Disabilities Books

The author, Katherine Bell, must have been sitting next to God as she wove this masterpiece of the love of Jesus. You will experience joy, love, anger, anguish, and tenderness as you read this book. I experienced the recreation of creation as I took this journey with Jesus and Jonathan. Jonathan's Journey will be a blessing to all who read it. :)

Jonathan's journey is so well written I find it difficult to describe. I have written to the Pope and asked that Katherine Bell be asked to write the next book in the bible - the woman is clearly touched ... by God. In fact I think she has been touched many times and on a regular basis.

As the facilitator for a Scripture study group at my Catholic church, I am always searching for fresh new ways of presenting the "old" writings of the Bible in a "new" way, ways that help to bring the teachings of God into our lives right here, right now. I plan to use this wonderful book as a mini-retreat just before Lent next year and anyone who has read Joseph Girzone will enjoy reading 'Jonathan's Journey' as well.

What a tremendous book "Jonathan's Journey" was! Even at the age of 38 years old, I found that it helped ME understand the scarlet thread of love that is woven throughout the Scriptures. I read it to my 7 and 8 year old boys and they laughed and cried right along with me! They loved it and so did I. Take the time to read "Jonathan's Journey"...you'll not want to put it down!

Jonathan's Journey will answer questions about the saving grace of Jesus for the young and old alike. It's illustrations and descriptive content become real and alive to the reader. The words on the cover "Read and Grow Rich" are right on target. Thank you Katherine Bell for a beautiful book that can and will be shared by many Christian readers.

I've read this book twice. It is the most informative book on the subject, giving insight to anyone with A.D.D., especially if addictions are creating havoc in your life. A "must read" if you have A.D.D. and want to change the direction in which your life is heading. Bravo to Wendy for putting her information into a comprehensive book!

Wendy has written a clear explanation of what ADD is and how it impacts a person's life. She explains how many people with ADD also have problems with a variety of addictions, and what they can do about it. Wendy has personal insight into both problem areas, as well as extensive professional training, so her writing on these topics has both depth and breadth. The book is written for the lay person, is not over-whelming, and is clear and concise. Anyone who thinks they have both ADD and addictions would greatly benefit from reading this book.

This is very well written book that connects AD/HD and ADDiction. Not only does it explain both of them it offerrs suggestions on how to deal with AD/HD and ADDiction. The chapter "Feeling your Feelings" is very helpful.

If you suspect that you -or someone you'd like to help- suffers from ADD or an addiction problem, this straight-forward guide will unravel the mystery and then show you practical ways to greatly improve life. The author -a highly respected practitioner in California - writes in a no-nonsense style that makes you feel that you are learning from the best. She clearly knows the subject so well that she can distill material into reader-friendly nuggets of useful bullet points, checklists, tools, and quick assessments. Read this book and you'll be better able to help yourself or someone else.

The Link Between ADD and Addiction is a one of a kind book and should be at the top of the list for all people with Attention Deficit Disorder whether or not they believe they have addictions. Its important information helps the ADD adult or parent of ADD children understand how attention deficit disorder may be affecting their lives. It is well written, in a friendly, easy to read style.

Thanks Wendy Richardson for writing it!

very sweet book. I bought the book because I like to support JC and encourage books to my children. Nice pictures and story, imagination is very much encouraged in this book!

A tremendous story with subtle morals everywhere. Spectacular color and imagry in the artwork. It's the kind of work that nobody can have too much of.

My kiddos got this book as a gift. I took my daughter's copy to school and read it to her kindergarten class and the whole class LOVED it! The teacher loved it so much that I bought her a copy for her class.

A really great story with awesome illustrations!

(...)[My] aunt gave me this book. I loved reading it, and whenever I went to the beach, I would look for sea monsters and hidden treasure. I just re-read the book for the first time in 7 years, and it was just as good as it was when I was 5. Then, I looked to see who the author was. Big suprise: it was written by Jimmy Carter, who used to be my father's next door neigbor 40 years ago!

