This summer my son made friends with a boy who has spina bifida. Our family had always talked generally about differences in people, but knowing someone specific who experienced life in a limiting way showed me how little we saw life from this perspective. When my son's friend came over to play, situations arose that made me feel awkward and inept. Happily, the mother of my son's new friend was approachable and educated me about her son's condition and situations and solutions that arise. She and I both agreed that education was the most important factor of understanding and it was not long before the books that we began to share in my family bore out the same fact.
Discussions of differences can be greatly aided by children's books and it doesn't take an older child to begin discussions. Peter Spier's nearly wordless book, People, for example, can be shared with a three year old and still become focus of discussion for a ten year old. The wealth of pictures discuss the uniqueness of people in terms of size, color, differing systems of taste and belief, and varying physical and mental abilities. This book can be a wonderful departure point for talking about all kinds of subjects from world peace to prejudice. (Bantam,1980)
One of the first books of this sort that I shared with my children was Mary Beth Quinsey's Why does that man have such a Big Nose? When your children point and question in the grocery store, they are ready for this book. In addition to teaching children more appropriate means of finding answers to their questions, the book's photographs and text explains differences that children are apt to wonder about. Everything from "hairy faces", to obesity, to wheelchairs are discussed in a question-answer format. This book also addresses the importance of the diversity in life. Ages 3-9. (Parenting Press, Inc., 1986)
Tricia Brown's Someone Special, Just Like You concentrates more specifically on disabilities and is perhaps one of the youngest books on the subject. As the title suggests, the author's emphasis is the distinctiveness of all children. Photographs by Fran Ortiz join Ms. Brown's words in showing how children who are hearing, sight or mobility impaired enjoy the same things as all children. Difficulties these children encounter is also discussed, though not at all in a heavy-handed way. The tender ending stresses the capacity of love which all children possess. Ages 3-8. (Holt, 1982)
I have always thought that Sign Language is one of the most beautiful and expressive languages in the world. The familiarity of the Muppets and Sesame Street's Linda Bove provide a comforting introduction in Sign Language ABC. Each letter and seventy-five commonly used words are demonstrated with illustrations that are easily discernable and repeatable. Ages 3-8. (Random, 1985)
George Ancona and Mary Beth have collaborated on three Handtalk books which feature Zoo and Birthday themes. The color photography is brilliant and the children pictured bring the signs to life with animated expressions. The children represent all races, situations and words chosen are interesting to a young audience, and the children pictured are so enthusiastic about sharing their signing, that they almost reach off the pages to pull the reader into their adventures. Ages 4-9. (Macmillan)
Families who have a disabled member benefit from the many books that have been written for them. The majority of these books have been written for siblings of impaired children. Many of the feelings presented are common to all siblings, but become more accentuated or guilt-producing because of the disability. There are of course other feelings and reactions that come into play as well.
A family that does not have a disabled child can gain from reading these books. I choose children's books that model all kinds of families for my children. Many discussions result about similarities and differences. We found also that we gained new appreciation of our lives and talked for a long time about the stresses that were part of these families.
