Literature Book Club #5- Special Needs

Title: In Jesse’s Shoes: Appreciating Kids with Special Needs

Author: Beverly Lewis (illustrated by Laura Nikiel)



About the Author: Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies and was recently made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. In 2007 The Brethren was honored with a Christy Award. She has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado.

Age Level: 4-9

Synopsis: This book can help children understand those with special needs. What parent hasn't urged son or daughter not to stare at or tease a child who is "different" or disabled in some way? In this sensitive yet realistic story, Jesse's sister struggles to understand her brother--and the kids who make fun of him. This endearing book will encourage families everywhere to appreciate and befriend children with special needs. This book helps readers "walk" in the shoes of a special needs child. In this picture book, New York Times best-selling author helps children learn to understand and appreciate those with special needs. This book was also the Best of 2007 (Children and Adolescents) pick from Exceptional Parent magazine.

Theme(s): appreciating differences, tolerance for disabilities, understanding disabilities/differences, special needs, sensitivity

How it can be used in the elementary classroom: This book is a great book to show students that it is okay to be different. It also shows students that we need to be sensitive to those with learning disabilities and special needs. Students will grow a tolerance and learn to appreciate differences. Students will discuss how they could relate and help those with special needs. They could also discuss how they would handle a situation if others were making fun of someone that has special needs. Students will learn what is means to be a bystander and what their responsibilities are.

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Literature Book Club #5- Special Needs

Title: Child of Mine

Author: Carrie Hartman



About the Author: Carrie Hartman graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design with her degree in Illustration. Her illustration work includes: editorial, children’s books and book illustration, character development, advertising, posters, greeting cards, comic books, stationary, and animation projects. She is a member of the design faculty at MCAD, teaching in the illustration department. Carrie has received several illustration awards from the Los Angeles Society of Illustrators, the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) award for the best illustrated children’s book and recognition from the Educational Press Association. Carrie is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Children’s Literature Network. Carrie lives in Woodbury, a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul, in the lovely state of Minnesota. She loves her husband, her children, (two girls and a boy), Dots Candy, coffee, and her new naughty puppy, she got from the shelter.

Synopsis: Child of Mine is a picture book that speaks to both adults and children. Carrie Hartman's inspiration was her own life with her daughter who was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) at age six. Parents with challenging children will relate to the emotions Hartman expresses – and the hope she shares. Children who struggle with disorders, disabilities, or behavior issues will be reassured by words and pictures that communicate love, confidence, and faith in their future.

Theme(s): learning disabilities, struggle, behavior issues, love, understanding

How it can be used in the elementary classroom: This book can be used in the classroom to show students how where students with a learning disability (ADHD) come from. It will bring about an understanding in the classroom and it will bring awareness to others that some students have difficulties. Students could brainstorm and discuss ways to react to students with disabilities and how they could help students that are having difficulty.

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Literature Book Club #5- Special Needs

Title: That’s Like Me! Stories About Amazing People with Learning Differences

Author: Jill Lauren, M.A.



About the Author: Jill Lauren has a B.S. and M.A. in Learning Disabilities from Northwestern University. She has been teaching LD students of all ages for over twenty-five years. Known as an expert in the area of reading and writing, Jill has trained teachers around the country to utilize a variety of structured, multi-sensory approaches to the instruction of reading and written language. Jill has also worked with various schools to implement successful reading programs. As a result of the publication of Succeeding with LD, Jill has been asked to speak to children and adults about the important lessons learned from success stories. In 2008, a third edition of Succeeding with LD, was released, with a special “Where are They Now” section that includes updated profiles. In 2009, an inspiring, new book is being published in the fall, entitled That’s Like Me!. This colorful children’s picture book profiles fifteen new people, including a fireman, Arctic explorer, wrestler, and a flying trapeze artist. Jill currently conducts a private practice in educational remediation and consultation for learning disabled students in New York City, and lectures upon request.

Age Level: 5-8

Synopsis: What do the trapeze artist, race car driver, and Arctic explorer in That’s Like Me! have in common? They are just three of the fifteen kids and adults profiled in Jill Lauren’s new book about successful people who learn differently. Each person shares his or her inspiring story of facing the challenge of school, while pursuing important goals. Through their voices they encourage others to work hard and find hobbies that build self-esteem. The foreword is written by award-winning children’s illustrator, Jerry Pinkney (who is also dyslexic).

Theme(s): Learning disabilities, special needs, overcoming challenges, inspiration, celebrating accomplishments, hard work, self-esteem

How it can be used in the elementary classroom: This book shows students that there are many people that have learning disabilities or special needs and how they overcome challenges. It also shows how they have been successful. Teachers could have students write their own profiles. Students could write about something that they have struggled with, how they overcame it, and what goals they have accomplished. This book is a great book to display how many people have struggles in their lives but they continue to stay strong and overcome their struggles.

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