Book Description

"Special People, Special Ways" presents a positive image of persons with disbilities. It shares the message that even though each of us may have something different about us, we share many commonalities. Coupled with the colorful illustrations, the book conveys the message that although painful at times, being different can also be glorious. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Super book
... [Another reviewer] assumed that only commonalities link people and they couldn't be more wrong about the author's intent. I happen to know the author and she is all about acceptance with or without commonalities. This book was written for little children. To help children understand, sometimes a common theme is needed in order to get the point across. However, Mrs. Maguire is about accepting people NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE AND NO MATTER WHAT IT IS THAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THEM. This book is about kindness and seeing that just because we see people as different than we are, we are all unique and special individuals making up this planet. I'm sorry [another reviewer] did not see the reality of this book in the way it was intended.

Disappointing resource for helping kids learn acceptance.
I bought this book after reading several positive reviews on it. However, I was very disappointed with it. The author attempted to make the book culturally diverse and inclusively based, but I did not find her method effective. I did not like the premise of the book that in order to be acceptable to others, there have to be commonalities. Differences as well as similarities should be embraced to better understand the individual. Stereotypes and finding similarities are not necessary in describing or understanding individuals.

Excellent for ALL children!
This book has beautiful words and illustrations that are important for all children to hear. It sends the message that all kids are unique and special in their own way. I purchased this for my children so that they could see how disabilities affect people, but do not make them "different." This book teaches children in a fun way, with wonderful illustrations and truly thoughtful, rhyming text! I highly recommend this to all parents and children.

Teaching respect for self and those with disabilities
This fun-to-read, beautifully illustrated rhyming book talks about children with disabilities in a positive way. It helps kids understand that they are all special, no matter what physical limitations they may have. It teaches ALL children respect for others, including those that look different. This is the only full-color picture book I could find on disabilities. ... Read more

Book Description

In her first novel, Kissing Doorknobs,Terry Spencer Hesser has written an inspiring, often humorous novel about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a topic that merits discussion and compassion.

Fourteen-year-old Tara Sullivan has always been a worrier.On the surface, she has been able to behave like a normal girl.But when she is 11 years old, she hears a phrase that changes her life: Step on a crack, break your mother's back.Now, everywhere she goes, Tara must count every crack in the sidewalk.If she gets interrupted or loses her place, she has to go home and start all over again.As she gets older, her "habits" don't get better--they change and increase.She has to arrange her meals, recite prayers, and chat with her dolls, over and over again.

Tara does not know why she has these habits, she just knows that she has no choice: she has to complete the rituals.Then one day, before leaving the house, she finds herself kissing her fingertips and touching the doorknob . . . .

Terry Spencer Hesser is a screenwriter and a documentary filmmaker. Kissing Doorknobs is based on her personal experience with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. ... Read more

Reviews (68)

This was an AWESOME book!!!
Terry Spencer Hesser is an awesome author and she really knows how to make situations real. She made the novel "Kissing Doorknobs" a intresting story- also heartwarming. This book is about a girl named Tara facing OCD. Eveyone around Tara is falling apart because of her strange rituals-even her own family. Every time her mother swears she always prays and her mother hates it. Throughout the book Tara goes through many changes in her OCD.Such rituals include touching the doorknob and kissing her hand, countin cracks in the sidewalk and walking over every crack, having hideous thoughts that her mother or father were dead in a ditch somewhere. Whenever someone would make fun of Tara her little sister Greta would go beat them up for her. Greta got suspended about three time throughout the book.Tara has a bunch of friends. One of her friends is a evil person. Donna her friend smokes and shoplifts. Tara once tried to shoplift but she turned herself in. Towards the end of the book she meets a boy who has OCD too. She never knew anyone else had the same thing she had. Sam (the boy with OCD) introduces Tara to a therapist for OCD. Tara goes to therapy and stops her rituals. Sometimes she can't help but to them but other times she can stop herself. I think people of all ages should read this book because its has good facts in it. This novel also presents another exellent idea. You should never treat a person with OCD any different from another person. Tara's friends only treat Tara different when Tara was freaking out. If you want a good book to read go to your library and check out "Kissing Doorknobs" I guarentee that you won't want to put it down once you pick it up.

Kissing Doorknobs-Review
Kissing Doorknobs by Terry Spencer Hesser is an exhilarating novel. It shows you the life and world of a young girl with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Hesser incorporates two worlds in her book. The world Tara experiences as she is tormented by her unstoppable "quirks" and the world that the public sees, while watching, questioning, and treating Tara like an outcast. Tara's disorder in a way "forces" her to do things, such as counting cracks on a sidewalk, sometimes repeatedly. Throughout the book and throughout Tara's life, Tara starts to lose the relationships she once had with her family and friends before OCD. Kissing Doorknobs also describes the trials and tribulations involved in the fight to "depart" from OCD.
This book is a well-written novel with an easy to follow plot that keeps the reader attached. Hesser uses many of her experiences in the award-winning novel thus making, Kissing Doorknobs a realistic portrayal. Kissing Doorknobs by Terry S. Hesser is a must read, it can help you understand why people like Tara have these problems and that with determination they can overcome them.

Wish there were more.....
When I first saw this book I couldn't wait to read it until I realized it wasn't a true account. I wish there were more true accounts of OCD sufferers. I enjoyed the book, but did find at times it got a little stale and repetitive.