Many of the books take a photojournalistic approach. In My Brother Steven is Retarded by Harriet Langsam Sobol, younger sister Beth talks frankly about living with her brother Steven. She speaks of how she sometimes feels different and the fears she once had of catching her brother's condition. She describes embarrassments, worries and angers she faces. She communicates the triumph she feels when she teaches him something and the joy in hearing the happiness of his laughter. (Macmillan, 1977)
In Jo Prall's My Sister's Special, the black and white illustrations accompany a simple text that is written in a child-like voice. Though the book discusses some of the brain-damaged sister's difficulties of functioning in daily life, the main focus of the book emphasizes how much Angie is loved, how much she is a part of her family and valued her accomplishments are. (Children's Press, 1985)
In Michelle Emmet's I'm the Big Sister Now, nine-year-old Michelle tells the story of her sister, Amy, who has cerebral palsy. The words and events of this book are specific and heart-felt and the soft pastel illustrations echo these tones. The viewpoint comes from a sibling who views the difficulties of her sister and has chosen to nurture, appreciate, and love the special things Amy brings to her life. Ages 6-10. (Whitman, 1989)
He's My Brother is written about what author Joe Lasker calls "the invisible handicap", a condition which defies strict definition but shows uneven growth that leads children to feelings of inadequacy and poor self-image. Jamie's brother sees how difficult school and learning are for him and is available for support. He appreciates Jaime's love of animals, his sensitivities, his persistence and understands his impatience and frustrations. (Whitman, 1974)
In Diana Amadeo's There's A Little Bit of Me in Jamey, sibling Brian is asked to give some of his bone narrow to his young brother with leukemia. There is a lot that this young boy sees as his family copes with a very ill child, as he visits a hospital, deals with transitions from hospital to home and finally is asked to become a part of his brother's possible healing. Emotional sides of these issues are well-handled and the practical well-explained. (Whitman, 1989)
In Princess Pooh, Patty is the sibling of a sister who is wheelchair-restricted. Patty envies the attention her sister receives so much that it seems she can not experience her sister as a person. It takes an escapade in which Patty steals the wheelchair for her to acknowledge the difficulties and limits of her sister's life and see her sister for who she really is. The negative tone of this book is, I suspect, a realistic mirror of sibling feelings and one that children will relate to. The character changes counterbalance the negativity and create an appropriate outcome for the book. (Whitman, 1989)
Three siblings talk about their lives in Finding a Way: Living with Exceptional Brothers and Sisters by Maxine B. Rosenberg. The three different disabilities (diabetes, asthma, and spina bifida) are discussed by siblings with a wide range of emotions, both positive and negative. What seems to run true for each sibling is a sense of peace they made with the disability, the comfort they have in talking about the situations that arise and the close relationship with the disabled sibling each has attained. Black and white illustrations attest to all these things. The forward and afterward are both worth reading. (Lothrop,1988)
There are several books about mothers with disabilities. Seven-year-old Jennifer English is the author of My Mommy's Special. Her mother is wheelchair-limited and Jennifer's relationship is as distinctive as she sees her mother. The text is plain, narrating the black and white photographs that show their life together and the specialness of the way they have functioned as a team from Jennifer's early life. Ages 3-7. (Children's Press, 1985)
Margaret Reuter's My Mother is Blind tells the story of a young boy whose mother becomes blind. Through his viewpoint, we see her recovery from depression, the tutor who teaches her a new way of life, the ways she adapts, the emerging partnership of son and mother, and the boy's appreciation of and pride in her heightened senses and new-found mobility. Full-color illustrations demonstrate each of these facets of their life together. (Children's Press, 1979)
In Sally Alexander's Mom Can't See Me, the author tells her own story from the viewpoint of her nine-year-old daughter. Photographed in black and white, this book is an emotional rainbow of pictures and words. The girl's pride in her mother's courage and accomplishments, the humor that touches every part of their life, and the sadness as the mother "takes a double share of touching and hearing" because she can't see her children. We see the creative ingenuity of compensations they have evolved in their relationship, the ways they share activities, and the warmth and intimacy of their life together that seems unhampered, perhaps even enhanced by Ms. Alexander's blindness. Ages 4-10. (Macmillan, 1990)
Very often disabled persons are not in a child's immediate family, but are people with whom a child has much contact--like a grandparent, teacher or friend. Again, these books have an important place in the child who is in this situation, but they have great value for a child who is not. It is important to present our children with a variety of positive role models.
