Disabilities Books

This book supports the real reasons to sign with typically developing children. It makes them smarter, increases their language skills and enhances literacy. What else? Sign language is easy to learn and add to any classroom culture. The instructor does not need to be fluent to reap the many benefits! Every educational institution should incorporate sign language into their programming. This book gives the proof to getting it all started.

Daniels' book demonstrates that American Sign Language isn't just for deaf students. Citing numerous research studies, many conducted by Daniels herself, this book gives solid evidence as to why and how ASL supports literacy in hearing children. Best of all, Daniels offers practical strategies for use in the early elementary and preschool classroom.--Kathy MacMillan, author of Try Your Hand at This: Easy Ways to Incorporate Sign Language into Your Programs

This book is an excellent review of why and how signing with hearing children works to build literacy skills (and many, many other skills as well!). I highly recommend this book for early childhood educators and parents!!!!!

I started using sign language while teaching kindergarten years ago just for fun. The kids loved it. Now I know why! This book is great for teachers and parents. If you have a young child having trouble with spoken or written English, GET THIS BOOK! Also get it just for fun, to learn with a best friend, to communicate with someone who is deaf, to enrich your knowledge of human iconography, symbolism and to learn about the history of language. A great book, easy to read, perfect amount of detail, lots of references. (This book is for adults - and includes lots of ideas to use with kids...)

I have just finished reading this book and I cannot wait to get it into the hands of my kid's teachers (and administrators). I am currently learning sign and so are my kids. Although none of my children are ADD or ADHD I know that some of their classmates are. The book suggests that sign encourages a healthier classroom environment as all the children are ACTIVELY participating in the learning process. The ADD/ADHD kids are actually calmer and all students are learning more. (Less wear and tear on the teachers!) By learning ASL we are also encouraging communication with the Deaf. The Deaf cannot hear, so why do we exclude them and expect them to learn our language? We have the opportunity to begin to change the world our children live in, one sign at a time. That is something to think about.

The Deep Cut is a beautifully written story of a family's struggle to survive a war that divided a nation right down the families that fought in it. Even though considered "slow" by his father, Lonzo's is a true hero, simple, honest and loyal. He is wise beyond his years.
Spain's historical details are wonderfully accurate. The pace is breath-taking and the characters are so realistic that you will feel you know them personally. I highly recommend this book.

Susan Rosson Spain's first novel is a masterpiece and sets the bar for aspiring writers! As a former teacher, I only wish this book had been written earlier so that I could have shared it with my students. It brings the Civil War into focus in a way that makes history spring to life. The Rosson family tragic biscuit story is the icing on the cake in this splendid tale. I especially enjoyed the author's note at the end that explained what really happened at Winfrey and the photo of the real Deep Cut. I predict this book is headed for numerous awards and I'm glad I was able to purchase a First Edition!

DEEP CUT is a suspenseful story told in a unique voice. A highly recommended supplement to social studies curriculum units on conflict, wars, and The Civil War. Not only will kids find it a page-turner, but teachers will be able to use it as a springboard for discussions and personal writing pieces focusing on differences, choices, and responsibility.

Susan Rosson Spain's THE DEEP CUT tells of a teen who is somewhat slow compared to his brothers, and who is facing a war in Virginia. His father sends him to live with an aunt while Lonzo's best friend secretly enlists in the Confederate army: Lonzo's struggle is not only with the war affecting his life, but with his own skills and courage in this fine story of the Civil War.

I really enjoyed this book and think it should be on the reading list in schools. It gives a seldom looked at perspective of the Civil War.
And I was so delighted to find out that it was based on truth about the authors family.
Adults should read this book as well.

Bill Stillman writes with exquisite sensitivity and calls the reader to share that respectful approach. This helps the reader learn how to support the person(s) whom they love who happen to have autistic experiences. Further, this approach leads readers to examine their interactions with all other people.

Bill writes about his own experiences as well as the lives of others. These vignettes were wonderful illustrations of how those with autistic experiences live. One of the greatest gifts of this book, however, is its tacit invitation to all readers to examine our own lives. This is especially poignant for those who are "typical."