A Truly Touching Book
In the novel, Kissing Doorknobs, by Terry Spencer Hesser, a young girl becomes obsessed with the phrase "step on a crack and you'll break your mother's back". This phrase is the start of Tara's obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD. The phrase echoes in her mind every second until, in order to be normal in her own mind and to protect her mother, she must count the cracks in the sidewalk to and from school.
Life soon becomes a nightmare for her. To alleviate her fear and worry, she must count everything, from Kate Moss's eyelashes to window slats, rearrange her food so it is neat, and make sure that everything is balanced. For example, if she tapped her right foot, she would then have to tap her left foot. On the way to school she counts cracks and cannot be interrupted or else she must start again and vent her growing panic and frustration on the interrupter, even if it is one of her best friends. Soon this and her other odd habits, such as praying for people if they curse or do something wrong and her hours of confession, causes stress on her parent's relationship and the people she interacts with, straining friendships. In an effort to cure her daughter of these odd quirks, yet not knowing it is OCD, her mother tries to make her associate these habits with pain to help her daughter get over these rituals that dominate her life, her grades, and her happiness.
This novel combines humor with a serious disorder and a girl's struggle to overcome a disease that has taken control of her mind and her life. As she proceeds from her original state of counting cracks, people begin to make fun of her and even in her aloneness, her sister, Greta, defends her in an act of pure love without regard to the consequences. Tara thinks that she is absolutely going crazy until she meets Sam, a boy who is OCD about germs. Through therapy he has gotten his life back and it is then that Tara realizes that she is not alone and she can overcome this as well.
I would highly recommend this novel; it makes the reader aware that everyone is human and has thoughts and feelings. This book shows us not to judge others and includes lessons about life. This is the first book that I have read in a long time that actually makes you sympathize with the character and connects you to her life even if you are not OCD.
Read this book and let it teach you about the issues of a complicated disease from the eyes of the one who is suffering. The part of this novel that makes it outstanding is the time spent researching this disorder and making sure that Tara's feelings were accurate. Hesser truly gets you to relate to the character's feelings of distress and loneliness. This book will open your eyes to see that no matter how impossible life seems at times, there will always be a rainbow at the end of the storm.

Kissing Doorknobs
Kissing Dorknobs is the story of a young girl growing up with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Like many children with OCD, the narrator's symptoms develop and change over time. When Tara enters kindergarten, she acts like most five-year-olds, except that within her she hides unusual fears that cause her great anxiety. Slowly her fears become apparent to those around her. During fire drills she cries, fearing that she will die without her family. Even with the constant assurance and support of her friends and family, Tara's fears and obsessions grow. On the surface, she has been able to behave like a normal girl. But when she is 11 years old, she hears a phrase that changes her life: Step on a crack, break your mother's back. Now, everywhere she goes, Tara must count every crack in the sidewalk. If she gets interrupted or loses her place, she has to go home and start all over again. As she gets older, her "habits" don't get better--they change and increase. She has to arrange her meals, recite prayers, and chat with her dolls, over and over again. Tara also begins to pray any time anyone uses profane language in an effort to keep them from going to hell. The harder Tara tries to control her thoughts, the worse they get. Eventually Tara develops a habit in which she touches the doorknob and kisses her hand thirty-three times every time she goes in or out the door. They are a source of bafflement to herself, her friends and parents and become profoundly disruptive to her personal and school life. Tara does not understand what is happening to her and is ashamed and fearful that she is "crazy". She becomes secretive and tries to hide her rituals from others. Similarly, her parents worry that Tara is indeed crazy and make every attempt to prevent her from engaging in her rituals. This results in an escalating sequence of family arguments and occasional physical violence between Tara and her mother. Visits to several psychiatrists result in little or no benefit and Tara accumulates an assortment of "diagnoses." Finally, a teacher recognizes that Tara has symptoms similar to those of a student with OCD. Tara is introduced to the boy in question and to his therapist who prescribes exposure and response prevention, a form of behavior therapy. The story ends on a hopeful note for Tara who begins therapy and learns to take control of the "tyrants" in her head. But Tara's friend is simultaneously in the midst of a relapse, highlighting the ongoing battle that most individuals must wage against this illness. Since the author has suffered from OCD herself, the book includes a lot of factual information. It not only portrays the effect of the disease on Tara, but also on her family and friends. The author includes other issues (anorexia, pregnancy, and alcoholism) that affect Tara's friends. This gives the reader a needed break and shows that everyone has their own demons to battle. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Well done
This book is actually funny. It hits on the aspects of ADHD perfectly, right down to the angelic little sister who can do no wrong. There are some words in the book I wish were not there, like stupid and crazy. I bought it to read to my 5 year old who is ADHD, but with no learning disablities...yet. So I figure we will skip the part on learning disablilities, and being given less homework from the rest of the class. Use it for a tool to help explain what we are doing as a family to address the ADHD, and help him control his behavior. Read it first, cut out what you don't think applies or needs to be heard by your child. The book is mostly informative, and really funny.

A great, down-to-earth kid's view of ADHD!
I bought this book for my 6-year-old nephew and will read it to him when he comes to live with us soon. I can't wait, because it is so simply written and straightforward, I'm sure it will help him understand what we have not been able to tell him about his ADHD condition. It is entertaining, and because it is told in a kid's point of view, it shows ADHD with concerns that kids would have that adults might not have even thought of. I recommend it if you're trying to find just the right way of reaching your child or student! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Newbery Medal-winning novelist Karen Hesse--known for her painterlyability to re-create historical worlds for young readers--turns her attention this time to a contemporary family that lives as if in another era. The engrossing, eight-member Faulstich family, residents of an Appalachian hill village perhaps in Kentucky or West Virginia, has learned to endure impoverished conditions ever since Pa got laid off from the mine. Only the children are guaranteed a "sandwich" each day (bread spread so thin with jelly "you can hardly find the purple"); there are no regular doctor or dentist visits, even for Ma, who is carrying another baby; and the only surprise presents at Christmas are the ones the older girls make at school.

Smack in the middle of this brood is the narrator, 9-year-old Juice Faulstich, a sweet, resilient tomboy who likes to explore and learn. She gets along well with her big and little sisters, has talent as an apprentice metalworker in her Pa's makeshift shop, and forgets every worry when she's dancing to fiddle music. She's so capable, in fact, she's the family member all the little ones look up to the most. Yet it turns out that the highly skilled Juice, who can handle everything from power tools to her Pa's depression ("We all look out for him. But I look out for him best, even Ma says so") is plagued by an inability to understand letters and reading. "No one believes me. No one believes how hard I try. No matter what I do, it's never enough," she explains.