Brian Hanson is the focus of Our Teacher's in a Wheelchair by Mary Ellen Powers. The black and white illustrations capture him primarily at work, teaching in a day-care center. Brian is a special role model. Not only is he a male teacher who is involved with young children, but he is a young compassionate male who is open about his disability and does not allow it to get in the way of his nurturing. One last and very special facet of this book is the way the author uses Brian's example as a way to show children that it is okay to ask for nurturing when they need it. Explanations are simple enough for a pre-schooler, but have enough depth for an eight year old to discuss. (Whitman, 1986)
Sometimes visiting a relative with a disability can take some adjusting to. In Diane Hamm's Grandma Drives a Motor Bed, Josh visits a grandmother that is confined to bed. At first, Josh is frightened by the mechanics, disgusted by the smell of throw-away diapers, and frustrated by lack of attention from his grandfather. After a time, however, Josh begins to delight in taking the nurturing role, playing with the bed controls and seeing beyond his grandmother's physical limitations to love her for herself. Ages 4-8. (Whitman, 1987)
Sometimes a relative's reputation may proceed them. In Ada Litchfield's Making Room for Uncle Joe, an older relative with Down's syndrome needs a temporary home and comes to visit three children ranging from five to pre-teen. Each has their own fears and judgements about Uncle Joe. It is of course five-year-old Amy who first bonds with her uncle, relishing all the attention he gives her. One by one, each child begins to overlook their initial prejudices and in the end, they unite in asking Uncle Joe to live with them for good. Ages 6-10. (Whitman, 1984)
Maxine Rosenberg tells the story of friendship with a handicapped child in My Friend Leslie. Third grade Karin has been friends with Leslie for a long time and one can see that they have the closeness only friends with a history share! Most of this story takes place within a school that has mainstreamed Leslie, a visually, auditory, speech, and large and small muscle handicapped child. It is not only Karin who supports Leslie, but the teacher and all the students who help her with difficulties, share her triumphs and are infected by her joy of life. Both Leslie and Karin are obvious in their attachment and in the fun they have being together. I'm sure this made photojournalist George Ancona's work easier, but he also does an excellent job of reflecting the feeling level of this story. Ages 6-10. (Lothrop, 1983)
Many books use the impaired person as the viewpoint character of the book with great success, others focus on the disabled child without the distraction of other characters. Both allow children of all abilities to see the world from another perspective or children with a similar disability to be comforted.
In Lorraine Aseltine's I'm Deaf and It's Okay, the male protagonist does not begin the story with this orientation. As the story's commencement, he is the victim of night fears and his own angers over loss of attention, being left out, at his impairment and the fact that it will never go away. It is spending time with an older role model who has the same problem that allows the boy to escape his limiting negative thoughts and imagine all the possibilities that exist for his future. Ages 5-8. (Whitman, 1986)
Luke Has Asthma, Too by Alison Rogers has a similar premise, the young boy in the story being comforted by the knowledge that his cousin suffers from asthma as well. Drawing parallels for himself gets the young boy through doctors visits, medications, and hospital stays. It was my eight-year-old son who noticed and remarked on the fact of how much support the boy has from hospital staff, his parents and most of all, his cousin Luke. Ages 4-8. (Waterfront, 1987)
All About Asthma is written by a young William Ostrow with help from his mother Vivian. And it is the kind of a writing that speaks directly to children with humor and understandable images and straight clearly-presented facts. William explains his own experiences, the physiological realities, things kids can do to help themselves, and even ends by inviting response from those who read his book. Illustrations are humorous and inviting as well. Because of being written in an upbeat kid-lingo this is one of the more child-approachable books I've read. Ages 6-12. (Whitman, 1989)
Catherine Brighton is an amazing artist who brings to life the world of a small blind girl in My Hands, My World. Maria is the child of busy working-class parents who finds companionship from an imaginary friend, Bumper. The book has a European flavor and Bumper looks to be from another century. Maria's sensitivities to the world surrounding her are as rich as her imagination for her sensual images bring her dreamy world alive for the reader. Ages 4-8. (Macmillan, 1984)
The title Susan Kuklin chose for her book, Thinking Big, is based on the motto of the Little People of America. Photojournalist Kuklin provides general information about all dwarves, but writes more specifically about eight-year-old Jaime. Aside from providing lots of information to answer childrens' questions, the book is incredibly well-balanced. Positive and negative feelings, difficulties and talents, barriers and support systems, sadnesses and humor are all mixed in this book as they are in Jamie's life. Ages 4-10. (Lothrop, 1986)
Move Over, Wheelchairs Coming Through! is seven profiles of children from eight to young adult who are wheelchair-bound. Varying in age and disability, the short vignettes reveal not only difficulties and triumphs of daily life, but a sense of the person, his or her emotions, and feelings about wheel chair living. Author Ron Roy's writing is direct, sensitive, and gives a sense of the whole person. Photographs by Rosmarie Hausherr are an excellent extension. Ages 7-12. (Clarion, 1985)
The majority of work about children with disabilities is non-fiction or a blend of fact and fiction. And yet there are some children's works of fiction that include characters with disabilities.