I found myself asking if we wouldn't all be better off by recognizing and embracing the autistic features that lay dormant in each one of us. Being sensitive, saying what we mean (and meaning what we say), and recognizing our own difficulties in communication (especially when frustrated) could make life more pleasant for everyone.

Those with an autistic experience have much to teach; we all have a responsibility to learn.

This is, overall, a great book on autism. It presents autism in a positive light, and describes why we do things instead of dismissing us as uniformly defective and inappropriate. I don't have my copy at the moment -- because I've loaned it out to a support worker, along with a few other books, in order to teach her more about the way I work.

Many books by autistic people are dry and difficult for me to read. This book is easier to read, and uses clear language. Unlike _Autism - An Inside-Out Approach_ by Donna Williams, this book does not make it sound as if those of us who are happy with ourselves either lack insight or aren't autistic enough to appreciate how disabled we are. This book does not overgeneralize from one person's experience as much as _Through the Eyes of Aliens_ by Jasmine Lee O'Neill (which I would recommend highly despite this fault). Unlike _Understanding and Working with the Spectrum of Autism: An Insider's View_ by Wendy Lawson (which may be a good book, but it's so hard to read that I'm having trouble finishing it), it doesn't read as a dry and slightly modified version of what non-autistic theorists are saying.

To my knowledge, these are the four main manuals about autism for non-autistic adults, published by autistic people. I think it would be interesting and informative to read all of them together, and that the strengths of each would balance out the weak points of the others. However, if I had to choose one out of this four, I would choose this one without thinking twice. It requires less explanation of my own when I hand it to someone to explain myself to them.

The section on augmentative communication is particularly good. I use augmentative communication, and was thankful to see a section that went beyond facilitated communication. Most books describe facilitated communication, or they describe PECS, and they kind of leave it at that, but this one covered all sorts of things. I may have had a few quibbles with a few little parts, but that's it.

There are only a few problems I have with the book:

One, the author makes it sound like autistic people are incapable of malice. While we are often accused of malice when none is there, it would carry things too far to imply that we are incapable of it. We are just as capable of it as any other group of people.

Two, the author insists that "autistic person" and "stimming" are disrespectful terms, and that "person with autism" must be used. Like nearly all the autistic people I know, I deliberately and with forethought call myself an autistic person, and like some of the autistic people I know, I use the word stimming to refer to autistic mannerisms. It would be a better idea to ask first -- lots of people like "autistic person", some like "person with autism", some use "stimming" and some don't. I think it is more respectful to call people what they want to be called than to force "person with autism" on us as the only respectful choice.

Three, there's a section in which the author appears to claim that certain kinds of autistic behavior reinforce stereotypes and should be avoided. However, it's unclear whether he actually claims this, or if he's simply describing a dynamic between autistic people and non-autistic people. If he does truly mean this, then I would have to disagree with him -- certain kinds of behavior are things anyone should avoid, but looking stereotypical is something we sometimes can't help. :-) We shouldn't be penalized for other people's myths about us.

These and a few other things aside, this is an excellent book. Don't be fooled by the length of my descriptions of the problems with the book -- it is often easier to describe in detail something I disagree with rather than something I agree with, the same way having a bad day often makes a longer story than having a good day. I like most of this book. I would recommend it (as an autistic person) for people wanting to find out more about autism.

As a parent of a twelve year old child with autism, I have read just about everything out there to help me make sense of this often complicated and confusing disorder. Much of the books I have read were redundant in their information and many just didn't apply to my child or our situation. I found myself able to relate possibly to a chapter or two at the most, before I would get discouraged and begin to look for another answer. This is not the case with this book. Bill Stillman is a gifted writer. His intention is to teach those who love someone with autism, how to accept, understand and embrace these precious children. His affection toward children on the spectrum is so evident. His information and explanations are refreshing. Bill has put together a book that is a MAJOR piece of the autism puzzle. His insights and intuitions, as well as his personal experiences and the loving and candid way he shares them are priceless. I am happy to have him on "our" side. If I could keep only one book about autism as a reference manual, it would be this one.

