Education - Bloomington: Books on Disabilities

Brianna gets the lead in the Thanksgiving school play-she'll be Hero the Hen! She almost forgets about the coughing and breathing trouble she's been having. Brianna loves practicing her leaping and flapping. But at the dress rehearsal, she has a bad coughing attack and feels a tightness in her chest. The teacher calls 911 and the paramedics take Brianna to the hospital. There, Dr. Anderson diagnoses Brianna with asthma. Brianna begins to learn about her disease and how to manage it. Things are soon under control, and she's back on stage for her debut!

In his imagination, asthmatic Sean becomes a variety of animals to suit different situations.

The author shares with the reader the extra special world of Russell, his autistic young son. The warm text and photographs give children a new understanding of autism and its effects on the families of autistic children.

Children with Down syndrome will be delighted to see a reflection of themselves in this alphabet book. Full color photographs of a multicultural cast of children, most with Down syndrome, illustrate the simple text that helps children learn their ABCs.

Christy's mother always tells her to be good to Eddie Lee, a neighborhood child with Down Syndrome. But Christy wants to run and play -- and not worry about Eddie Lee tagging along. One hot summer day, though, Eddie Lee takes Christy to a secret place in the woods and teaches her that beautiful things can be found in unexpected places.

When young Trisha finds out her class at the new school is known as "The Junkyard," she is devastated. She moved from her old town so she wouldn't be in a special class anymore! But then she meets her teacher, the quirky and invincible Mrs. Peterson, and her classmates, an oddly brilliant group of students each with his or her own unique talent. And it is here in The Junkyard that Trisha learns the true meaning of genius, and that this group of misfits are, in fact, wonders, all of them. Based on a real-life event in Patricia Polacco's childhood, this ode to teachers will inspire all readers to find their inner genius.  

For children, a diagnosis of celiac disease and an abrupt change to a gluten-free diet can bring about an overwhelming number of questions and concerns. What is gluten? Why can't I eat cake, cookies, and chicken nuggets like everyone else? What do I tell my friends? Answers to these and many other questions are provided in this book. Written by the mother of a child with celiac disease, who also has the disease herself, this book offers a reassuring look at celiac disease in language that a child can easily understand. This fictional story is based on the real-life experiences many newly diagnosed children face.

Here you will find everything you need to know to get on with your gluten-free life, including: what celiac disease is and how you can manage it; how to choose safe, gluten-free foods and what to avoid; lists of gluten-free foods (and candy ); tips for eating away from home (restaurants, school, friends' homes, the movies); keeping your gluten-free stuff separate from gluteny stuff; and favorite GF recipes.

Early one morning a young boy wakes to his special alarm clock. He puts on his hearing aids and clothes, then goes to wake his father. Together they brave the cold as they walk down the dirt road that leads to the beach.

A boy copes with the frustrations of deafness.

Moses and his school friends are deaf, but like most children, they have a lot to say. They communicate in American Sigh Language, using visual signs and facial expressions. This is called signing. And even though they can't hear, they can enjoy many activities through their other senses. Today, Moses and his classmates are going to a concert. Their teacher, Mr. Samuels, has two surprises in store for them, to make this particular concert a special event. Isaac Millman tells Moses's story in pictures and written English, and in American Sign Language (ASL), introducing hearing children to the signs for some of the key words and ideas.

This beginner's guide to fingerspelling and sign language contains the sign for each letter of the alphabet along with signs for words that begin with each letter. Joan Holub has authored and/or illustrated more than 130 children's books. With Suzanne Williams she is the author of the popular Goddess Girls, Heroes in Training, and Grimmtastic Girls series. She lives in Raleigh, N.C. and can be found at www.joanholub.com.

Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama on June 27, 1880. When she was just a year and a half old, she was left blind and deaf from an illness. In a very simple text, the author covers the important facts of Helen Keller's life. Besides her extraordinary work with teacher Anne Mansfield Sullivan, she published several books and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964. Her bravery, brilliance, and spirit brought hope to millions of disabled people.

Although unable to speak or hear, lovely Lotus learns to perform the intricate story dances of the Cambodian court ballet.

This photo essay shows mixed-ability preschoolers busily working and playing at school, illustrating the true meaning of 'inclusion.'

