Disabilities Books

I just re-read this book. It is one of the most valuable books for parents, teachers and those who deal with crisis in their life-- which probably means all of us. The author writes poetically of one of the greatest challenges anyone can have --coming to terms with what life gives you. A lawyer, lecturer, teacher and parent, Zimmerman's book goes well beyond talking about the challenges of raising a handicapped daughter and its impact on her family, friends and others. She bares her soul to reveal how you can create a valuable life day by day. Her vitality, her wisdom and her sensitivity are a gift to the world. She writes cinematically and this deserves to be shared with the world. I had the good fortune to meet Zimmerman and she touches everyone she meets with her kindness and warmth. How to go on in the darkest of hours, how to live life to the fullest despite obstacles, hurdles and no guarantees.

This is a wonderful story, a tribute to the human spirit. It's a tribute to Zimmermann's determination, too. I read in Zimmermann's later book that Grief Dancers was turned down by 30 publishers. Then she published it herself. There is much to learn from this story. Just one tidbit to whet your appetite: Zimmermann is concerned as to the effect of the disabled child on the other children. Her young daughter says: "Don't you get it, Mom? She keeps us from just living on the surface." (Despite my name, I am not the author or any of her relatives!)

Susan Zimmermann's story about Katharine is NOT for readers with special needs kids only! It is for all people who have an interest in raising children who will appreciate the different gifts that "different"people have to offer. It is about cultivating in our children an appreciation for, rather than disdain or despair for, people who are "disabled". This is a quick read,very compelling true story that deserves widespread attention! I look forward to Susan's next work!!!!!

This book touched me deeply because I can relate so closely to how Susan was feeling while raising a daughter with Rett syndrome. Her book takes you not only through her daughter's struggles and challenges but it alsotouches your heart as you begin to see how Susan grows with her own realization of how wonderful life can be with a child with special needs.

"I have spent most of the day reading Grief Dancers, and am awed by its honesty and beauty. It's a wonderful book, and I wish it could be required reading." Madeleine L'Engle, Newbery Award winning author. "Susan Zimmermann portrays, with honesty, passion and wisdom, a chapter of her life that is both deeply terrifying and wholly inspiring. It is a story of loss and gain, pain and joy, and -- above all -- profound truth. It is a story with the power to change your life." T.A. Barron, author of Heartlight, The Ancient One, and The Merlin Effect. "Susan Zimmermann has written a book about her daughter, but also a book about each of us -- the fragile, damaged, but insistently precious part deep inside, that refuses to be cast off. To read these pages is to be reminded of the value of life itself. I have rarely been so moved." Swanee Hunt, former U.S. Ambassador to Austria.

Sandy Papazian has written a book that truly is a MUST HAVE in everyone's library! The book clearly documents the various physical as well as psychological stages and coping mechanisms that each member of a famly of the identified patient: Joey goes through...everyone 'grows up with Joey.' The encounters, impediments , frustrations that each of the family members faces are so intricately detailed that the reader often feels that he or she is right there in the Emergency Room with Joey and his doctors. A family's coping mechanisms for effectively interacting with the members of the 'health care' community are clearly documented. Whatever 'disability' a child may have, whether it be emotional/psychological or physical/organic; the resulting impact on his family is one that is so powerful. How this impact can effect a primary family, even the extended family dynamic is beautifully detailed with anectodes that allow readers to develop their own effective coping mechanisms for not only 'growing up with ...' but growing up HEALTHY with their special needs youngster. Once again, I urge you to read this book and share it with all your friends, whether they have a special needs member of their family or not, this is a MUST reading for all families!

Sandy Papazian has achieved what most writers can only dream of. She's managed to tell a tragic and compelling personal story in a most entertaining and affecting way, while at the same time never flinching from the sometimes difficult truths that confronted her family after the birth of their youngest son, Joey.
Anyone who ever had their faith shattered, their beliefs questioned, their strength drained, their hopes challenged...should read and learn from this magnificent story. Joey's story may seem, at first, only relatable to those who have family members wth handicaps...but in reading her book, we soon learn that we all have handicaps of one sort or another...and it is how we learn to deal with them that determines the fabric of our lives. In "Growing Up with Joey", Sandy has found a way to define and extract the most beautiful qualities on earth from the most tragic and terrifying of circumstances.
...If you are not transformed into a better person by reading this book, then there is little hope for you to begin with. Don't miss it.