Dymystifing the Autistic Experience is one of those 'must reads' in autism. It is one of the rare books that offers a true look into autism. Bill grew up before Autism was diagnosable and like Temple Grandin and others hidden in the spectrum his story is one that explains an autism were one struggled quietly and alone to make sense of the world. Our Lives were strange and different but yet we came out well.

His event per event account of his autisitc life is true science and a lot of luck in action. His old time account of autism before it was a well 'known' condition is like a fine wine, getting better with time. He proves autism is not this wild unmanagle condition that requires massve intervention. His book is also another (unknowingly) report on Splinter Skills and Obessions and how well they serve the autisic person. They are our Learning Hallway and link to the world. Autisitc obessions have given the world the computer, (Alan Turing 1912-1954) and even Bill's own Wizzard of OZ obession has given the world a perfect Oz experience, in another book he co authored.

Bills' inside information and common sense experience from working in the field are 'just what the doctor ordered' and better yet is is based in reality and struggle of an era gone by. Concerned caring folks in the spectrum appreciate books like this.

This is a must-read. Highly recommended. I am a parent of young child who has high-functioning autism, and I have gained some very good insights from Mr Stillman's writings. He also helps us see ourselves through the eyes of those we think of as 'different' -- not always a pretty sight!

It was a good book, but I didn't like how Amber was so self-centered. In the end, she changes for the better though.

Amber Lynn Harkin has it all; boyfriend, cheerleading, and the hot dance group, Sizzle. One day she finds out that she has a disability. She now faces many risks concerning her reputation. It just goes to show you that being different is ok and just because you are popular, doesn't mean you don't have a lot of problems.

The story was very touching. It made me cry. I felt her pain. It was well written and described the truth of a teenagers life. People can be cruel to those that are different. I hope in the next book I read with Amber, her luck changes

I read this book when I was in 6th grade and I am 22 now and still skim through it. This book really got me back on the reading track and I started enjoying reading again. Cherie is a terrific author, and if it weren't for this book and her many sunset books, I don't think I'd be reading as avidly as I do today! Two thumbs up.

Sixteen year old Amber has everything: a rich and handsome boyfriend, popularity, a role as head cheerleader, a dance group close to stardom, poverty, a thirty-two year old mother, and a crippling medical secret that could cost her everything she thinks is important in her life. Amber's cockiness and manipulations to rise to number one also play a role in her social downfall. This novel by Cherie Bennett is an excellent story about how one girl's impoverished beginnings created a stong desire in her to hide her true self and become the best at everything, only to find one day that the life as she had built as her own was nothing but a lie. Amber finds that undoing this lie takes her away from her previous dreams and shows her the dreams that she really wanted. I recommend this book for its excellent writing and "soapopera-esque" storyline.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I have had this book in my possession now for a couple of months, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Not having allot of knowledge on how the Education Department, teachers and schools in general conduct themselves at IEP meetings, this book has become my new "Bible"
It's easy to read, easy to understand and has plethira of information that any parent cannot do without.
I would reccomend this book to everyone-even parents that don't have children requiring special educational services.
I only wish that your book and yourself was more exposed. Do you also do seminars and presentations Ms. Collins? If not,please consider, it would be an honour to meet you in person.
The most honest and useful book I have read in a long time.
I'll be looking out for any future publications with your name attached.
Leonie Z Suwanee, G.A

As a Mom with a child with Autism who also has several other sub-disabilities (CAPD, SID, SI, etc.), I HIGHLY recommend reading a copy of this book! I wish I had known about this book before we started his educational process, but I am so happy to have finally found out that my gut instincts were right all along in that ALL my child's needs are "mandated by law" to be addressed if he is to receive FAPE. This book clearly defines and provides solid resolutions to each of the issues that many parents will encounter within their school districts in trying to obtain an appropriate educational benefit for their child. It simply is a must read!

Ms Collins has written a handbook EVERY Special Education Parent needs to read. An experienced and effective advocate, the author gives a step by step walk through all the necessary highly complicated procedures for obtaining legitimate services. Unlike any other material on this subject, Ms Collins' premise is fundamanentally and importantly different: To wit: parents are systematically and deliberately mislead and lied to by school officials. Unlike lawyers, who continually insist on 'talking' your way into a 'mutually' agreed program with school officials, Ms Collins bluntly tells it like it is - you almost certainly will have to fight for everything and anything the school doesn't offer your child in their bare minimum approach.