This book was interesting for me to read and easy to understand. I liked the book and hope that more will read it and enjoy it too. The book was about a crippled boy who wasn't like the rest of the little boys. He could not run or play. One day, he became very brave and the other kids respected him for that. I hope that you will read this book and find out what happened to him and how he became brave.
Brandon M.

Jean Little does an excellent job in explaining the life of a little girl by the name of Sal to the rest of the public. This girl is very courageous and goes through some very big hurdles and obstacles, but she is eventually going to get through some of the hurdles, but it will take some time. I think that she does an excellent job with this. If you want to find out more about Jean Little and Sal, read Mine for Keeps.

I just finished reading my childhood copy to my 6 1/2 year old daughter. We both loved it. The family portrayal was lovely as well as the inisght into Sal and her struggles with fears and cerebral palsy. I am dissapointed the book is out of print and I cannot give it to others.

"Mine for Keeps", by Jean Little, is a great story about friendship you can't miss. It's a story about a girl, Sarah Copeland (Sal), who suffers of cerebral palsy (faulty development or damage to motor areas in the brain). She had always dreamed of going home with her family, but when her dream came true, she wished she had never wished for that. Sal has to overcome many obstacles: make new friends, adapt to her new home, and to not look bad in front of others. It is a story about friendship you can't miss, where a girl who use to be scared of everything-dogs, people, school, even dressing herself, finds friendship in a dog. It is a story with an ending that will leave you pleased.

This book can really capture your heart. Sal has just come home to live with her family, after living in a special boarding school, for people with Cerebal Palsey. She gets enrolled in a public school, and makes two best friends, Libby and Elsjie. Elsjie has a brother named Piet, who is also crippled, like Sal. If you like reading Jean Little's books, I reccomend her biography, "Little by Little" This book is a must read!

This is truly the best book featuring a character with cerebral palsy. Sarah (Sally) is the central character in this story. At 9, she has attended a school for children with physical challenges for the past five years. The Canadian province she lives in has no such school, so her parents arrange to have her admitted to the school in America.

Finally, a rehab center opens in her town. Sally's parents move closer to the center so Sally can live at home. Her father flies her back and works like a soldier helping Sally to feel integrated into her rather large family.

Sally has an older, bossy sister named Mindy, a brother close in age named Kent and a sister in kindergarten named Meg. She gets to know Meg because Meg was the sibling she spent the least amount of time with due to her years in America.

Sally's father is truly a rare gem. He is clearly a very intelligent and articulate man and he provides intelligent explanations for things. For example, when Sally, understandably fearful of starting out in public school asks why she was sent out of the country in the first place, her mother flares up. That was needless. Sally needed sympathy and a good explanation, which her father provided. He told her that at Meg's age, Sally could neither speak clearly nor feed herself; she could not walk; she could not dress herself. He summed it up nicely by saying that he thought she would want to do these things for herself. He was truly a delightful character.

Once enrolled in public school, Sally makes friends with classmates Jon and Elsje Jansen and another girl who immediately takes her under her wing. Sally learns that Elsje's brother Pieter had a heart condition that precluded him from attending school for a year. Nursed at home, Pieter nurses a grudge against his illness and insists on only speaking Dutch, thus further isolating himself. It is Sally, his sister and his friends who get Pieter to leave his self-imposed shell to help them with their dog training project.

This is a wonderful book that I have loved since I was a little girl. I even have a well loved copy. It is a real treasure.

Marci Alborghetti grew up in a family where Christmas was a celebration that lasted from the first week in December to Three Kings Day. She always wondered what happened to the fabled gifts of the Magi, so one Christmas season she wrote The Miracle Of The Myrrh to answer this timeless question from two thousand years ago. Award-winning French artist Herve Blondon richly illustrates Alborghetti's original, entertaining, and highly recommended picturebook story of a grown-up Drummer Boy, his son, and the fate of the frankincense, gold and myrrh.