This is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the difficulties facing a child with multiple disabilities and the problems families face in doing what they think is best for the child. This is a beautifully written book by a woman who knows the subject matter because she has lived it....I am CEO of a social services organization and I have not read a more inspiring book on this subject....I give it two thumbs up....Garrison Smith, CEO, Wabash Valley Human Services......

As a professional screenwriter, I am always looking for books that have compelling stories and dynamic relationships. Those that not only touch you in profound ways, but that stay with you long after the read. "Growing Up With Joey," does just that. Ms. Papazian's account of bringing up her handicapped son, amidst the pain and confusion of parenthood, is as mind boggling as it is inspiring. Having worked on projects that involve the mentally handicapped, I have done extensive research in the field. Until now, I had yet to come across a story filled with so much honesty. Honesty that transcends marriage, family, the work place and social consciousness. Ms. Papazian's attention to detail, not only in the day to day struggle of bringing up her son, but in the myriad of ways that struggle impacted every facet of her life, is something at which to marvel and, more importantly, something from which we can learn. The path is as long as it is difficult. It's filled with frustration, uncertainty and despair. But it's paved with love. This book is certain to bring Ms. Papazian critical acclaim and should be read by parent, spouse, sibling, teacher, student and child.

As a mom with two special needs kids, I am often overwhelmed by the sadness of not knowing what the future holds. This book touched a nerve in me and really lifted my spirits in a way no other book of this nature ever has. This book is a keeper, I'm so glad I found it.

My son loves the serie. And this is quite surprising, given that he comes from years of reading challenges. The fact that Hank -the main character- has learning challenges, but lives a rather exciting life in fourth grade, with his friends and family, has probably a lot to do with it. I personally like to sarcastic, realistic and hopeful undertone of the book, which is much like my son's psyche.

Initially, I was hesitant to buy this book; I was unfamiliar with the series and knew that books by actors-turned-writers aren't always quality literature. After reading it, I am so thankful I decided to buy! This fast-paced book is great for boys or girls alike, it will keep them laughing and leave them feeling like Hank is a friend of theirs. The book handles Hank's learning disability with understanding, yet never one time begs for compassion from the reader. A great book to use to introduce learning disabilities/dyslexia to your child or class!

This book is another winner from Henry Winkler! Very realistic, and funny. My son (10 years old) loves these books. This one is great because it reminds my son of the year he had to go to summer school. Very enjoyable to read together!

We love Hank Zipzer!

Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver have nailed the world of the LD child. Hank Zipzer is the quintessential kid with a learning disability. He's smart, he's funny, he thinks outside the box (ok he doesn't even see the box)and views the world as only a child with LD can. I read this book to my fourth graders who immediately demanded more of the same. Everyone in my class felt an instant kinship to Hank, and gained insight into LD that I could only wish for before. My students with LD identified with Hank and suddenly saw themselves in a different, more positive light. Kudos to Winkler and Oliver, and thank you so much for helping the world see LD for what it truly is.

This is a well written series of kids books - funny, good lessons, good plots.

These books are fantastic! As a mother with a child who has significant learning difficulties, these books have been my saving grace. It was a fight every night to get my son to read. He could never relate to any of the stories; most at his reading level are too babyish and those that aren't were too hard for him to follow. These books are perfect becuase they are fun. He can relate to Hank and therefore has fun following the story. I wish that I could thank Mr. Winkler for this wonderful character. My son can see that just because you have a hard time learning does not mean that you are not smart and funny and able to have friends. What a wonderful life lesson! I had given up hope that my son would enjoy reading. He has even discussed the books with us after he is done reading, something he had never done before. I highly recommend these books for all kids. The stories are well written and funny. Hank has many great adventures and all have a great lesson to pass on.

My son struggled to read, we had troubles finding books that interest him. He is on the last book the zippety zinger and has read all the other ones and just loves them all. Thanks Henry Winkler for the wonderful work that you have done. I recommend these books to all kids...

We first met our hero, Hank Zipzer, in the book Niagra Falls... or Does It? and learned what a funny guy Hank can be. We met his crossword puzzle crazy dad, his mom who owns the family delicatessen called "The Crunchy Pickle" and who is always trying to invent new lunch meats made out of soy, and also his weird, lizard-loving sister Emily and her pet iguana, Katherine (I ask you, how weird do you have to be to name a lizard "Katherine"??)