"Disability Deception" clearly and in great detail discusses the crucial role parents play in helping their child attain the proper support. The author correctly argues that without strong and persistent commitment children with disabilites are given generalized often inappropriate 'off the shelf' services the school has on hand, rather than the particularized support the law demands for them. As Ms Collins points out over and over again, the parent, not the school, is the one who pushes for the child, the party who pushes for the implementation of real necessary legal services, and not the all too often insufficient support the schools wish to 'get away with'.

This book offers a large number of excellent leads to other sites, and does so in the context those leads are needed. Without question, anyone advocating for their child through the baffling proceduralisms of Special Education can only gain immeasureably by studying this book.

A call to arms, Disability Deception is required reading. Most people struggling to deal with a child with learning disabilites are exhausted and frustrated. They simply don't have the time nor the experience to understand, let alone take on the education system, a system designed to protect the interests not of their child, but the school. A handbook for all parents or guardians of Special Education children, "Disability Deception" gives them an enormous plus in their efforts for their children, an advantage they would never otherwise enjoy.

Don't hesitate - buy it!

Disability Deception is a must read for every parent that has a child in Special Education. I could not put this book down. I read it cover to cover. I had to use a highlighter and a pen to put personal notes in the margins. I agree with everything that was written, because unfortunately, I have had similar experiences working with my school district. Thanks JoAnn for telling us the real truth.

Disability Deception by JoAnn Collins is a must have for parents and advocates that need honest and truthfully information about what the school districts don't want you to know about your rights.

Ms. Collins' book provides a wealth of information to include sample letters, websites and educational agencies contact information to help parents find the support they need when advocating for their children.
As a special education Advocate, I have used Ms. Collins' book as a guide to help me provide the best services possible for my clients.
My clients, who have purchased the book, are much more independent in advocating for their child's special educational needs.
The personal struggles shared in the book left me humble and honored that Ms. Collins was willing to share so much of her personal struggles. This book truly inspires all people, who support children with special education needs to fight for what is right.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs resources, and support, in advocating for special needs children.
A Job well done Ms. Collins thank you!

Cheryl A Poe
Virginia

This is a great resource for both professionals and parents. The author does an excellent job of explaining the various aspects of speech and language and the challenges a child with Down syndrome may face. She also gives intervention ideas that are well suited to these difficulties and are easy to integrate. I was very pleased with this book, especially for the price!

I found this book to be helpful when working with a child who has Down syndrome.

Don't put it all on your therapist to teach your child. Take it into your own hands...it is your child. This book is great for your child of any age. It is really good for someone who has a little one because it talks about oral motor issues that could delay the speech and how to work on them. Libby is the Speech guru in the Down syndrome world...but you may have already know that.

Bought for use in a parent-infant education program for children infant to 3. Written with parents in mind so that it is not full of medical-speak, and full of suggestions, this is a good book for anyone working with or parenting a child with low tone or multiple issues that interfere with language development.

I wish I had time to read the whole thing at once, it's full of helpful info. I recommend it to anyone working with or parenting a child with down syndrome. Something that is partcularly nice about it as well as the other books like it is that they don't talk in ages but in stages. This way you can follow your child, and not some outward source that determines what they should be doing and when.

Being a parent of a child with autism, I love the positive perspective this book gives professionals and parents. This book overlooks the stigmas and stereotypes and focuses on acceptance and the unique qualities our children bring to the world. Rob Parish has compiled so many perspectives by so many levels of this "disorder." This is a must read for everyone new to the world of autism!

Embracing Autism: Connecting and Communicating with Children in the Autism Spectrum

Embracing Autism is a well-written compilation of life experiences, struggles and inspirational portraits of families and professionals who have lived with and improved the lives of children and adults in the autism spectrum. I heartily recommend it to families and friends of those parents who struggle with the diagnosis and are grappling with what this diagnosis means.

It will certainly help many to see the diverse nature of this diagnosis and help parents to view their children not as "impaired" but as "unique."