With wonderfully gentle narrative pacing, Just Juice weaves together a compelling plot that involves Juice's learning challenges, Ma's suddenly difficult pregnancy, and a pending foreclosure on the family house due to unpaid taxes. It may sound bleak, yet in Hesse's able hands the Faulstich clan remains hopeful, creative, and kind with one another throughout--almost even more so when things seem the darkest. This fine book abounds with memorable and true images of family love, personal perseverance, and unexpected, effervescent breakthroughs. (Ages 8 and older) --Jean Lenihan ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A Moving Experience
I used this book as a read aloud with my third grade class in New York City. A few of the children have been struggling with reading since they began school, and I felt that those students might connect with the main character in some way, shape, or form. I was not prepared for the profound impact this book would have on all of my students. As a class, they were moved to tears towards the end of this story. During our book talks, I watched children who have hesitated at speaking during literature discussions finally raise their hands and share their thoughts. They know a person like Juice, some are just like Juice. This book broke down an invisible wall in my classroom, allowing my children to have an open, honest dialogue about their own difficulties with reading and matters of the heart. "Just Juice" has changed the way many of my children view themselves as readers, students, and little people. I thank you, Karen Hesse. My students thank you.

Good and Interesting book
I think Just Juice was an interesting book because Just Juice had a lot of action and Just Juice never got boring. One of the exciting parts of the book Is how Juice's family is going to pay their taxes.Another exciting part of the book is how Juice could not read. So she got held back a year. She felt really discourage that she could not read. I thought that was interesting because I was thinking how is she going to learn how to read.The Last exciting part is Ma's blood sugar and how Juice helped her read the blood sugar when she was having her baby.
I would recommend this book to 5 th grader girls because there are not many boys in the story and to people who have diabetes because it shows how people can help them.
The theme of the book is how you works together as a family.

Just Juice by Karen Hesse
Hi. I am Ali B. and I am 12 years old. I enjoy reading Karen Hesse's books because they are really full of energy and everything. Although I hated The Music of Dolphins...this one was great! I really liked it when she read her mothers sugar level before delivering the baby. :) Juice and her family go through a lot and they really enjoy things that we take for granit or however you spell that. And Turtle was so kwoot!! I loved it! And the way the father got all the machines together again was great!
I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ALMOST EVERYONE!!! :)
BUT I REALLY HATED THE MUSIC OF DOLPHINS!!! :(

*ALI

Just Juice
Just Juice is a novel written by Karen Hesse. It is about a child named Justus Faulstich, an illiterate child who prefers to be called Juice. She lives in the country with her poor family, composed of her Pa, Ma, and four sisters, Markey, Charleen, Lulu, and Turtle. The family has to deal with many problems, which include Ma¡¦s expecting a baby, Juice¡¦s truancies, and Pa¡¦s financial and job troubles. One day, Pa receives a letter saying that their house has been sold to pay off the owed expenses, especially taxes. Since Ma is expecting a baby, Pa decides hide the truth from her and see what he can do to make the money needed to get the house back. Soon, the family receives another letter saying that Juice has missed so many days of school that they will be fined one thousand dollars. This is when the tax secret is revealed, and Ma helps to solve the problem.
This book is beautifully written from the first to the last word. The author makes such ordinary and simple events very absorbing by giving Juice a voice. The dialect that she uses when narrating the story enables readers to hear her talking about events that happen and how she feels about them. In addition, this story is unique because instead of one large victory at the ending, there are many small triumphs throughout the book. Unlike most books, which have a single peak (i.e., climax) in the story, this book has several smaller ¡§hills¡¨ instead. For example, when Juice auditions for the best role in a class play, she is unsure of how she will do. It turns out that she gets the part. This book is worth reading because it is unique compared to others.
I feel that this is an excellent book overall. My favorite part, though, is when Ma is having another baby. During this part, Juice checks Ma¡¦s sugar level in her blood. At first, she thinks that the monitor reads 300. Then Juice checks it again, and it says 030. I like this part because it is the first time Juice is able to read. This is very significant because it shows that even though letters and numbers seem to bewilder her, she is capable of learning to read.

Another great story from Karen Hesse!
9-year-old Justus Faulstich hates going to school. She just doesn't understand letters and numbers. She likes to stay home all day, collecting pine needles for her Ma's basket weaving, and walking with her Pa to bring him out of his depressed state. But when a letter arrives from the city, saying that they no longer own their house, and a police officer begins coming to take Juice to school, things just go straight downhill from there. They only get one chance, and a little bit less than a year's time, to buy their house back. Pa and Juice and her siblings are the only ones who can know, because Ma is in bad enough condition already what with the baby coming and the news that she has an awful medical condition. So it's up to Juice and her father to raise the hundreds of dollars needed in the little time given to them. They start a business (the building of which puts them even more in debt) and begin their attempt at getting enough money to get their home back, but after a few weeks, they start to wonder if they'll ever manage. Could this be the end of their happy home? This book was a great one! Karen Hesse did it again! The illustrations were great too! Everyone who loved Out of the Dust should read Just Juice. ... Read more

Book Description

Kevin can’t get to sleep at night until he does many things. He straightens his chair and the books on his desk. He asks his mother questions he already knows the answers to. He checks under his bed for a light he knows isn’t there, and then, a minute later, he checks again. Kevin knows these actions don’t make sense; he wants to stop, but the worry thoughts keep coming.