In that first book we read the adventures that Hank went through trying to make a working model of Niagra Falls instead of just writing a paper about it, and at the very end when Hank's project make a horrible mess and he spent a week in detention with the music teacher, Mr. Rock, he thought that Hank might have learning challenges and suggested that Hank get tested.

Well, at the beginning of this book Hank is practicing for his weekly spelling test and is having a terrible time trying to remember all the tricky words, like "rhythm". Jumping around the room seems to help, but when he gets to school the next day all those words seemed to have leaked out his ears and he can't remember a thing. In fact, because he argues with his teacher, he winds up being sent to Principal Love's office to do what Hank calls "mole time"-that is, sitting and staring at the Statue of Liberty-shaped mole on the principal's face. To add insult to injury, he gets his REPORT CARD later that day.

Now, MOST kids wind up getting small envelopes with their cards in it, but not Hankie-boy. HE gets a gigantic manila envelope with his report card and a letter from his teacher! What's worse, he has gotten THREE D's!!! He might as well pack his bags and go to South Africa, like Joshua T. Bates was planning to do (ha! Text-to-text connection!) While Hank is trying to think of a way out of this situation, his DAD and NOT his Papa Pete come to pick him and his friends up from school. This is not good and unexpected! He was hoping to talk to Papa Pete and get some advice for how to handle this situation.

They all go to The Crunchy Pickle, and it's there that things get REALLY interesting (and funny!) Hank's mom discovers that report cards are due out and asks Hank for his. Hank pretends to look in his bookbag, and passes his report card off to one of his friends. The report card gets passed around like an unwanted Christmas fruitcake until Robert, a small, geeky kid, sticks the whole darned thing into a MEAT GRINDER! There it gets ripped into shreds and added to a soy salami mix that Hank's mother was working on. She was hoping that a local grocery store owner would like her new soy salami and want to buy some, but when Papa Pete takes one look at the nasty glop in the bowl (complete now with bits of report card) he says they should start over again. Hank is relieved because, at least for the weekend, he's gotten away with not having to produce his report card. He's sure something will occur to him to help fix the situation by Monday.

That is, he's sure until dinner on Friday night when his mom tells him that she secretly put her OLD batch of soy salami-the one with ground up D's and a crabby teacher letter-into the fridge and was planning to give THAT to the grocery store owner, Mr. G. Hank nearly chokes on his dinner and has a heart attack. HOW is he going to fix THIS problem?! You can't eat soy salami with report card in it! (heck, Hank thinks you can't eat soy salami WITHOUT paper in it, either!) How is he going to fix this problem?

Well, he's going to "fix" it in typical Hank Zipzer fashion, of course!! That is, he's going to come up with an incredibly complicated plan that has a very good chance of going completely and utterly WRONG (think of all the trouble he had getting his Niagra Falls project to work and all the trouble THAT caused!).

DOES his plan go haywire? Well, yeah-it would almost HAVE to, wouldn't it? It wouldn't be a Hank Zipzer novel if it didn't! but what exactly happens I won't tell you other than it involves a great big dog, chess pieces, Cheerio, soy salami and, eventually redemption.

What I like about Hank is how realistic he is and how almost all of us have a lil' bit of Hank in us (some, like me, moreso than others). Hank isn't a bad kid; he's not mean or a jerk (that's a job for Nick "The Tick" McKelty), but he's so easily distracted and scatterbrained that it's easy for his imagination and impulses to get completely away from him. Anyone who has learning challenges or has had difficulty concentrating in school or in meetings can certainly identify with Hank.

1)In my book there is about a boy who cant spell very well but he wants to win the spelling Bee. Because The winner gets an A in spelling. His friend Asely won the spelling bee. Then he ends up with all D's in school. When they go to his mom's Deli his other friend put it in the meet grinder. Then the next day they took it to a very important buyer. So read the book and find out what happens.

2)I think this is an Exilent book Because it is very funny. Also because of the sispens you never know what is going to happen next.

3) There is some irony in my book because he sutdy's hard for the spelling bee but he misspells his first word.

4)I gave this book a five star rating becasue it was a wounder ful book. Also it is funny.

I remember as a kid, the power the Fonz had on American kids. When his character got a library card, applications for library cards increased nationally. Now that Henry Winkler has turned author, I know he will be impacting more kids in a positive way.