I do not have a child in the spectrum, but do have friends who are struggling with the diagnosis in their families. It helped me to view autism in a new light and unexpectedly, it also gave me inspiration in dealing with my own children outside of the spectrum.

The book certainly speaks to the frustrations of meltdowns, parents struggling with diagnosis and treatment, and the need for more continued education of those of us who do not have a child "in the spectrum." Our culture needs brave souls such as these to make themselves transparent, so that people, like I, can understand how to react, love and support those who live with this challenge.

This is an excellent book that includes interviews with parents, educators and clinicians about people with autism. The book opens with a parent/clinician who interviews a couple whose grown son had severe autism and was unable to care for himself. In a sad twist of irony, that same interviewer found herself answering similar questions about son Jacob, who has severe autism.

I like the way each personal account describes the behavior of the person with autism and how that behavior impacts on the lives of all whom they encounter. My favorite part was the chapter on Shawn Lyons, an extraordinarily bright young man with Asperger's Syndrome, the spectrum parter to autism.

Parts of Shawn's story were funny. I loved the very moving part of his impromptu joining a church production of the Nativity. Instead of being turned away and ordered back to his seat, the cast members allowed him to come on stage. When told that the chorus was going to sing, Shawn somehow got everyone, audience included to participate. That was my favorite part.

The only thing I didn't like was the word "perseverate," which is a damning and damaging word. "Excessive repetition," or "special interests" are far preferable and certainly speak to tolerance whereas that other word simply does not. The use of that word cost this book one star. Luckily Shawn dodged the bullet of just how very harmful that word really is. I am sorry it was ever applied to him in any way, shape and form, especially during his social skills lessons. It is a word best permanently retired.

On the other hand, Shawn's aides came up with some innovative ideas to help him learn how to "read" other people. On one occasion when Shawn was sharing his special interest in botany, his aide gave an exaggerated yawn and politely told Shawn that her brain could not hold as much information as his could about botany and that whenever one's eyes glaze over or they look away, fidget or yawn, those are good indicators that he has belabored his topic. Shawn was then able to apply that concept in other areas.

The title of this book speaks to tolerance. The idea of embracing this sensori-neurological condition is very much one of acceptance, one of recognizing the gifts that people on the spectrum have to offer.

Robert Parish presents a collection of wonderfully written experiences, of family and friends, with children whom radiate a diverse light. Enlightening to those who may feel the need to pull a shade - encompassing to those with understanding - and for some to learn a new meaning of compassion. The stories recount the challenges faced day to day. The strengths they carry, the weakness they share. Take the time to challenge yourself and feel someone else's world.

Embracing Autism, by Robert Parish and Friends, is a fantastic read.
As an adult sibling of a brother with autism there are many stories and emotions in this book which I can relate to. I found myself laughing and crying within the same story. I am so pleased that there is a book which presents different points of views and levels of autism.
I would highly recommend this book.

A Review by Allison

"Why can't I be like other girls?" Emily would often wonder. Emily is a special girl who has trouble doing every day tasks. She is the target of many harsh remarks at her school and just wants people to know that she has feelings like everyone else. When she falls in love with a guy named Hunt, she tries to prove to her parents that she is grown-up enough to wear makeup and more stylish clothes. She and her best friend, Molly, even decide to have a party. Things go horribly wrong- Hunt kisses another girl and Emily gets kissed by her friend, Donny. Where do things go from here?

I thought this book was great in all aspects. The characters that were used were well-developed and the visual descriptions and settings fit together wonderfully. This was a fast read- not because it was a short book but because it was interesting and didn't have useless bits of information. It wasn't a particular difficult book to read but it was interesting and had a good story line. The only thing I didn't like about the book was that the ending seemed too abrupt. The language was easy to understand and descriptive. The story didn't seem like it was TOO happy or TOO sad, it was perfect.

I would recommend reading this book to anyone. It may be more for younger readers but something everyone should read.

A review by Erika

Emily is now a teenager and is able to go to a normal high school. She has never gone to a normal school because she had a disability and had to go to a special school. Emily is now going to experience the life she has always wanted, that�s if her parents will let her. In this story Emily has to try to live the life of a teen without the help from her parents. She will also realize who her true friends are.