Here are children discovering the world around them, at home and with their friends. All of these children are doing the things that children like to do the children in these photographs have handicaps. Although they may not walk, talk, hear, or see the way that others do, that doesn't make them different in their need to experience life completely. Each child in Someone Special, Just Like You is a full participant in the joys and pains of childhood.The wonderful pictures and words presented here are an important first step in helping children, parents, and teachers to understand that the differences that seem to separate these children from others are not important. What is important is the common delight in life: a desire to love, learn, and play, and to be accepted for themselves, as other children are.

Arlene Maguire's delightful rhymes combine with Sheila Bailey's rich watercolor illustrations to take the reader on a journey of discovery. Each page portrays positive images of children with various disabilities. Winner of an iParenting Media Award and 2009 Preferred Choice Award by Creative Child Magazine, this book illustrates that beyond our physical limitations is a world of unique gifts for each of us to share.

Harry was born with no left hand. When he got to school, the kids asked him what was wrong with his arm. "Nothing," said Harry. "That's my prosthesis." Harry's hand didn't keep him from being a good baseball player--or a good friend. Harry and Willy and Carrothead are three of the most real kids you are apt to meet between book covers, and you will like them as much as they like each other!

Poor Rodney Rat can't pronounce his R's and the other rodents tease him mercilessly. But when Camilla Capybara joins Rodney's class and announces that she is bigger, meaner, and smarter than any of the other rodents, everyone is afraid. It seems she really is bigger, meaner, and smarter than all of the rest of them. Until our unwitting hero, Wodney Wat, catches Camilla out in a game of Simon Says. Read along with Wodney as he surprises himself and his classmates by single-handedly saving the whole class from the big bad bully. Children will delight as shy Rodney Rat triumphs over all and his tiny voice decides the day, R's or no R's.

In her painting lesson, Lucy asks if she can make a picture for her grandpa. She looks at all the bright colours, but they are not right, so she collects twigs and feathers, ribbons and velvet to make the picture. When grandpa arrives he can "see" Lucy's picture, although he is blind.

This elegant prose poem, illustrated with realistic watercolor paintings, tells how a blind girl, using her senses of taste, hearing, touch, and smell, enjoys a special day with her horse, Ben.

Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama on June 27, 1880. When she was just a year and a half old, she was left blind and deaf from an illness. In a very simple text, the author covers the important facts of Helen Keller's life. Besides her extraordinary work with teacher Anne Mansfield Sullivan, she published several books and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964. Her bravery, brilliance, and spirit brought hope to millions of disabled people.

Oscar, who is blind, teaches Lucy how to read his Braille book.

Able-bodied Arnie teases Philip--a new student at his school who uses a wheelchair. However, after Arnie injures himself while making fun of Philip, he begins to understand what it means to be compassionate and welcoming.

How do you get to know someone in a wheelchair? Is it okay to ask questions when you see someone who is different from you? Written for the child without special needs--the child with the questions--this book opens up a difficult subject to discussion. Fred Rogers challenges the stereotypes that often plague children with special needs and celebrates six children who are extraordinary friends.

Mama's "zooming machine" turns out to be her wheelchair.

"This easy-to-read, first-person narrative of an unusual friendship demonstrates the desires of the handicapped to be independent and to be treated like everyone else. Graceful watercolor illustrations that emphasize the closeness between boy and dog are a perfect accompaniment to this entertaining and informative book." --School Library Journal

Taylor's bright outlook on his disability and unending optimism shine through every page of this inspiring book. Taylor and Tyler are twin brothers and best friends. But the twins are different in one significant way: Taylor has cerebral palsy, while Tyler does not. Taylor works hard to strengthen his weak legs in therapy and at home. But when he learns to use a wheelchair, he finds that he is able to get around school more quickly than he could with his walker. He is even able to play basketball with Tyler! Taylor explains why wheelchairs allow many people to be more independent. He also points out why ramps and lowered water fountains are necessary for people in wheelchairs. This triumphant story offers a valuable look at both adjusting to a wheelchair and facing physical limitations with boundless energy and determination.

Susan laughs, she sings. she rides, she swings. She gets angry, she gets sad, she is good, she is bad... Told in rhyme, this story follows Susan through a series of familiar activities. She swims with her father, works hard in school, plays with her friends -- and even rides a horse. Lively, thoughtfully drawn illustrations reveal a portrait of a busy, happy little girl with whom younger readers will identify. Not until the end of the story is it revealed that Susan uses a wheelchair. Told with insight, and without sentimentality, here is an inspiring look at one spunky little girl whose physical disability is never seen as a handicap.