Hank Zipper is a kid with learning disabilities that aren't diagnosed yet. But he doesn't let that stop him. This book moves quickly and is full of vivid descriptions of Hank's adventures. The scene with the two dogs and the chase through the mansion is a hoot!

Kudos to Winkler on this latest venture. This book would be a good classroom read aloud!

IDEA 2004: A Parent Handbook For School Age Children With Learning Disabilities by school psychologist and parent advocate Shelly Smith is a straightforward guide for parents and professionals to the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act. Condensing everything parents need to know to be effective advocates in plain terms, IDEA 2004 covers practical applications of the law, disability laws in general as they pertain to schoolchildren, and the rights of both children and parents. Reducing seemingly incomprehensible bureaucracy into simple terms, and fully explicating both the letter and the spirit of the law, IDEA 2004 is an absolute "must-have" for any parent or guardian raising a child with learning Disabilities and seeking a positive, balance-of-power relationship with the public school system.

As a current Director of Special Education, I find Shelly Smith's book for parents to be the best information possible for the lay person. It explains to the parents their rights regarding their child's education in such a manner that is easily understood but comprehensive. Any parent of a special needs child must read Shelly's book. The complicated law that protects these students and their parents is so massive that such a common sensible approach is needed. Ms. Smith brings the language, terminology, and rights down to a level that the reader can comprehend. This book has a five star rating as far as I am concerned and should be distributed to all parents of challenged children.

Dr. Lynn Ahrens

The consistency of MS Smith's advice is wonderful. There is no need to remember situational models or hope that your particular situation is referred to in her book. If you don't feel "the system" is working properly to serve your child, you simply state that you don't feel they are fulfilling their legal obligation. It is a simple statement, it isn't
confrontational and best of all, it is our natural reaction as parents of a special needs child! Brilliant!!!!
Gwendolyn Borders, Texas

I am a Special Education Teacher. I know how difficult these laws are to understand. Administrators, teachers and families are still trying to determine what changes have been made what they mean and what is new. For those of us who don't have time to read all 200 pages of the law this book makes it easy to understand. With the help of this book it will be much clearer how, when and why the IDEIA can help you and your student(s).

Shelley Smith's book Idea 2004: Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act: a Parent Handbook for School Age Children With Learning Disabilities is a MUST READ for any parents with a Special Needs child. This book takes all the legal terminology that is supposed to be protecting our children and breaks it down into plain language that can be utilized by any parent in advocating for their child. This is a book that you want to keep by your side throughout your child's education! I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to get a better handle on their rights and providing their child with the most APPROPRIATE EDUCATION!

Per previous reviews, the book is a great read with a great message about friendship. As a parent of a child with Asperger's I would like to offer one caution: this book is a great one to offer those who may be seeking to better understand a child with Asperger's, but would not be a great fit for the Asperger's child himself. Since the book is written from the neuro-typical viewpoint, Jackson comes off as pretty weird--loved, but weird.

Also, disclosure of Jackson's syndrome comes off as somewhat "hush hush." This is, I believe, because the author does an excellent job of depicting the societal dilemma of disclosure in the world of schools and teachers. To disclose is to explicitly state the Syndrome that describes the child's unique personality. It is not generally considered ethical for teachers to decide to disclose; young children with this syndrome may not have the adequate judgment to disclose (hence Jackson's parent's rule that he not do so); and parents' distance from those to whom the information would be most valuable--e.g. friendly schoolmate, Tyler--often prevents them from disclosing even if they would want to do so.

I would recommend this book to school personnel and to children and families who have friends with Asperger's Syndrome, but would turn to other resources for a good read for your young Aspie.

Tyler has always been nonplussed by his classmate, Jackson. From the time the boys were in kindergarten, they were classmates and also attended speech class together. Tyler stuttered during the early grades and Jackson had a tendency to be very literal in his interpretation of what people said.

Although the boys were never friends in the intimate sense, Tyler would go to bat for Jackson and defend him when other kids picked on him. A kind girl in their class genuinely cared about Jackson and insisted that Tyler keep standing by him.

By the time the boys are in 6th grade, Tyler is nominated by his class to present Jackson with a class gift. He does not want to do this; reverts to stuttering (only this time it is deliberate) to get out of making a speech for Jackson and generally looks for a way out.