Nancy Carlson, an ever-popular children's book writer-illustrator, creates Philip, a boy who is wheelchair-confined in Arnie and the New Kid. Philip has an additional challenge of being new. The combination makes him the target of the bullying Arnie, until Arnie falls, breaks his leg and finds himself in a similar situation. Unlike the other children, who don't know how to relate, Philip becomes Arnie's fast friend. Until Arnie heals... then, the reader is as fearful as Philip about the end of the relationship. Carlson keeps the tension going until the final page when we learn that Arnie's friendship is more than disability deep! Ages 4-8. (Viking, 1990)
Rosemary Wells adapts one her childhood favorite tales into picture book format in The Little Lame Prince. Young Prince Francisco has lost parents, the use of his legs and has been disposed by his despotic uncle. Happily, his fairy godmother aids him in overcoming his cruel relative only Francisco fears that he can not rule because of his useless legs. "No one cares about your legs when your head is wise and your heart is kind," his fairy godmother tells him and of course Francisco fulfills her truth. I was happy to see a children's fairy tale book finally give us a wheelchair protagonist! Ages 4-8. (Dial, 1990)
Plan to cry and get chills every time you read Knots on a Counting Rope by Bill Martin and John Archambault, illustrated by Ted Rand. This poignant tale tells of an Indian youth who sits by the fire with his aging grandfather. The grandfather tells the boy of his birth and young life, suggesting that this may be the last telling, urging that the boy learn to tell his own story. The boy is undone by the thought of his grandfather's death and asks for a promise against that event, but the man consoles him "I promise you nothing, Boy./ I love you./ That is better than a promise." Hidden in the story is the fact that the boy is blind, making the theme of owning one's own life even more powerful. Illustrations by Ted Rand are as stirring as the words. His clear blue-skied scenes and the tenderness between grandfather and grandson are unforgettable. Ages 5- adult. (Henry Holt, 1987)
In reviewing children's books of late, I find that there are very few characters present in wheelchairs in mainstream picture books. For this reason, I was particularly happy to see writer-illustrator Nan Bodsworth's book A Nice Walk in the Jungle. This is the story of an unobservant teacher field-tripping in a jungle. She notes the flora and fauna while her students are one by one gobbled by a huge colorful boa. Bodsworth's extraordinary colorful detailing includes the boa swallowing and later spitting up one student wheelchair and all! Ages 3-7. (Viking, 1989)
With the Wind by Liz Damrell begins with a small boy watching the beauty of strong, running horses. He becomes one with the freedom, power,and joy --A Rider of Horses. It is not until the last pages that we see him lifted from the saddle with brace- bound legs into a wheelchair. Only then does the reader understands the significance of the experience for the protagonist. The surprise ending packs a strong emotional wallop! Ages 4-8. (Orchard, 1991)
Judith Caseley has a way of making a point through the creation of rounded characters. She most definately does this in Harry and Willy and Carrothead where layers of understanding peel away like an onion. Harry, the first character to whom we are introduced, is born without a hand and arm. Almost from the beginning of his life, it is clear that this is not something that is a primary characterization of him. He is almost super-"normal" in his creativity, openness, and creativity. He can discuss his prosthesis or defend a new friend with equal ease. The character with first apparent disablity is Carrothead who hates his red hair and even more hates being teased by Willy. Upon examination it is really the bullying Willy who has the strongest handicap! With sensitivity and sensiblity, Caseley works her story around the characters until she attains friendship and understanding for all three. Age 4-8. (Greenwillow, 1991)