When his parents realize that Kevin has too many worries, they take him to talk to a therapist. She tells Kevin and his parents that Kevin has a condition called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and that, more importantly, he can be helped. ... Read more

Book Description

Focus on the Family Great Stories are riveting novels from the past for today's readers. Each book features the complete text and, in convenient footnotes, present-day definitions for older words. They also include in-depth introductions that shed light on the authors and the times in which they lived and discussion questions. Into a majestic forest wanders an orphaned young man known only as "Freckles." Arriving at the logging camp of Mr. McLean, he persuades the man to give him a job guarding the prized lumber, though Freckles has only one hand. Despite harsh conditions, Freckles soon falls in love with the forest, as well as a beautiful young girl. But he wonders if she could ever love someone like him--crippled, with no family or identity. A surprising turn of events leads Freckles to discover his courage, as well as answers to his mysterious past. Freckles, part of the Focus on the Family Great Stories collection, remains an unforgettable story of love, courage, and adventure.

Introduction and Afterword by Joe Wheeler

5 1/2 x 8 1/2 softcover ... Read more

Reviews (16)

THE BEST book in the world!
This is the best book I have ever read! I am 13 years old, and have read the book twice. Gene Stratton Porter is a great writer, and has wonderful concepts. Freckles is a great roll model for boys and girls alike, and is so humble! He will not let the "Swamp Angel" marry him, because he has only one hand, is an orphan, and has no knowledge of "honerable birth" which he thinks is very important. I think anyone who has read this book will agree with me, that this is a wonderful book. If you liked this book, you will also like "A Girl of the Limberlost" the sequel to "Freckles". From 1 to 10, I give this book an 11!

Riveting book; determinism
I would like to say that I really love Gene Stratton Porter's books. I have read Freckles (the first one I read at age 11), followed by A Girl of the Limberlost, Her Father's Daughter, and The Harvester. Each one was beautifully written, with great detail, beautiful nature, and incredible feeling. I couldn't put any of them down until I finished them. I am excited to try and read some of her other books, the titles of which I discovered here on Amazon.

I need to respond to a few comments made by one customer, who seemed very frustrated by some elements in the book Freckles. She did have some major concerns, but understanding the background of the author and the times she wrote in helps. This customer emphasized the fact that Freckles never believed himself to be a good, noble human being, and that the rich characters looked down on others, and that humble folk always respected the rich people. Those things were the attitudes and behavior of people in the times in which the book was written. That was the way it was quite often, unfortunately. In regards to Freckles always believing bad about himself, he did so because he had no way of knowing who he really was, so he assumed the worst--many people do that. This attitude is called "determinism," which is basically the belief that people cannot rise above their background, heritage, circumstances, or physical conditions--that they are helpless to change their circumstances and lot in life. Determinism was a major concern in the works of many authors of Gene Stratton Porter's time period, especially in Latin-American and generally North American literature of the last few years of 1800's and the early 1900's. These authors were seeking to challenge the set social classes and attitudes, and seeking to forge new identities. I think that this book portrays these attitudes very well.

The test of good literature is whether or not it makes you think about the issues, and what you feel while enjoying all the elements of the text. You don't have to agree with everything you read. I do appreciate reading what others think about the products, and it makes me think as well. I think Gene Stratton Porter does an excellent job in helping us read and think for ourselves. I recommend her books to everyone! Thanks!

First 'real' book I ever read...
I'm 46....but, I read Freckles in the 5th grade, I think! I was 10 then, and found his world fascinating... so much so, that I 'saved' the book for my children to read. I haven't re-read it in all of 36 years, but will never forget it. A bonafide treasure...

Wonderful!!
This book is so sweet! The story is classic and very charming. The main character, "Freckles" has an indomitable spirit. I found this story inspiring in that a person could go through so many trials in such a short life and still have such a trust for the rest of the human race. The book has a rather simple story with a few good twists that keep the reader intrigued. My only caution about this book is that it is written in the way a young immigrant would speak. This sometimes makes the reading a little slower, but if you are willing to try it is well worth the effort. I would definitly recommend this book to any young person. "Freckles" is a fresh change to the violence and bloodshed that is so popular today. I first read this book in grade school and I think I enjoyed it as much now as I did then.

40 years later, I STILL love this book!
I first read "Freckles" when I was 12 (it was my Mom's favorite when she was a child, and my Dad bought me a copy for my 12th birthday).To this day, I re-read it whenever I feel stressed and need a lift. It's a wonderful evocation of a simpler, more wholesome time. Freckles is a character that is both strong and vulnerable, and you just can't help but love him. Although some of the language is archaic now, the book is full of "nuggets" of pure enchantment (the "Mother Duncan, do kisses wash off?" speech comes to mind). This book is a treasure-- don't miss it! ... Read more

Reviews (16)

What an Amazing Read!
Wow, this was such a great book! It's about Mia, a 13 year old girl who can see colours in words, letters, and sounds. She has to deal with normal things like fights with her friends, and annoying siblings. She names her cat Mango because the colour of it's purrs is mango.

I don't usually cry when I read books, but when **something** happened (read the book!) I cried... that part was really sad!

The "Space" Between Us
Every turn of the page offers another peek into the mind of a 13-year-old girl named Mia. She sees colors related to numbers, letters and sounds but has kept this a secret ever since she was little and realized that other people do not see things the same way.

Once she finally admits this to her family, and after she sees a series of doctors, she realizes there is a name for her condition: synesthesia. This eye-opening book accurately depicts the condition, explaining how it is different for those who have it (called synesthetes) and that it is not a disease so it is not "catching" nor can it be "cured."

I was truly moved by Mia's story and Mass' writing. I -- a well-read grown woman who rarely if ever cries while reading books, listening to music, or watching television, movies, or plays -- cried in the middle of a store while reading this book.

If you are a pet owner or sensitive to animal storylines in books, you 1) will need Kleenex; and 2) should not read full reviews or summaries of the book which spoil the ending.

If you enjoyed this novel and wish to further your education / read more stories for children and teenagers about afflictions, I highly recommend Multiple Choice by Janet Tashjian and Kissing Doorknobs by Terry Spencer Hesser.