I liked this story because of the little romance that goes on in it. The author doesn�t put it out there until the end but I liked it that way. In the story I like the way Donny becomes her true friend. The sad part is she had to find out the hard way. The only thing I didn�t like was the characters Amanda and Molly. Amanda plays the bad guy in this story. She was really mean to Emily. She called her bad names all the time. For example, Emily held a boy/girl party, and Amanda called it a retard party and left. The reason I didn�t like Molly was because she was supposedly her best friend but she treated her like she was some hopeless little girl who didn�t know how to dress or act around boys. Molly would tell her things that she didn�t need to know or she didn�t need help with. The character I like was Donny. He noticed every thing she did. Like when she changed her clothes and started to ware makeup, he said she looked pretty. When it comes to the part of her meeting Hunt I thought it was cute. I thought it was cute because she thought he was the cutest thing in the world, but when she gets a job at the Farm Store. She doesn�t want him to know she works there because there are other special kids there.

I would recommend this book because of how cute the story line is. The reason I like this book so much is that I like Emily�s character. I liked how she looked at things. I would recommend this book to some one between the ages of 11-14. It was a simple book. It was easy to read.

A review by Amy

This book is about a developmentally delayed girl named Emily. She is starting a new high school and is desperately trying to fit in. Throughout this book, Emily faces many pressures to act a certain way, dress a certain way, and do certain things. For example, her best friend tells her that her clothes are too babyish and that she can't call her mother, mommy because she'd be "uncool". Emily tries very hard to do everything everyone tells her that she needs to do to be cool. But in the end, she lets her true self, shine through and finds new friends that accept her for who she really is.

Throughout this book Emily listens to her best friend and doesn't seem to have her own mind or a sense of herself. I felt like walking in on this book and being one of the characters to give Emily confidence in herself. Also, to teach her to be an individual and to do what she wanted, wear what she wanted, and hang out with whoever she wanted to.

Emily joins a new "regular" high school where there are "regular" kids and she feels a lot of pressure to grow up. For example, she feels like she's not pretty enough and needs to wear makeup. Something that was sort of a theme throughout this whole book was something that Emily read in a magazine. She read this article because she was trying to figure out what guys wanted in girls. She desperately wanted a boyfriend and the article she read was a statement that a boy made for the magazine. It read: ` I like girls who are sincere and honest. If they don't like me for who I am, then they're not worth being with'.

I thought that was a very good statement for the boy to make, but Emily took it the wrong way. She looked past what, in my eyes, was a very obvious point. That point was that guys should like her for who SHE is and THEY should be sincere and honest. Nope, that's not what Emily saw. She was too obsessed with trying and acting like she was sincere and honest. Key word, ACTING.

Another review that I read said that this book changed her life. That is a truly great thing that you can take from this book, but in my case, my life wasn't changed. Maybe that's because I've read many books such as this and this book sort of reaches out to a younger group than mine. Well, that's my opinion.

At first, I was reluctant to get this book, for a variety of reasons. Mostly, I like to read books with characters I can identify with. When I found it that it was about a mentally disbaled teenager, I almost didn't read it because I knew I would feel like an outsider when reading this book. Boy was I wrong. I realized that even though Emily, the fourteen year old main character, was different from normal teens such as myself, she still faces the same little everyday problems that I do, such as arguing with her parents about what she is and is not allowed to wear. She also faces bigger problems which I also relate to, such as trying desperatly to appear "cool." Although it is different for her, I feel like I understand what she is going through. Every teen is similar to her in one way or another. It also made me realize that just because people are different, they shouldn't have to worry about people "accepting" them. Emily was so worried about what others would think of her because she was different, and that sort of is a discrace to our society. We shouldn't have to live in a place where people are so worried and scared of others because they are "different." It isn't fair. If all the people who are cruel to others could just be in Emily's shoes for a day, I think they would change. And that's exactly what this book does, it puts you in Emily's shoes. This book was such an inspiration to me, that I decided to volunteer at a home for mentally challenged adults, where some friends and I went and planted flowers. The people there were so nice to us and they really appreciated what we were doing. I definetly will volunteer more. I urge everyone to read this book, no matter what age or sex, though teens will undestand and relate to it more. Judging by the title boys may be turned off by the book, but I think they will equally enjoy it. Read this book, it is amazing and has changed my life.