David Wisniewski's heroine Elfwyn of Elfwyn's Saga is on the story surface, disabled. Born blind, her people worry that she is an ill omen for their Icelandic tribe. Yet the beautiful child develops a strong inner vision and is beloved of the fairy folk. It is her blindness in the end that saves her people when an evil enemy brings a crystal that causes them great dissatisfaction with their lives. Only Elfwyn, protected by her blindness, is unaffected and able to save her people. Intricate paper cuts by the author-illustrator that blend detailing and silhouttes seem an excellent extension of the story's meaning. Ages 4-8. (Lothrop, 1990)
The protagonist of Jane Yolen's picture book, Hwei Ming, is the daughter of an emperor who has also been blind from birth. She has been insulated from feelings, both emotional and sensuous, as well. Her father, who offers a reward for the person who can help her see, is surprised and doubtful when a ragged old man arrives with The Seeing Stick, a walking stick into which the blind man has carved the saga of his travels. And yet when he touches the child and aids her in "feeling" his story, another way of visioning is revealed to her. Remy Charlip's illustrations echo the story's theme not only in the oriental theme, but as they transform from black and white to color when the princess' life is altered. Ages 4-8. (HarperCollins, 1977)
Barbara D. Booth's Mandy may be missing her sense of hearing, but she is certainly not missing the love of her grandmother. We glimpse them one afternoon and begin to know them quickly. We see them enjoy dancing, cookie making and especially sharing memories through a photo album. The pause at the pictures of Mandy's grandfather who lovingly pins an anniversary circlet on his wife and holds his granddaughter lovingly. We see Mandy's grandmother understanding her limitations and soothing her with sensual experiences. We feel what it is like to be frustrated, confused and afraid, caught in a world without sound. The book's climax shows Mandy braving her fear of darkness to recover the circlet that her horrified graher has misplaced. Feeling is well-noted on both levels as well as in the very realistic illustrations of Jim Lamarche. Ages 4-8. (Lothrop, 1991)
Dale De Armond adapts an Eskimo folktale in The Seal Oil Lamp. Allugua is a boy born blind in a time when imperfect children were left to die when their peoples migrated to winter fishing grounds. Heart-broken, Alluga's parents leave their seven year-old son sealed in their dugout with little food and oil. The brave and kind Alluga survives that winter with aid from a magical mouse who keeps his body and spirit alive and promises that he will grow to be a great man in his culture. True to Mouse Woman's words he nurtures his people with wonderful tales, brave hunting and great wisdom. The woodcut illustrations represent both the Eskimo culture and emotive levels of the story. Ages 6-10. (Little Brown, 1988)
Disabilities are complex and novels for older readers allow authors to deal with the intricacies in meaningful ways. There are many novels whose protagonists deal with disabilities and provide role models for those who face this kind of life and furnish insight for those that do not.