5 STARS FROM A NOT SO AVID READER!
As you sit in front of your computer screen, observing the slew of reviews posted on this popular website, I urge you to stop for a minute and please read what I about to share with you. I don't even know you, but I would be thrilled if you could read and absorb the experience I had when reading, "A Mango Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass and hopefully this will encourage you to pick up this book and enter a more colorful world. Now, I am not an avid reader I must admit, but when I find a great book...I am sure to share the title with as many friends as family as possibly. For they know when I say it's a wonderful book, it is! My beloved French teacher has the beautiful gift that Mia shares with us, in "A.M.S.S." My teacher told us the first day of class, she saw our names in color as she read from the class roster. We all thought she was kidding, you know those "first day of school teacher jokes" But when I read this book, the respect I had for my French teacher grew and I was more than curious to hear about her experience of living in a world more colorful than the average person. I gave her my copy and she told me as tears rolled down her cheeks that this book portrayed the world she lives in so vividly and accurately. So come on, read this book, from the first page to the last your eyes will glide across the black words and your heart will be encompassed with colors you never knew existed. Happy reading!

Great Book
This book is my favorite book! It's a must read for all realistic fiction and fantasy lovers. It's really cool. Mia sees all these different colors and shapes and when she's 8 she figures out something's wrong with her. When she's 13 she tells her parents...

wow!!
i loved this book sooooooo much! untill i read it i had never heard of synesthesia, but learning about it through mia's eyes was amazing!like the book says, synesthesia is not a disease or problem.
this book had such an impact on me that i have now read 2 other books on the topic(not even half as good as A Mango Shaped Space). often when i read someting i try to imagen how the boaring black and white font would look for someone like mia. for days after reading this book i felt that this world that i live in is so plain. ... Read more

Book Description

Six-year-old Emma has big dreams for her new baby brother.But when she learns that he has Down syndrome, she worries that he won't be able to do many of the fun things she's imagined they'd do together.This is a reassuring story for young children as well as parents adjusting to Down syndrome and what it means for their relationship with their sibling or child.It concludes with helpful questions and answers for children about Down syndrome. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Best book for this age group
Six year old Emma isn't very happy about the idea of having a new brother or sister but when Emma and her dad start thinking of all the things that they can do with the new baby, Emma becomes excited at the prospect of being a big sister. When her dad comes home and tells Emma that her new brother, Isaac, has Down syndrome, Emma worries that he won't be able to do any of the fun things that she has imagined. As Emma and her dad think back over all the things they wanted to do with the new baby, they realize together that as long as they are patient and helped him when he needed it, there wasn't anything he couldn't do. This is a reassuring story for young children bewildered by Down syndrome and what it means for their relationship with their new sibling. This is truly a wonderful story. Your child will ask you why you are crying after you read it to them. Of all the books for this age group, this book is by far the best.

MUCH better than Maria Shriver's story
This is a great, simple, accurate, sweet book about a little girl who has a brother with Down syndrome. It explains that kids with Down syndrome need more time and patience, but they all can learn to do the things other kids do. I highly recommend this book to kids with Down syndrome and their siblings, friends, neighbors and relatives. It's good on its own and as an alternative to What's Wrong With Timmy?, a book that covers the same topic in a much less appealing manner.

An Insightful Story Simply Told
I originally purchased We'll Paint the Octopus Red to help me explain Down Syndrome to my older daughter when my younger daughter was born: the whys and how comes the little one needed more attention. The story is simply told. The only child will now become an older child. She and her younger sibling will have so much fun together, her dad advises. But on the day that the baby is born, the dad is sad and tells his daughter that the baby has Down Syndrome. The daughter, in her innocence, carefully reviews all the plans that her dad said she could do with her baby brother. After each example, the dad advises that they could still do the activity with a little patience. Slowly, the daughter teaches the dad and the reader that children with Down Syndrome can do almost anything with love, patience, understanding and the opportunity to try. The book not only gave guidance to my husband and me, but also was helpful in breaking down old stereotypes and ideas held by our parents.

Highly recommended
I bought this book for my 6 year old niece who has a younger sister with Down Syndrome. So far everyone she has shown this book to has bought it.

It's a wonderful book and I still can't get through it without crying. Such a simple and compassionate story about a little girl understanding the differences in her brother with down syndrome. A story that involves her father explaining down and a child's simple understanding that her new brother can still do the same things.

WE'LL PAINT THE OCTOPUS RED IS WONDERFUL.
WE'LL PAINT THE OCTOPUS RED WAS A WONDERFUL BOOK. MY SON HAS DOWNS SYNDROME. HE IS NOW 18 HE ENJOYED READING THE BOOK. HE READ IT TO 3 CHILDERN WHO HAVE A BROTHER 7 MONTHS OLD WHO HAS DOWNS SYNDROME. I WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD BE AS CONSERNED AS EMMA.THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL BOOK. ... Read more

Book Description

Inspired by the true life experiences of Henry Winkler, whose undiagnosed dyslexia made him a classic childhood underachiever, the Hank Zipzer series is about the high-spirited and funny adventures of a boy with learning differences.

It's science project time in Ms. Adolf's class. This is good news and bad news for Hank-he loves science, but he hates the report part. So Hank turns to TV to take his mind off things. But when the program directory scrolls by too quickly for Hank to know what's on, he decides to take apart the cable box to try to slow down the crawl. Great! Now Hank has found the perfect science project! But what he wasn't counting on was his sister's pet iguana laying eighteen eggs in the disassembled cable box. How is Hank going to get out of this one?

Illustrated by Carol Heyer. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Day of the Iguana
This is one of the best children's books I have read in a long time. I read it to my 4th grade class and they didn't want me to put it down. I don't know a kid that can't identify with Hank Zipzer in one way or another. It was very easy to read and quite enjoyable. My class gives it 44 thumbs up. Keep up the good work Henry Winkler.