Marci Alborghetti has written a children's story which will be a Christmas favorite for years to come. The Miracle of the Myrrh is a sensitive tale showing us the blessings we receive when we generously offer our gifts to meet another's need. I can picture myuself reading this to a child every Christmas season. It is a story which will never grow old. Herve Blondon captures the story visually in such a way that, once the stroy is read, the child who is not yet reading can "read" the story again just by looking at the illustrations.

Every year I search for just the right Christmas storybook to add to my daughter's collection. The Miracle of the Myrrh is a wonderful story that celebrates the true spirit of giving and Christianity. It is a welcome relief for a season that has become so commercialized. I know this book will become one of our favorite Holiday reads.

The Mircle of the Myrrh is beautifully written and created an oasis for our family to stop and truly reflect on the spirit and meaning of Christmas. It is written with a new perspective and caught the attention of both the adults and children in our family with its freshness, beauty and insights. It will be one of our most beloved family traditions for many years to come!

As a small town librarian, I recommend this book for family reading over the holidays. Its message is as simple as it is profound: like breathing out and breathing in, you have to give in order to get. Also, wonderful illustrations. This story is a natural for a composer of melodic talent. Who hasn't enjoyed Amahl and the Night Visitors? Read it and see if you agree.

This book is really funny, but at the end it is very sad. I cried when I read this book. It is about a girl named Julie who has JRA. Julie's pen pal also has arthritis, and she is very wise. Julie's brother, Frankie, talks her into doing things that she knows she'll get in trouble for doing, but he also loves her very much, and at the end of the story, he is very helpful and kind to Julie. This is my favorite book of all time. You should read this book. I think it is a very important book.

I thought this was a really great book!! Its about this girl, her name is Julie Welsh. She's in 5th grade. Her teacher Mrs. Lumbard assigned everyone in her class a pen-pal. Julie got this lady named Mrs. Kaplan. Mrs. Kaplan lives in a nursing home called Shady Villa Care Center. Mrs. Kaplan always talks about all these people she has meant and places she has gone! Julie starts really opening up to Mrs. Kaplan! See, Julie has been having really bad pains. Her parents finally take her to the doctors and then doctors found that Julie has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis!
Julie still wants to do something really big before she leaves her school to go to junior high. She decides to run for student council. She is known as Bubble Girl. Because she really wants to clean up Adams schools playground because its always so messy. She WINS!! Then Julie decides she wants to run this race that her friend is in charge of. She is not sure she wants to do it because her joints have been hurting. Well, Julie doesn't let down her friend!!

In this story a girl is penpaling with a lady that is 89 years old. She tells the lady everything that she gets blamed for her brothers pranks, that she has artritus, and all of the things that are changing her life. This is an OUTSTANDING book for anyone. I just started today and I am already finished. THATS HOW GOOD IT WAS! I hope everyone who picks up this book will NOT put it back down

There is not much stuff related to the title and I actually think Julie's brother is nice.

I am although happy when I read the ending and I do give it five stars. If we could give one to ten stars, it would be ten.

Julie is concentrating on other things, not her brother. And one including JRA. It's a disease that makes her bones hurt and now she has to take pills.

I will want everyone to read it, especially people who have JRA.

This was a touching, funny book. The story is told through letters.
The book was about a girl named Julie who has JRA. She corresponds with her new pen pal, Mrs.Kaplan who helps her through hard times. Despite her JRA, Julie works hard, and in the end, she wins in a way.

This story shows what any kid with JRA can go through and what they can do.

This is a book that every child should read at least once. No matter if you are the one having surgery or not. Children can be so mean and cruel to one another when they don't understand what someone else is going through. I had my second , and I pray to god last, open heart surgery when I was 10 and A Night Without Stars really does describe the fears and uncertainty of a child having surgery. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand a little bit better.

My language arts teacher chose this book as a liturature circle book for my class. I didn't think it would be a good book at first, but when I read it, I saw I was wrong. Maria doesn't know what to expect when she is getting open heart surgery. Sh eis afraid...until she meet Donald, a boy who was disfigured in a fire a few years before. He tells her that surgery is like being in a night without stars. I have never had any major surgeries in my life, but i give my sympathy for anyone who has to go through what Maria did.