Izzy from Cynthia Voigt's Izzy, Willy-Nilly begins the story as a "perfect" young adult. She's a cheerleader, pretty, popular, and loved by her family. All that changes one night when she accepts a date with a boy she doesn't even really like. The boy drinks too much at a party, runs his car into a tree, recovers unscathed, but Izzy loses a leg. She is no longer the girl she once was and must re-learn not only how to live her life, but redefine herself and her values. Ages 11 and up. (Atheneum, 1986)
Chris Crutcher tells a story of changed life in The Crazy Horse Electric Game. A teenaged boy lives in a nurturing family, has loads of friends and is a perfect athlete. And then comes an water-skiing accident which destroys not only his balance and physical prowess, but his family and his sense of self. Willie Weaver flees the scenes of unhappiness and struggles to regain his self-respect and some physical capabilities in tough, street-wise Oakland, Ca. The story is a a poignant telling of courage, the struggle to survive life on all levels, and an examination of values one once held dear. (Greenwillow, 1987)
Carolyn Meyer's Killing the Kudu is a story for an older reader that deals with an important issue. Alex, accidentally shot by his cousin at eleven, is a paraplegic that has spent seven years in a wheelchair being babied by his mother. The story tells of a summer visit to his grandmother's house where he re-meets his cousin, falls in love, comes to terms with his disability and discovers who he really is. One of the facets of the book I found most important is the direct handling of Alex's issues about his sexuality. I have never seen so impressive a minor character as Charlie, an older black "quad" whom we never see. Charlie's playful banter and solid self-acceptance were perhaps the reading that most effected me in all the reading I did on the subject. Ages 12 and up. (McElderry Books, 1990)
In Gloria Whelan's Hannah ,blindness is not the nine-year-old's only limitation. She is bound by the ignorance of her 1887 world and the overprotectiveness and narrow vision of her family. Happily, the new far-seeing teacher comes to live with the family, appreciates Hannah's sensitivity and creativity and begins to lead her out of her dark world. Gloria Whelan's images are sensual, strong and very much in the young girl's viewpoint. The short first novel is packed with emotions, changes and sensitive writing that we need in writings for beginning readers. Ages 6-10. (Knopf, 1991)
Caroline Janover, a woman who has dyslexia, writes about its effects on a fifth grade boy in Josh. Josh has been teased all his life by his gifted brother, but things get much worse when he moves. His brother is befriended by a bullying boy who learns of his special class status and calls him a "mental". Josh finds his smaller class much more supportive, he meets friends, and in a victorious moment saves the day, fighting against his disablities to do so. Ms. Janover portrays the disability as only one who knows what dyslexia feels like the inside can do. This eighty-six page book has large print, is not overwhelming to a child with reading difficulties, and has an excellent afterward that is helpful to parent, teacher and child. Ages 8-12. (Waterfront Books, 1988)
Adam's older brother might be classified like Josh in Marilyn Levinson's And Don't Bring Jeremy. Like Josh, Adam too has moved and is trying to find his place in a new town. He has always been confused and upset by his brother's neurological impairment and felt resentful that he's missed out on what he fantasizes is "normal" life and what a big brother should be. His issues come to a crisis when he "adopts" the seemingly popular Eddie as a big brother figure. Eddie, however, has his own problems. He has a horrible temper and will take revenge when he feels he's been betrayed. When Eddie makes Jeremy the object of one of his cruel plans, Adam begins to understand that Jeremy is there for him and though their relationship will never be typical it has the possibility of becoming very special. Besides this focus, the book shows other views of the disability. The mother's denial of Jeremy's disability and her pushing to normalize him are good points for discussion. Jeremy's self-knowledge, gentleness and humor make him a very real character. Ages 8-12. (Holt, 1985)
The hero of David Getz's Thin Air, Jacob Katz has severe asthma. His fighting for breath, however does not seem to be as severe as his fight for being "normal". Recently moved to a new neighborhood, he is determined to find a place for himself without being placed in a "special class"and he accomplishes his ends, but not without some struggles. His difficulties increase his awareness of his limitations, bring him some fascinating new friends, and lead him to view his family with greater compassion and more understanding of their love. The telling is often humorous, but also touching and sensitive. Ages 9-12. (Holt, 1990)
This year performers came to my son's class and role played characters who were physically challenged. When these actors set up a forum for asking questions, the kids didn't know what to say. When children are young they point and ask embarrassing questions in public places. When kids are older, they wonder, but stop asking. Fortunately there have been a number of new books about disabilities. Parents who have challenged children are relieved to see their kids pictured in mainstream children's books. Parents, like me, welcome the occasion to continue dialoguing and educating my children.