Jenner's Review
Hank Zipzer lives in Manhattan in 2004 with his friends. Hank Zipzer has go to his cousin's birthday with his friends, Ashley Wong and Frankie Townsend. They go to the party and do a magic act, which was easy. Hank was asked to copy a movie but copied the wrong one! Well, Frankie got mad, but he cooled off. Hank then has a science project. He takes apart the cable box for his science project. Only problem is, his dad watches TV every night. Can Hank solve this little problem? Hank and his friends have enough money, the cable guy is they're installing the cable when his dad comes in. Uh-oh! I would rank the book 10 out of 5, because it is hilarious. I would recommend the book, because every body in the family should enjoy this book.

Lin Oliver and Henry Winkler, You Continue to Delight
The writing duo of Lin Oliver and Henry Winkler again proves successful in this excellent children's book. Whether she is running her organization, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, or writing for children, Lin Oliver continues to delight and amaze. I cannot express how great these books are, and how impressive the tandem of Lin Olver and Henry Winkler continues to be. Good job you two, and keep up the great work.

Niagra Falls or Does It?
I am a fourth grade teacher and I have read all three of the Hank Zipzer books to my class and they absolutely adore all three of them. The characters in the books are very real and the kids can easily relate to the situations they go through. My kids are so eager to finish their work so I can read the next chapters. Thank you Mr. Winkler.

Winkler Wins Again
When Happy Days was at the top of the TV ratings, Henry Winkler, as Arthur Fonzarelli, did a lot to influence the kids of America. He has done it again with the third in this series. The narrative flows easily, sounds like it was written by a 10 year old (which, in this case, is a good thing), and contains vivid images that stay with the reader.

While it is helpful to have already read the other two novels, the story manages to fill in missing gaps.

Kids can relate to the characters and teachers can easily see themselves. As a teacher, this book has helped me to re-think how I approach kids who have dyslexia or other learning disabilities.

Henry Winkler is a great guy and I am thrilled with this latest facet of his career! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Until there is a better term, it's a great book anyway
Until there is a better term for Attention Deficit, that's the name kids have to deal with. This is a great book anyway because the child uses his "problem of paying too close attention to minute details" to find his way out of the woods in order to rescue his dad. He is the hero and not a problem child as such. We learn some about his problems and some solutions but this well written story puts us in his shoes in a very understanding and kind way. This reminds me of a new book, Whoa Wiggle-worm by Betsy B. Lee. It discusses kind and unkind nicknames in an entertaining story showing a child learning self-control. A diagnosis is not given. The child might not be ADD or ADHD. The label is beside the point. I hope both books are in print for a very long time.

AD/HD from a kids point of view
I am outnumbered by ADD/HD family members & this kid sounds just like one of them! While I would prefere that doctors quite calling it a deficit, like there is something "wrong" with this personality type, I am NOT against medication. Most ADD people are VERY lovable & so smart, great problem solvers too. They have a lot going for them, but I have seen the use of drugs DRAMATICALLY improve their lives! When they can focus watch out! To see their self esteem soar because they CAN excell is a real blessing. So I'm glad the author included getting medication in the story. Some kids have diabetes & require medication, they are not looked down upon as inferior, nor should the child taking medication for ADD. Overall, it was a good story, opening up the world of ADD from a child's standpoint.

Just right
I can't believe the hardcover edition is out of print! This is one of the best books I've read to help the self-esteem of children with Add or LD or any other kind of learning problem.
It doesn't dumb down the criteria. It shows the child being the hero of the story using some of his natural abilities. It also shows some of the techniques he develops for learning. It is a wonderful story for any child with or without a disability.

My son loves it
Beautiful illustrations! The nature theme engaged my son's conscious mind while the healing message sank into his subconscious. He won't go to bed now without his "Eagle Eyes."

Do you really want to do this to your child?
Since we are against drugging our child and/or telling him he's got any kind of "defect," I would have liked to have known this was a pretty major part of the story so we could have avoided this rather thin book. The ending, where the child says he will use his "eagle eyes" to get help was awfully brief and, frankly, seemed like an after-thought. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Entertainment for hours
This book kept my kids -- 3 1/2 and 5 years old -- entertained for hours. This book includes all the numbers at the bottom of each page, so it is easy to use for kids still learning how to count. There are many dot-to-dot pictures on each page, so there are plenty of pictures to complete. I highly recommend it.

The best dot-to-dot I've seen
This book offers a range of skill levels that allowed my 5YO tobuild his confidence, while giving him challenges as he progressed.He loved the colorful pictures and was excited to discover the next puzzle. He likes to color with markers, and we found the paper used in the book doesn't "bleed" like many other books we've tried. I would highly recommend this book to any parent who is trying to teach their child numbers. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

The poignant story of the man who developed the Braille system of printing for the blind. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Best Homework I've Ever Read
I thought it was a good book. I like the way Maragret Davidson listed a bunch of things that Louis couldn't see when he was five. She included lots of detail. It made me think a lot differently about blind people. It was interesting because I've never read a book about blind people before. Louis was very brave. He really wanted a way for blind people to be able to read and never gave-up.

A Great Introduction to Louis Braille For Children
First off, I would like to warn customers that this is definitely a children's book and geared for a very young audience (readers between maybe 1st and 4th grade). I didn't realize it at the time when I bought it so I thought I would mention it to other customers so they are aware of it. However, I read the book anyways and I must say as an adult reader I still enjoyed reading this book very much! It took me a little over an hour to read the whole thing, but in the end I still enjoyed learning about Louis Braille and his amazing, inspirational life. This book has definitely inspired me to go on and try to find more books about his incredible life.

A Review by 3 Fifth Graders (BA, ZZ, YCG)
We 3 Fifth Graders, read a book about Louis Braille, by Margaret Davidson. This book is about a boy named Louis Braille. He was the boy who invented books for the blind. Louis lived in Coupvray,in France. He is blind. He became blind by playing with his father's awl. The awl slid right into Louis' eye and it got injured and it got infected. One day, a new priest came to a church on the hillside. The priest was named Father Jacques Palluy. Father Palluy knew that Louis was blind so, he sent Louis to a new school for blind children in Paris. He liked every school subjects there.One day, a Captain called Charles Barbier came to Louis' school. Captain Barbier taught Louis about nightwriting. Nightwriting are raised dots that stands for sounds. Louis invented his own alphabet dots and he spread the news by making books. When Louis died, everyone started to call his dots Braille. Will Louis' popularty ever be extraordinary? Why did some people dislike his invention at first? Will the Braille be used forever?