Memories of Jackson's behavior in class during their early grades hound Tyler; he realizes that Jackson bears a strong behavioral resemblance to his 6-year-old cousin, Drew. Drew has Asperger's Syndrome, a neurobiological condition that is the spectrum partner of autism. As he mulls this over, he realizes that Jackson has Asperger's Syndrome. He confronts his classmate, armed with this new insight and Jackson gives him a clinical definition of the term.

Tyler realizes that Asperger's is not a death knell to a full life; Jackson fortunately has been included in the full school program at all times.

This is a truly heartwarming book that presents a very realistic character with Asperger's Syndrome and is a wonderful story about acceptance and inclusion. Definitely a must have!

Be sure to read Marc Littman's masterpiece, EDDIE AND ME ON THE SCRAP HEAP as a companion book to this one. You will be very glad that you did.

This book is a delightful read and holds your attention from beginning to end. It is told from a childs viewpoint of trying to understand other children who are not like themselves and how parents and teachers can be there to help. I have forwarded it to my daughter in college who is majoring in elementary education. Thanks, Joan

This witty story is a lighthearted and so very understanding
of a Asperger Syndrome boy and his friends. It is a fast-paced
and lucid insight of the difficulties Jackson faces in the
world of school children.

Jackson is described by his fellow classmate Tyler throughout
the reading with sometimes unusual...sometimes misunder-
stood...sometimes humorous incidents made by Jackson which
confuse him and the other classmates.

Jackson Whole Wyoming is a wonderful source for parents
and teachers to delve into the feelings of the child with
Asperger Syndrome, as well as his classmates and friends.

I thoroughly enjoyed Joan Clarks' keenly sensitive book
and have learned of a topic of which I knew very little.

I really got a kick out of reading "Jackson Whole." The book gives a funny, yet relevant look into the world of Jackson, a student identified with Asperger's syndrome. The story line moves quickly as one episode after another unfolds revealing Jackson's personality, thought process and unconventional actions. A fun and insightful read.

Griffin, Hammis and Geary take on Customized Employment (CE) in a powerful and thought-provoking way in this new book that is destined to become a "must-read" for professionals assisting job-seekers with significant disabilities, as well as families and friends.

The authors examine the roots of CE and lay out strategies for providing support services in non-traditional ways that bring each individual's gifts and talents into the forefront of job development. Explanations for frequently asked questions are both well researched and insightful. Strategies that are critical to successful job development - the use of discovery, job analysis and negotiation - are identified and defined in user-friendly terms.

This book goes a step further in navigating the reader through the array of viable resources that are often overlooked and generally misunderstood by both providers and job seekers. G/H/G take a close look at the important role that Social Security Work Incentives play in enhancing employment opportunities, and they articulate the role that business must play in successful customized employment when careers, not just jobs, are the goal.

Debra Noel
Project Director, Start-Up/Florida
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
University of South Florida
The Florida Center for Inclusive Communities

A MUST for all people doing Job Development. A great resource and guide for staff. I especially appreciate the emphasis on being person centered. There are strategies and resources in the book that are great assets to a team in assisting a person to find the right job. It is easy to read and offers many ideas for people to implement as they explore career opportunities. Very complete and you can see how implementing the strategies will lead to success in assisting people with their career development.

Again, Griffin-Hammis sets the bar high. This book, which attempts to teach art step by step, starts with the expectation that individuals with disabilities want to and can be economically self-sufficient. Providing real examples of how the road to successful employment is full of twists and turns, the tools in this book will be helpful to all job developers. But more importantly, they address this subject within the context of everything else in a person's life not treating employment as something extra, but as a part of life. If you can't work with Cary, Dave or Tammara in person, this is the next best thing.

Once again Cary and Dave have reset the bar for best practice in supporting people with disbilities to gain economic power. Over the past few years supported employment has slipped back a bit and lost some credibility. This book will help all practitioners, educators, families to understand Customized Employment practice in a hands on nuts and bolts practical manner and get to the next level. This is a great tool for SE teams who are always on the road and have trouble with training. This book will also teach how to leverage many new funding sources!!!! Corey Smith Director of Employment Services Via of the Lehigh Valley PA

As a new employment rep for people with disabilities, this guide does a great job of going over the basics of forming relationships with the job seeker as well as potential employers. I was impressed with the respectful language the authors used, as well. I know I will go back to it again and again.