Checkerboard Press has done much to further materials for the very young. Board book pros Debby Slier and Phoebe Dunn collaborate to bring Animal Signs and Word Signs to "over 500,000 Americans who use American Sign Language every day". Both books feature adorable babies and toddlers interacting with animals and important elements of their world. In the corner of each brightly colored page is the sign which represents the picture. (Ages 6mo-4; Checkerboard Press, $4.95)
Rochelle Bunnett's Friends in the Park celebrates park play for young children with all abilities. Bright illustrations and simple language shows kids doing what they do best...play! No matter what race, age, manner of ambulating, or recreational strategy, the children all mix with exuberance and everyone has fun. (Ages 2-5; Checkerboard Press, $7.95)
Sometimes a young child lives with a disability that escapes parent awareness. This is true in Margaret Wild's story, All The Better To See You With! Kate is a quiet "no trouble at all" child. Neither Kate or her parents know that she can't see well. Pat Reynolds pictures Kate's fuzzy world, later revealing clearer images when Kate's new shining glasses brighten her vision and life. (Ages 3-6; Whitman, $13.95)
At first Virginia Kroll's Naomi Knows It's Springtime seems a lyrical symphony of springtime. A subtle shift in the end clues readers into the fact that Naomi is blind. Then the book demands a re-read which reveals that Naomi's knowledge is based on well-developed sensitivities to the world around her, none of them sight-based. This is the kind of book that can dramatically change perspective, with a lot of beauty along the way. (Boyds Mills Press, $14.95; ages 4-8)
Audrey Osofsky's My Buddy is a different "boy and his dog" story. Buddy is a golden retriever who is a life line for a a wheel-chair bound boy with muscular dystrophy. Don't be expecting the oversentimentality of a boy-dog-disability story because My Buddy is filled with real feelings, lots of information about working dogs, good prose, and specific ways that this child's world opens when he's helped by a dog. (Ages 4-9; Henry Holt, $14.95)
It's not always children that are disabled in families. Sally Hobart Alexander is a mom who became blind later in her life. Her new book, Mom's Best Friend is an excellent companion to her first book, Mom Can't See Me . In this new book, she tells about beginning a relationship with her seeing eye dog. As with her first book, her open, honest style is written from a child viewpoint. There's a wealth of information delivered with a strong sense of family relationship. (both books are from Macmillan, $14.95; ages 5-10)
Jane Cowen-Fletcher bases her Mama Zooms on the life of her sister, "a wheelchair mom (and a practicing veterinarian)." "Every morning," the first page begins, "Daddy puts me in Mama's lap and we're off!" And then we see a string of exciting adventures where toddler and mom indulge themselves in creative play until "Mama zooms me right up until bedtime. Then Mama is just my mama, and that's how I like her best." There is nothing about disability in this book---there is just pure fun and a mom who escapes stereotyping. (Scholastic, $14.95; ages 2-6)
Probably one of the most prevalent challenges a child faces (and the least written about) is learning disabilities. This year I discovered Verbal Images Press, a small press driven by Jeanne Gehret, an author who's experienced the issues in her own life. Her first two books are picture books. The Dont-Give-Up Kid ($13.95;$8.95) is about learning differences. Eagle Eyes: A Child's Guide to Paying Attention ($13.95, $8.95) focuses on a boy with Attention Deficit Disorder. Her third and newest book, I'm Somebody Too, $16.00; $12.00) expands Eagle Eyes and changes viewpoint to the boy's sister who struggles to be perfect to make up for her brother's difficulties. All three books have images that kids can use, lots of information for parents, and show a definite path of finding support.
For older readers, Jill Krementz adds to her excellent photojournalistic series with How It Feels To Live with a Physical Disability. She interviews and photographs twelve kids, captures a sense of each and allows them to educate others about how they live their lives. This is a thoughtful book that will inspire thought. It's often more what these courageous kids don't say that will strike compassionate chords in kids eight and up. Interviews are devoid of self-pitying and filled with a passion to communicate so that the world better understands. (Simon and Schuster, $18.00)
One of the biggest changes in children's novels about disabilities is the number and depth of characters. Some of the books I've most admired this year are: Patricia Calvert's Picking Up the Pieces (Scribners, $14.95; ages 11 and up); Julie Johnston's Hero of Lesser Causes. (Little Brown, $14.95; ages 11 and up); Eleanor Coerr's Mieko and the Fifth Treasure (Putnam, $13.95; ages 8-12); Jeanne Betancourt's My Name is Brain Brian(Scholastic, $13.95; ages 10 and up) and Ramon Royal Ross's Harper and Moon (Atheneum, $14.95; ages 12 and up).