Our opinion about this book is that this is an outstanding book because Louis made up a way for blind people to read. Why would Louis want to make books for blind people? We gave this book 5 star because we think it is a fantastic book. This book can teach blind people how to read and write. People that are not blind can also learn Braille.The back of the book also has braille dots so, we can practice. We even learned how to spell our names in Braille. We think that Louis' idea was excellent.

We should recommend this book to 4,5,and 6 graders because it teaches a lesson about not playing with sharp tools, and it also teaches you how to read the Braille alphabet. Another lesson we learned is that if you want to get something done you have to do it yourself. If you want to learn more about Louis Braille, try reading: Louis Braille: the Boy who Invented Books for the Blind.

Ah, a great book
I really enjoyed this book. I actually was reading the braille version for my braille class. I would recommend this book to practically anyone.

Excellent!
Of all the biography's I've read in my life, I think this is the best one! I thought it was so neat how Louis suddenly thought of how we could use dots like that. Everyday when I got to scool I couldn't wait to start reading. So I think you should buy this book and start reading! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

differences
I notice that some reviews refer to ADD and some refer to LD. The author writes of learning differences which could apply to children with different problems. I really like the way she writes. It is warm and from the heart. It helps put labels aside and look at the child and what the child can do. Another book that does that is Whoa Wiggle-worm which addresses name calling (by adults and children), helping others, understanding and self-conrol.

Honest and Uplifting
Unlike so many other kids' books on the subject, this one doesn't pretend that ADHD is cute or painless. It heals because it faces up to the pain and rejection, while offering honest solutions. Moreover, it assures the child that ADD has a uniquely positive side. I bought a boxful for my clients.

What a gift!
I actually had trouble breathing when I read this book! It was as if someone had followed my son around and wrote a book just for him. What a self-esteem booster for the kid with a "learning difference" to know that they are not alone! I plan on getting extra copies for every special teacher I know as well as my son's doctor. I wish it were in the hands of every elementary teacher in the nation, as well as the hands of every special learner!

Self-understanding leads to self-direction.
This book helps children understand LD as a handicap that they can do something about. It is written in a way that helps you explain what their problems are and what they can do about them. It's great. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When 8-year-old Kate meets a boy who seems somehow different, she feelsfunny inside. After talking with her mom, though, Kate begins to understand thatTimmy is just like her in many ways. Timmy has special needs; he takes longer tolearn than Kate, and can't walk or run as well. But he also "loves his family,he wants friends, he goes to school, and he dreams about what he wants to bewhen he grows up." Kate and Timmy meet, and the seeds of a friendship areplanted.

For all those children who ask their parents why someone looks or acts"different," author and journalist Maria Shriver's What's Wrong withTimmy? provides a base for discussion. Kate's mother models appropriatebehavior, speaking to her daughter calmly and directly, and providing examplesfrom her own life to help Kate understand about Timmy. Illustrator SandraSpeidel's soft, intentionally hazy pastels are lovely; bold, enlarged phrases onthe opposite pages of text act as captions. Shriver and Speidel collaboratedpreviously on the tremendously popular What's Heaven?, also starringKate and her mother. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (24)

I liked it, I bought it, BUT....
I liked this book. Maria Shriver did a good job in making a little boy with Down Syndrome come to life, and it is a book that is certainly worth reading with your child aged 4-10. Still, there were things that I would do differently. For openers, many books like this tend to over-idealize the disabled person who is the main character. Timmy is no exception. Yes, there are many children with Down Syndrome who can play basketball and have the vocabulary that Timmy has. But there are also many children (including my own non-verbal son) who do not. I thought that Ms. Shriver could have at least mentioned that there are people with more severe cognitive/speech disabilities even if Timmy is not one of them. I DID appreciate the fact that she noted that "there were tears when Timmy was born." But at the end she decides that there is nothing wrong with Timmy afterall, and that was a little too corny for my taste. Also, in one part of the book she talks about how kids at school tease Timmy and call him "stupid" or "retard." Perhaps I am being naive, but many schools have moved way beyond treating disabled students like this. I would like to invite Ms. Shriver to my child's own elementary school, where the kids with disabilities are mainstreamed into regular recess and lunch and sometimes other subjects. The non-disabled kids actually FIGHT over who will "get to be" the disabled student's "buddy" that day. And when the boys are playing football with one 10 year old boy with Down syndrome, they are incredibly protective of him and seem to really enjoy the "joy" he gets from being out there with them. The book also squeezes in a child who is physically disabled (she is in a wheelchair) but has no cognitive disabilities. The book was a bit wordy (like this review!) and could have been edited down a bit more. Despite my criticisms, I did think this was a good book and worth reading. I'm glad it was written by Maria Shriver as the Shriver/Kennedy family have been such wonderful advocates for the mentally disabled. I bought a copy, read it with my 9 year old daughter, and then donated it to her school library.

TOO RELIGIOUS.
The publisher should mention the heavily religious tone of this book ... I got this for my sons' school because it sounded good and valuable, but many schools do not accept children's books that mention God in them over and over again.

Sincere Effort -- Many Positive Points
I was very curious to read this title from Maria Shriver knowing her family background with people with special needs.

My brother has Down's Syndrome, so I know what it is to be on the receiving end of other children looking at my brother and wondering (sometimes outloud and sometimes in facial expression, stares and body language) wondering "What's wrong with him?" Recently one little girl asked my daughter, "Why is your uncle so freaky?"

These are truths: that people "in the world" don't always use politically correct terms... not by a long shot... and as fellow citizens we can educate those who have not yet learned some of the simple truths this book teaches.