This book is about a girl who becomes friend with a boy named donald. Donald was burned at a young age and has not been the most popluar persion in the world. Maria who is the girl becomes one of Donalds olny friends alothogh its sad it has so many lauhs a long the way. It deals with presure and over coming it Ipersionaly loved the book and would no dout read it again! "GOTTA LOTTA" baby all the way(u'll get it when you read it)

A night without stars sort of forshadows my life from the ages of 6 months old until I was 6 years old only my surguries were on my feet. The nervousness that Maria feels the night befor her surgury is the same that I felt. The fact that she is having open heart surjury is much more serious and frightening. Well I thought some parts in the begining were sort of confusing but thats me, everything is so confusing. A Night Without Stars was certainly one of my favorite books and I think that everyone should read it. Boys and girls. I mean who cares if the main character is a girl, boys should read it anyways. I thing this book should be a middle school, or high school requirment throughout the united States of America.

While most sixth graders are planning what they'll be doing over summer vacation, eleven-year-old Maria Angelina Tirone is spending her last few days of freedom stressing over her upcoming surgery. Maria was born with a hole in her heart, and while doctors didn't notice it earlier, it has now become a problem in Maria's everyday life - so she has to have open-heart surgery. The problem, is that everyone seems to be taking Maria's coming surgery lightly, and no one will give her any information about what it will be like. She can't figure out whether she'll live or die, or whether she'll be given the heart of a murderer, or someone who isn't Catholic. And her family won't help either. The Queens, New York residents simply tell her to be brave, and a big girl, and to have faith in God, but Maria doesn't feel like any of those things are helping. After all, when you're facing the unknown, it's impossible to have faith. But then Maria meets Donald. Donald was burned in a fire when he was six-years-old, and has had to go through countless operations to help fix the burns on his skin. Sadly, he is still disfigured, and the rest of the children in the hospital - including Maria's very own roommate, Linda, as well as Linda's close friend, Bonnie - refer to Donald as Monster Man. The fact that Donald has never been understood by other children, and is constantly teased for his disfiguration has left him cold-hearted, and unable to open up to anyone. That is, until Maria comes along. Maria has the ability to see the good in Donald. To see the human being who is often ignored by those around him, and to befriend the boy. To Maria, Donald's scars and burns, along with his bitterness, are easy to understand, and only make Maria attempt to get to know him better. After all, Donald is the only one willing to answer some of Maria's questions, and Maria is the only one willing to call Donald a friend.

I'm currently working on an article about a program in the pediatrics ward of a hospital, and became interested in learning more about how children react to having to spend a lot of time within the confines of a hospital room. So when I learned about James Howe's A NIGHT WITHOUT STARS, I knew that it would be a wonderful way to receive an accurate depiction of the thoughts and feelings that run through a child's mind as they await their surgery. From page one, I found that I was correct. James Howe manages to pinpoint the exact feelings and emotions that you would expect from someone who spends days, even months, within the confines of a hospital bed. Having to play the same games day in and day out, and being forced to undergo various operations, and take medications on a daily basis. Howe brings the emotions to life, and creates a sympathetic storyline that really educates the reader about not only accepting fate, and having faith, but seeing past the exterior of a person, and learning to accept them for what is on the inside. Maria is a lovely character, whose willingness to learn more about Donald, and to accept his bad moods, and tantrums is inspiring; while Donald's ability to open up to Maria, and reveal secrets about his life, and the fire easily chokes the reader up. Between Donald and Maria's friendship, as well as the story regarding why Howe penned A NIGHT WITHOUT STARS, readers are given the opportunity to make a difference themselves, and attempt to become more understanding and sympathetic to those around them. If only more books like this were required reading for students, there may not be so much hate in the world. An intoxicating novel that grips you from beginning to end.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Jim Pierson has delivered a heart-touching book. This collection of vignettes from Jim's experiences presents real people with disabilities who have come to faith because of the ministry of those who care. Pierson is eminently well qualified to write this book. An outstanding preacher, most of his professional life has been devoted to ministry with those who have disabilities. For 17 years, he directed the East Tennessee Children's Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville. He has developed a minor in disability ministry at Johnson Bible College, also in Knoxville, and teaches courses in that program. He is a special consultant to Standard Publishing for the development of materials and services to churches interested in ministering to those with disabilities. He is currently the director of The Christian Church Foundation for the Handicapped in Louisville. His entire professional focus-and much of his personal interest-is involved with ministry to those with disabilites. The hints for extending friendship and ministry at the end of each chapter are invaluable resources for any individual who wishes to reach out to those who are disabled. The book is a must handbook for every Christian.