Most childhood development books, while informative, tend to be as compelling as an encyclopedia. Not A Kid Just Like Me. Bruce Roseman's first person account of teaching his learning disabled, ADD son to read is inspiring and enjoyable reading. I think all parents can learn from Dr. Roseman's story. Dr. Roseman has been blessed with a wonderful son, Joshua, whom he loves dearly. Throughout the entire ordeal recounted in the book of dealing with educators, administrators, etc., Dr. Roseman never, ever forgot the love for his child, he never gave up, he always was his child's strongest advocate. While people were telling him and his wife that Joshua would never learn to read, he took control of the situation and taught his son to read. Dr. Roseman is also honest about himself in this book--he admits many time that he was a bit of a pill to those he encountered--again, though, all for his son. Dr. Roseman sent me this book, and asked me to review it. I am so thankful he did. It is a wonderful work that I recommend all parents read. It contains a compelling, heartwarming (although also sometimes heartbreaking) story that will inspire all parents.

I suspected I had ADD for sometime, but never allowed the suspicion to become concrete in my mind. Then I found 'A Kid Just Like Me'. I could not put the book down and finished it less than 24 hours after buying it. I realized that I had read - or sometimes attempted to read - too many books dealing with ADD in abstract terms; I could not recognize myself in those pages. With Dr. Roseman's book the situation was different: His honest, accurate and detailed description of ADD and learning disabilities opened my eyes to my condition. I consider myself lucky to have found this book and wholeheartly recomend it to those who suffer from ADD, kids and adults, and those who love and want to help them.

Dr. Roseman has earned his stripes in parenthood and medicine. This book is inspiring and helpful. He and his son are courageous and capable people. Everyone can learn from this book. It is also well written and lively. I hope learning specialists and teachers at a variety of schools read this book and learn from it. They should really try to understand how parents feel about their children and how they hope for their children, and thus, how dedication and faith can win in the long run.

When I began to read this book, I thought it would be very technical. However, I found it to be a book that I couldn't put down. It is a wonderful story about a father and son and their journey through heartache, love and striving to live in a normal world. I highly recommend this book.

The author writes with a vivid readable style. He takes us along with him on his quest to help his son learn. Along the way, we meet a variety of clinicians, educators and other experts. Professionals might do well to read these sections to help them understand how strongly their words and actions may affect a distressed parent.

Dr. Roseman had decades of experience compensating for his own AD/HD and learning disabilities. When he discovered that his oldest son had similar difficulties, he determined that his son would have a different experience from his own. Watching his son's struggles and triumphs was an intense experience, unearthing many varied emotional reactions. Dr. Roseman recounts his own memories of the pain and humiliation he experienced as a child when his school and his parents expressed frustration. At the same time, Dr. Roseman remembers how he had been able to use his energy and creativity to find unique ways around his disabilities.

This book emphasizes the need for individualized approaches for AD/HD and learning disabled children. To Dr. Roseman's credit he does not give blanket dismissals to legitimate treatments that did not work well for his particular child.

Not every parent can or should do what this parent did. Many readers will not have the energy, the time or the financial resources to teach their own child. This intense identification between parent and child can be a powerful positive force so long as the parent is able to allow space for other family members and friends.

When Dr. Roseman talks about his long intense periods with minimal sleep, I could understand the rationale of the psychiatrist who wrote a prescription for Lithium. On the other hand, I think of the intense bond between Helen Keller and her teacher. Often intense, passionate involvement enriches our world.

Every student is different in many ways so that to assist in learning growth each must be stimulated to adopt learning options and patterns that enable each respective student to keep apace of the learning level of the group so that the growing edge of each is not less than the group norm. Because each individual varies from the group norm in various ways and forms each student must learn that these variatins are useful progressive learning and that the accumulated end is the important outcome. This process has some similarity to that of group sports, that each participates in. There always are open and subtle differences in how each plays the game. The group satisfaction comes into play and stimulates all to try to function at the group norm. In this way the learning differences in how each plays the game to encourage all to function at the group norm. In this way the learning experience
can be utilized to understand how progress proceeds throughout one's life span. Thus Learning differences can be a stimulus to learning rather than a means of fostering insecurity and under achievement. The steady developments of insight into learning lays the groundwork for reasonable achievment throughout the full pattern of life Educational processes are best if they stimulate a life learning pattern that exploits the potential of each student to a desirable level. This greatly lessens personal insecurity and supports the notion that individuality can be a productive way of life and increase the total progress of any group in a helpful way and pay dividends to each respective group member. Building this insight is important to foster the productive use of each persons abilities so that living becomes more meaningful.

cc: Terri R Corder Lukonen

I've always thought that the task of writing a book targeted at people who have difficulty reading would be a daunting if not impossible task. This author has succeeded admirably in this goal.