One warning (to those who do not share this view) the book takes a very spiritual stance in its explanations.

Another shortcoming is overcome very simply. Each page has quite a bit of text and I thought, "This is way too much on a page to teach the very littlest children who really need the lessons the most" and then I saw the bolded, larger words on each page could be the only words read. Those words would be enough for the littlest ones to understand the message of the book.

It would be tough to write a perfect book on this subject that pleases everyone.

This book makes a sincere effort and will be helpful for many who read it.

not specific
this might be a good way of introducing handicaps to children, however the book has no minorities, and there are no specific handicaps explained. i found it hard to read with too much text and it wasn't very good explaining "what was wrong with timmy" i would chose something else to teach children about handicaps.

What's Wrong with Timmy?
Where did the author get her information? It is disturbing that such a popular book teaches outdated and unrefined language to described a child with learning disabilities. As a special ed teacher and counselor, I find it a setback to use language such as "retarded" in a book which attempts to aid children's learning about other challenged individuals. The fact that there are no credentials to back the author's writing is apparent. ... Read more

Book Description

Understanding Katie is a hands-on storybook written especially for children between the ages of 3-12 years of age who suffer from Selective Mutism and/or social phobia.

Selectively Mute/socially anxious children ‘cannot speak’ and feel afraid when they are in various social situations, such as school.This can be a very isolating feeling.Understanding Katie will help these children realize that they are not alone and there are others in this world who feel as they do.The goal for this book is to help Selectively Mute/socially anxious children identify with Katie’s feelings by reading about her trials and tribulations in ‘a day in the life of’ Katie. Children can color and draw on the illustrations as a means of expressing themselves and personalizing Katie. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Spirited Child?Shy Child?Difficult Child?Explosive Child?
In my search to find the answers to why my 6 year old middle child acted so differently than my other 4, and not receiving any answers, I began my own quest. I read books that explained temperments and it helped me understand my daughter. All of the books such as, "Raising your Spirited Child", "The Dificult Child", "The Strong Willed Child", "The Explosive Child" all had the same quality/traits that my daughter was exhibiting. However, it did not address her not speaking in certain situations. I believe all these books can be tied in with Selective Mutism / Communication Anxiety and other Childhood Anxieties. I don't know why my daughter has all these other symptoms such as low sensory, low frustration levels, etc., but after reading the forums at selectivemutism.org I have found that most of these children with SM have the same characteristics. Many have been misdiagnosed with ODD & Autism, among other things. ... Read more

Book Description

"I can't imagine having a plain old sister," writes Ryan Clearwater, age ten, in one of the 45 essays in Views from Our Shoes.Ryan and the other boys and girls whose essays are featured in this collection range in age from four to eighteen.They share their experiences as the brother or sister of someone with a disability-the good and bad aspects, as well as many thoughtful observations. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

All in the Family
This excellent book is a forum for children ranging in ages 4 through 18 to explore their feelings and describe their experiences living with a sibling who has physical and/or mental difficulties.

One young girl describes her 24-year-old brother who is barely verbal and, in her words "is like a 4-year-old child." This young man loves clocks and can watch them indefintely and his sister describes her trips to clock shops so he can watch clocks.

Another child describes providing skilled care for her older brother who is 12 and has a severe case of cerebral palsy.

A brother and sister, in individual installments introduce readers to their sister who has Down Syndrome.

A young boy tells of life with a sibling who has autism.

These are but a few of the heartwarming, gut-wrenching real accounts involved in day-to-day contact with a sibling who has special needs. Each child brings a special brand of input to the table and readers will come away with a sense of empowerment and enrichment. This is an excellent book for families to bond over and explore issues with. It is also an extraordinary teaching tool. If nothing else, it will certainly raise the flag of acceptance. Please read this and share it with somebody.

Sibling essays
Each essay begins with the full name and age of the author at the top of the page. At the bottom of each essay, in an italic font, is the name and age of the sibling who has a special need as well as the city and state. Also included are the hobbies and interest of each author. I was a bit surprised to see this much detail being included. There are a number of penciled drawings accompanying some of the essays by Cary Pillo.

I imagine some of the essays could cause embarrassment for some families since the kids were quite honest with their feelings and interpretations. One girl said she did not like when her mother yelled at her disabled brother. Many of the siblings assist in the daily living for their special needs brother or sister. Some of the essays offer advice on how to treat your sibling, while others have attended Sibshops and kept in contact with other siblings.

Each sibling cares for their brother or sister, worries about them when they are at school and has a basic understanding of the therapies involved with their siblings. The older siblings were able to express themselves with details on school placement and going out in the community with their special needs sibling.

A common statement from the siblings is how it is hard for them to do things they like because there is no one to watch their sibling with a disability and too hard to bring them along on outings in the community.

This has helped me as a parent to two autistic children because my older son is verbal and can comprehend that his brother is not like other kids.

I only wish books like Views from our Shoes: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs and Laughing & Loving with Autism: A Collection of "Real Life" Warm & Humorous Stories were around thirty years ago to assist me as a sibling. This is a real eye-opener to parents that have other children besides the one with special needs and offers a peak into the feelings of the siblings.

This book would be perfect for a school library and special education classrooms as well as a gift for a sibling to read through and find other siblings in the same situations.

should be required reading for parents and sibs
Children with special needs affect the whole family. The siblings of these special children are special, too. They have needs that are put aside for another time, by their families and by themselves. They usually grow up to be more mature and compassionate, but with some supressed emotions. They are mommy's helpers for life. They need to learn that they are not alone, and this book starts that journey for them.

It is demonstative of how siblings feel.
This book shows exactly how I, as a sibling, feel. I loved that it was written by kids about their own personal experiences. What a great book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In this endearing story by Newberry Medal-winner Sharon Creech, a wise old Italian granny skillfully imparts life advice (and cooking lessons) to her winning but sometimes obstinate 12-year-old grandd