The story is about a fourteen year- old girl named Emily Gold who is mentally disabled. She in a special class in a regular high school. On her first day, Emily meets cute Hunt. She is hoping that he will be her boyfriend. Emily lives with her over-protective parents who disapprove of her wearing make-up and dating. Donny is one of the boys in her class. He gives Emily sweet little gifts and letters, telling her that he likes her. However, Emily is in "love" with Hunt and Donny is angry. Emily gets a job at the farm store. She meets new people who are also "special." She doesn't want Hunt to know she works there. He finds out later, but doesn't care. Molly is Emily's friend and she is having a boy-girl party. Emily invites Hunt and Donny to the party and is trying to spend the evening with Hunt, but ends up with Donny. She looks different at the party with a revealing outfit and make-up. Later in the story, Emily decides which guy is best for her. This is a very touching teen story and I highly recommand it.

I bought this book for my ten year old son who has many fears...I thought it might help him. But both of us were absolutely captivated by it. The author has a gift for stating his fears in such a charming, natural and absolutely right-on-the-nose way. My son felt really good that there was another person who had some of the same thoughts as he. I would buy this book for anyone who likes to read, who is curious about life in general, has irrational (or so they think) fears, has children or who is charmed by refreshingly open honesty.

You will miss out if you don't read this aloud. For some reason, hearing it, even if you read it to yourself, is critical - some people say this about poetry. I heard a portion of it read on NPR and I was so moved I had to pull the car over and wait till the reader stopped before driving again. I assume some of the proceeds go to the non-profit where the author goes regularly, so that makes me feel even better about buying this book for friends.

I heard a piece of this book read on "this american life" it was awesome. I found it online & received it as a birthday gift. I was expecting it to be a little photocopied zine type book, to my surprise it was hardbound book with good quality paper. This book is awesome...in content and presentation. I highly recommend it.

This is a delightful book - full of fears most of us are too afraid to articulate. The list is a poignant portrayal of the traits that make us human - not just about fear - but love, longing, and the value of human connection. A quick read and a must read.....I gave this book to my holiday A-list, and all loved it.

Michael Bernard Loggins sat down one day and wrote out everything he was afraid of. Through his work at Creativity Explored (an art program for developmentally disabled adults), his Fears of Your Life was chosen to be part of an exhibition at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. They were painted on the wall of the stairwell in his handwriting. Fears such as "Fear of Hospitals and Needles", "Fear of Heights", "Fear of being different" were there beside "Fear of Dragon", "Fear of Pirates" "Fear of something that you think that could be in the closet that might be scary is scary", and my personal favorite: "Feared that if you Put too much of toilet Paper in the toilet Bowl it will run over and get all over the Floor and on you and on someone else too. It would leak from up stairs to the Next Floor Below." "What is Fear? what does Fear tells you about a stranger? Does Fear makes you clever or Does it warns you that you and your Friends needs to Protect yourselves From Danger!" is there right next to "I better not stick my Feet out in the side of my bed or the monsters will bite me or wanting to eat me so I better stay Foot. That's Fear for you!!" All throughout the exhibition an amazing number of people could be seen each day sitting on the stairs and reading the Fears from start to finish. There was something amazingly freeing about it - as if we all were realizing just how petty those fears that we have within us really are. YBCA is a non-collecting institution that changes it's exhibitions quarterly, but for some reason it took around two years for the Visual Arts department to get around repainting that wall where the Fears were. Even when our galleries were borrowed for the DeYoung Museum's presentation of the Impressionists touring show, the Fears of Your Life remained - and people who came to see the Impressionist show would find themselves seated on the stairs, staring at the Fears with a fascinated look on their faces.

When the Fears were finally painted over, many of those of us who worked at YBCA felt like we had lost a friend. I am delighted to find out that the Fears of Your Life have been published as a book that I can now share with friends. (I've already purchased four copies!)