We have read numerous books on disibility ministry. Without a doubt, we would have to say that "No Disabled Souls" is the best book we've encountered in this field. It is easy and enjoyable reading, yet practical. It outlines bite size steps for individuals and churches to take as they enter the world of disability ministry. We are recommending this book to all.

The day I picked up this book I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. reading. What an outstanding book! My prayer is that it is widely read because it is such a powerful tool--vital for everyone to read and understand. Jim Pierson is one of the leaders in disabilities ministry.

Jim Pierson has delivered a heart-touching book. This collection of vignettes from Jim's experiences present real people with disabilities who have come to faith because of the ministry of those who care. Each chapter concludes with helpful ministry hints. Pierson is eminently well qualified to write this book. An outstanding preacher, most of his professional life has been devoted to mininstry with those who have disabilities. For 17 years, he directed the East Tennessee Children's Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville. He has developed a minor in disability ministry at Johnson Bible College, also in Knoxville, and teaches courses in that program. He is a special consultant to Standard Publishing for the development of materials and services to churches interested in ministering to those with disabilities. He is currently the director of The Christian Church Foundation for the Handicapped in Louisville. His entire professional focus-and much of his personal interest-is involved with ministry to those with disabilites. The hints for extending friendship and ministry at the end of each chapter are invaluable resources for any individual who wishes to reach out to those who are disabled. The book is a must handbook for every Christian.

Is God prompting you to include a disabled person in your circle of friends? Are you uncertain of what to do next? Are you uneasy about perhaps offending the person by your interest? Dr. Jim Pierson, a speech pathologist, advocate, educator, and pastor, has used his years of experience to produce a slim, practical volume that will dispel your questions and give you the confidence to follow God's leading. No specialized education or professional skills are necessary to be a friend. The beginning of a life-enriching friendship between you and a disabled person is as simple as introducing yourself and asking, "What is your name?" Each chapter introduces the reader to another of Dr. Pierson's friends with his or her unique perspective on life and on the opportunities our God provides. Mental, physical, emotional, and learning disabilites are defined and illustrated, and very practical suggestions are given for working past difficulties in communication, mobility, and social behavior. Dr. Pierson emphasizes that whether a person's disability has been present from birth or acquired at a later time, each person must be included in a social and spiritual community. Friendship is an expression of love. The most lasting love ensures that each friend is included in God's kingdom. Begin with simple social pleasures: invitations to coffee or dinner at home or at a restaurant. Disabled people are people first, and they enjoy sports, hobbies, gardens, and festive events. However, unlike nondisabled people, their opportunities to enjoy these things are usually more limited. Once a relationship is established, there will be obvious opportunities for both of you to express faith and trust in God's promises. Be ready to exercise the spiritual fruit of patience as you begin to communicate and understand one another. Do not be afraid to admit when you don't understand immediately. After you have conquered these problems, you will share joy.Whether or not communication is easy, there is never a barrier to the work of the Holy Spirit. Every soul can learn God's loving care and intent for His people. When the friendship reaches spiritual levels, invite your friend to attend worship with you. If he or she is already involved in another congregation, attend their services occasionally. Dr. Pierson has developed easy, step-by-step procedures to assist church staff in expanding their educational opportunities to include disabled people. Of particular interest is a chart that explains the symptomatic behaviors of autism in terms that anyone can understand. This and other basic how-to information on each type of disability will make classroom inclusion of disabled students much less stressful. Disabilities rearrange the lives of family members too. They often need assistance to cope with the stresses of accepting diagnoses and making lifestyle changes. Ordinary family chores can become a burden when therapy sessions occupy a major part of each day. Befriend the family of your disabled friend as well. Intercessory prayer, practical assistance, and listening ears make waiting for the removal of every disability much easier (God promises that each one is temporary). Our God, who calls the lame his beloved remnant (Micah 4:6, 7), loves the diversity of each unique person. This book can assist all of us in molding our lives and congregations to be clearer reflections of His kingdom.