Parents who struggle to find books with disabled protagonists will welcome the two volumed resource, Portraying Persons with Disabilities. Debra Robertson writes over 400 pages on works of fiction (R.R. Bowker, $39.95) and Friedberg, Mullins and Sukiennik write close to 400 pages about non-fiction books (R.R. Bowker, $34.95). Both books cover an amazing spectrum in terms of kinds of disabilities, reading levels, and treatment of issues. Most helpful of all are the thoughtful analyses at the end of each review.
In Patricia Calvert's Picking Up the Pieces, Megan faces the life-changes brought about when a motor cycle accident injures her spinal cord and leaves her wheel-chair bound. Spending the summer at a cottage she's loved since her childhood, Megan finds nothing is the same. She fights angers, physical frustrations, emotional disappointments and comes through to a state of acceptance and understanding and even finds a new love. (Scribners, $$14.95; ages 11 and up) 0-684-19558-5
Twelve year old Keely Conor enjoys a joyful camraderie with her older brother, Patrick in Hero of Lesser Causes. They jest and challenge each other until the tragic day when polio and severe paralasis strike Patrick. His humor and play are gone and so is his will to live. Keely suffers through the loss of this primary relationship as well as her own struggles of adolescence. A cast of supporting characters and meaningful incidents help Keely to give up her childhood fantasies and Patrick to find a new way of living. (Little Brown, $14.95; ages 11 and up) 0-316-46988-2
Eleanor Coerr's Mieko and the Fifth Treasure finds a heroine whose hand is crippled by the Nagasaki bomb. A skillful word-picture artist, Mieko can replace brush, inkstick, inkstone and rice paper, but she struggles to find the fifth treasure "beauty in the heart." It is the friendship and loving support of those around her that allow Mieko to escape her bitterness and draw with her heart. (Putnam, $13.95) 0-399-22434-3
Finally the literature is beginning to pay attention to less obvious disablities. In My Name is Brain Brian, Jeanne Betancourt focuses on a boy who's been judged lazy and feels stupid. A conciencious and concerned teacher bothers to look below the surface and gets Brian the help he needs. Mr. Bingham is able to support Brian's different learning style and help him past a non-supportive father. Brian himself is able to find new kinds of relationships and escape a damaging relationship that he was held in because of a hard exterior he adapted to hide his problems. (Scholastic, $13.95; ages 10 and up) 0-590-44921-4
Ramon Royal Ross's Harper and Moon tells the story of a young boy who has always loved and been loved by the mysterious Moon. Moon's abusive parents died early in his life and ever since he has lived as a loner, wandering the country without apparent home, weaving bits of nature together into beautiful sculptures. Scorned by many, the slow-speaking Moon is admired by the reclusive storekeeper, Olinger, who also has a strong relationship with Harper. Through strange incidents, Harper is able to glimpse the interiors of Moon's heart. He learns important lessons about trust, friendship, courage and a personal integrity that lies intact in a body that has survived much. (Atheneum, $14.95; ages 12 and up) 0-689-31803-0
Portraying Persons with Disabilities is a very thorough resource about children's books compiled for adults by R.R. Bowker. There are two volumes. Debra Robertson writes over 400 pages on works of fiction0-8352-3023-6 and Friedberg, Mullins and Sukiennik write close to 400 pages about non-fiction books0-8352-3022-8. Both books cover an amazing spectrum in terms of kinds of disablilities, reading levels, and treatment of issues. Subject, author and title indexes are as complete as the chapter definitions and carefully written reviews. Probably most helpful of all are the thoughtful analyses at the end of each review.