"Comprehensive" starts the subtitle, and Comprehensive it is! Too many print-handicapped people are forced to stumble through the multi-layered service system, picking up clues almost by accident until they "strike gold" in the person of a skilled counselor or librarian. Here is a full set of Tools for Learning, along with a user's guide! Important for every visually impaired student and family, vital for every school or school system's Special Education department. No less useful for those with serious learning disorders like dyslexia, or with challenging physical disabilities that prevent the easy handling of printed material. Yes, addresses and phone numbers may change; new organizations may develop; but this is a book that will be USED and that will repay its purchase many times over.

A volunteer at VISION Community Services, A Division of the Massachusetts Association for the Blind, a lovely 85 year old who is legally blind and severely hearing impaired, mentioned that she was interested in the Guide (as the result of reading a review in our newsletter). I loaned her our library copy and here's what she had to say: "Spent several hours with the Field Guide. Every low vision person should have access to it. One bonus I reaped was a comprehensive description of major suppliers, what they supply and differences between them. Also, Leibs gave a useful assessment of assistive devices. This is bewildering to the newcomer to the field. In the end, I copied out several titles of Great Books to improve my mind. Several times I've tried Huckleberry Finn and quit in boredom. On the other hand, the Toni Morrison title caught my attention, I've been meaning to sample her. Don't expect to like it, but I might be surprised." She adds that it was also good to know the approximate cost of having a book reprinted in large print, and the major LP companies. Despite being legally blind, her vision is better than her hearing so she reads large print books. Her vision loss is due to glaucoma, so she retains some decent central vision.

This book is the "needle of a compass" for the blind and dyslexic. Kudos to Leibs for providing the best resource guide for the blind and dyslexic I've read! He's not only gathered countless resources and provided those in an easy to navigate format, but he's added his own personal struggles and discoveries that finally lead him to experience the sheer joy of reading. I've placed this book in a prominent location in my office and will refer to it often as it's truly the work of a research genius. Special attention should be paid to the Introduction as Leibs takes you on a poignant journey to his discovery of reading and shares his excitement as well as disappointment while uncovering the bliss of reading. Additionally, Leibs provides a "suggested reading" list with contact information on how and where to acquire these books. Truly, his passion for reading will no doubt inspire your own, whether you are a fully sighted reader or not. Kudos to Leibs! A gem of a book, and long overdue!

I picked up this book for the first time a few nights ago and was immediately hooked. As a legally blind consumer and as Director of Rehabilitation Services at an agency whose mission is to empower blind and visually impaired individuals, I was immediately moved by the significance of Mr. Leibs' work. I read late into the night, and my last thought before drifting off to sleep that night was that I wished that this book had been around 30 years ago -- it would most certainly have saved me and a lot of others who live with severe vision impairment or blindness a whole lot of struggle and grief!

This book is the only of its kind I've encountered. The information, both concisely and engagingly presented, opens a breathtaking vista of literature and learning to the lives of the visually impaired in providing guidance to independent access of the printed word!

This book is NOT another "how to live with a disability" book. It focuses on a very important aspect of life, the ABILITY to read, to INDEPENDENTLY access the written word. Leibs has put together an extensive listing of resources to empower the visually impaired reader. In addition, the personal experiences he shares in the book brought back a host of memories of my own educational odyssey. Like Leibs, I and many others with low vision have experienced much hit-and-miss in the process of learning what we needed to know to gain the access we desire and need to succeed. Leibs has put together all the pieces of a complex puzzle into a user-friendly guide that paves the way for others to learn the rudiments of what it takes to access our literary world!

In my opinion, this book should be put into the hands of every visually impaired child in this country. Leibs also targets librarians with this work, as their awareness of these resources may enhance their own knowledge and skills in providing support for visually impaired consumers. I would additionally recommend this book to seniors who constitute, by far, the largest population of visually impaired readers.

Many thanks to Mr. Leibs for a significant contribution to the education and quality of life of blind and visually impaired people!

This book should be in the hands of every sight-impaired student no later than age tweleve. Leibs has completely overhauled the orientation for reading among the blind from one of dependence on teachers and organizations to one of connecting INDEPENDENTLY to a really vast array of resources. This hardcover volume is quite easy to navigate - well designed and quite "user friendly".