This was a great book because my great grandfather lost his eye in an accident when he was little, so it was like reading his story but different. Since I like playing baseball, it was a real blast for me. You should buy this book because your child would love the experience of reading a book thats based on the authors husbands life.

One-Handed Catch would have to be an inspiration for any amputee to read, especially a young person. I love the way "Norman's" mother never let him slip into self-pity and dependency, but always encouraged him to learn to do things for himself.

Even as an adult who is not an amputeee, I couldn't put this book down!

As a mom of a child with one hand, this book was insightful and enjoyable to read. After Norm loses his hand in an accident at his family's store (not a gruesome description given), the author goes out of her way to carefully describe how this one incident affects so many others. The characters' reactions to this change in Norm's life are enormously accurate and heart-felt (and sometimes comical). I could relate to every single character as they progressed through the stages of grief to acceptance without even knowing it. It's all done in an uplifting way...not sad or awkward. An awesome quick read for anyone...you'll love it!

One Handed Catch is a marvelous turn-paging baseball book of all time. When you read this book you will be so into it you will not want to put it down until you finish the whole book.
One Handed Catch is about a twelve-year-old boy named Norm. One day at his family's butcher shop a terrible accident happens. While Norm was grinding meat for his father the grinding machine suddenly stops. He sticks his hand in there and the machine suddenly starts up again. His hand gets chopped off. Now he has to deal with only one hand for the rest of his life. Norm is a very athletic who loves to play baseball.

Mary Jane Auch's husband went through the experience when he was a kid. My father went through somewhat similar thing that happened to Norm. She teaches us that we have to deal with stuff that happened to us. Even though we can't do as many things as other people can do.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!
I am one of those readers who doesn't pick up a book too often but when I do, and it's a great book, I can't put it down. Well... this book was one of those.
It's a great book. I highly recommend it for people of any age.
Wonderful writing. A highly uplifting story.

I am a sudden caretaker for my 90 yr old father's new colostomy. This book provided a lot of basic information and covered areas that we would experience after he left the hospital. It has given me the reassurance I needed to provide him with good care.

The Ostomy Book was helpful, scientific, covered many aspects of ileostomy, colostomy, and urostomy. Arrived quickly.

I am scheduled for a Permanent Colostomy in less than one week. Even though I had searched the Internet for helpful information, this book has been a tremendous source of help. It has greatly reduced my apprehension.

The authors are to be commended on they way that they have presented this information. It answers ALL of the questions that I had and more. I highly recommend this book.

This excellent book (half the royalties are donated to the United Ostomy Association) is written by a colostomate and an ET nurse and is characterized by numerous first person experiences and insights. Covering numerous topics from the typical descriptions of, different ostomies and surgeries to traveling with an ostomy, considering work situations, remaining active with exercise, children with ostomies, sex and emotional adjustments, etc., this book is written with a good sense of humor and a very down-to-earth attitude. Filled with lots of good resources, Mullen and McGinn do a great job explaining the role of the ET nurse and the role of the Ostomy Association in education of the ostomate and the public at large. A fabulous book and a must for the reference shelf.

This book is one of the few available specifically for people with ostomies. This book guides you from the ostomy surgery to dealing with social situations. I don't have an ostomy, but it gives useful advice and assurance, particularly in helping people know what to expect before and after an ostomy.