Whitman, 2005. When a chronic condition limits what you can do, it's easy to become discouraged. Nathan has cerebral palsy and is unable to move around without a wheelchair or a walker. He wishes more than anything to walk on his own. Nathan's neighbor, Miss Sandy, take care of injured raptors until they're well enough to fly again, and he enjoys watching her, although he wishes he could help, too. Miss Sandy takes care of an owl that Nathan names Fire. Fire has a broken wing, and seems to want very much to fly and to hunt for her own food. It's hard for Nathan to wait for Fire's wing to heal, but finally, she's well enough to try flying in a large cage. At first, she soars, but then she falls to the ground. With empathy and deep sadness, Nathan realizes that she will always need to be in captivity. In the following days, Fire seems depressed. Nathan wants to help. He goes online and finds an article about another owl, nearly blind, who serves as owlets' foster mother. He shares the article with Miss Sandy, who decides to try this with Fire. At first, Fire appears completely uninterested in the nestlings. But one day, she begins to feed them. Nathan comments, "Although Fire's wish to be free can't come true, she has found something important to do. And that give me an idea!" He finds ways to help Miss Sandy after all - filling the birds' baths with a hose and a lot of persistence, taking in the mail, answering her phone and taking messages. Miss Sandy appreciates his help, and he feels very proud. Illustrated with expressive oil paintings, this story offers empathy, support, and encouragement, showing children how to find and make use of their strengths regardless of their limitations. Ages 4-8
Ian's Walk: A Story About Autism by Laurie Lears
Illustrated by Karen Ritz. 32p., Whitman, 2006. Siblings of children who have disabilities have challenges of their own. Julie's younger brother, Ian, has autistic disorder. As she, her older sister, Tara, and Ian walk to the park, she explains some of the ways that his sensory experiences differ from most people's, and in the process, expresses the impatience, embarrassment, and worry that she sometimes feels as a result. At the park, Ian wanders off when Julie isn't looking. To find him, she tries to think like Ian, and her understanding leads her to him. Relieved to find him, she is more patient and empathic on their way home, doing things the way he wants to and helping to keep him safe. He rewards her with a rare, brief smile. Illustrated with expressive, light-filled watercolors, this story offers empathy and acceptance to children who have an autistic sibling. Ages 6-9
Ben Has Something to Say: A Story About Stuttering by Laurie Lears
Illustrated by Karen Ritz. 32 p., Whitman, 2000. Some children who stutter hesitate to talk. Ben finds ways not to talk at school, but he likes to tell his Dad about his day because Dad never laughs at him or teases him. Ben especially likes visiting a junkyard with Dad, who is a mechanic. At the junkyard, Ben meets Spike, a very friendly, but rather neglected, dog. Ben is loving and empathic with Spike, and the two become friends. When Ben tries to communicate with the manager about Spike, but won't talk, the manager thinks that Ben is shy. He asks Dad to speak for him, but Dad wisely and matter-of-factly reminds him, "'you can't let your stuttering keep you from talking.'" On one visit to the junkyard, the manager is angry because Spike has failed to protect the junkyard from a robbery. He is going to take Spike to the pound. Ben senses the importance of speaking, and when he offers to buy Spike, he doesn't even care that he stutters. Dad is clearly proud of Ben, and Spike rides home in Dad's pickup truck with them. With this success, Ben begins to feel courageous about speaking. A foreword dispels myths about stuttering and offers suggestions for ways to talk with someone who stutters, and a resource list is included. Illustrated with expressive watercolors, this story will empower children by helping them to value the meaning of their words over their form. Ages 3-8
Rolling Along: The Story of Taylor and His Wheelchair by Jamee Riggio Heelan
Illustrated by Nicola Simmonds.30 p., Peachtree, 2000. Taylor and his twin brother, Tyler, have similar interests and are best friends. There is also an important difference between them: Taylor has cerebral palsy, and Tyler does not. Taylor explains that this condition causes his brain to tell his muscles to jump, instead of moving more smoothly. He has used a walker and braces on his legs for a long time, and has regular physical therapy to help him get stronger. But he still feels frustrated sometimes because he had to depend on other people; for example, his mom had to carry him to physical therapy visits. So when he starts to use a wheelchair, he's excited about the speed and independence that will be possible for him. He's even able to play basketball with Tyler! A classmate thinks that moving on foot is better than using a wheelchair, but when Taylor explains its advantages, his friend is happy for him. Learning to use a wheelchair takes work, both to operate the chair itself and to pay attention to buildings' accessibility. But for Taylor, it brings a sense of invincibility. This story is illustrated with engaging, attractive collages of drawings and photographs. Both children have disabilities and children who don't will better understand the experience of using a wheelchair, and will be happy for Taylor as his world expands. Ages 4-8
Being Me by Julie Broski
Illustrated by Vincent Vigla. 32 p., Children's Press, 2006.
Disability is only one part of who we are. In this story, a little girl tells about the things she likes to do (for example, play dress-up, paint, play with friends) and her capabilities (for example, she can add and subtract, do cartwheels, and help with chores). Each of these is part of who she is - as is being deaf and signing. She acknowledges both differences and similarities with the reader, saying that she loves the reader for her/his unique self, and feels confident that the sentiment is reciprocated. With cheerful, rather edgy illustrations, this story communicates acceptance of a range of human experience.
Ages 3-7
Disability is only one part of who we are. In this story, a little girl tells about the things she likes to do (for example, play dress-up, paint, play with friends) and her capabilities (for example, she can add and subtract, do cartwheels, and help with chores). Each of these is part of who she is - as is being deaf and signing. She acknowledges both differences and similarities with the reader, saying that she loves the reader for her/his unique self, and feels confident that the sentiment is reciprocated. With cheerful, rather edgy illustrations, this story communicates acceptance of a range of human experience.
Ages 3-7