KidTips succeeds by using advice from the real experts: the very students the book is intended to help.

The book uses a "recipe Card" format, and each tip or strategy is printed on a 3x5 card. A CD ROM is included so one can print duplicates of the KidTip cards and the provided evaluation charts, so it's not necessary to cut apart or mark up the book. The CD contains the pages of the book in the Adobe Acrobat format, so that an exact duplicate of the desired pages may be printed on any modern computer platform without the need to purchase any additional software.

Each card contains one tip or strategy, and is effective by being concise and to the point. Tips are grouped into subjects, and students are encouraged to begin by choosing one or two strategies, and adding the use of more tips as they progress over time. A program is outlined to guide teachers, parents, and the students themselves in the most effective ways to utilize the cards and the information they contain.

This author, who is obviously an experienced and effective teacher, appears to have generated a joy for learning in the students who participated in the creation of this book, and they all apparently want to share their enthusiasm and acquired knowledge with others.

This book is a unique and effective concept that is extremely well executed, and will be a valuable learning tool for years to come.

The book is inspirational and we both wish that it had been around in our own school days. It contains many ideas that would have been most helpful to us.
Reading through the pages reminds me of the difficulties that faced me and how many of them still lie underneath the surface.
I hope KidTips is enormously successful in reaching the LD classrooms. It deserves to be!

KidTips is an excellent book to use with students who have learning disabilities. I have shown it to many people and they always ask where they can buy one. The strategies are written so that students can read and understand them. The book includes self-evaluation charts for students and helpful instructions for parents and educators. The CD ROM makes it very easy to print copies of all the strategy cards and rating scales. This book is wonderful!

I've always thought that the task of writing a book targeted at people who have difficulty reading would be a daunting if not impossible task. This author has succeeded admirably in this goal.

KidTips succeeds by using advice from the real experts: the very students the book is intended to help.

The book uses a "recipe Card" format, and each tip or strategy is printed on a 3x5 card. A CD ROM is included so one can print duplicates of the KidTip cards and the provided evaluation charts, so it's not necessary to cut apart or mark up the book. The CD contains the pages of the book in the Adobe Acrobat format, so that an exact duplicate of the desired pages may be printed on any modern computer platform without the need to purchase any additional software.

Each card contains one tip or strategy, and is effective by being concise and to the point. Tips are grouped into subjects, and students are encouraged to begin by choosing one or two strategies, and adding the use of more tips as they progress over time. A program is outlined to guide teachers, parents, and the students themselves in the most effective ways to utilize the cards and the information they contain.

This author, who is obviously an experienced and effective teacher, appears to have generated a joy for learning in the students who participated in the creation of this book, and they all apparently want to share their enthusiasm and acquired knowledge with others.

This book is a unique and effective concept that is extremely well executed, and will be a valuable learning tool for years to come.

The author tells a compelling story of life growing up female and disabled. We read a straightforward account of a child growing up in an era when women were supposed to marry and have children first and if necessary work to help support the family. As a disabled woman, there were no expectations that one could attract a man, physically give birth, raise children, or work in any meaningful way. Mary Mason did all of those things but nowhere in this book does she claim to be a superwoman. She moves through her life making choices, and as a scholar, reviewing them over time and finding her way to a truer sense of self. Her feminist beliefs are unimpeachable. Her move toward an understanding of her place in the turbulent world of the disability movement is honest: feminism came first and more easily in both a personal and political way. The movement toward a place in the world as a disabled person required more thought and analysis because there were fewer contemporaries with whom she could share her stories as a young woman. This book is a welcome addition to the genre of memoirs, but it in no way is a familiar story. It is news, and important news about the experience of living at the intersection of the feminist and disability movements at a time when both political bodies are in flux. You will not be bored by rhetoric though you will be challenged by Mason's manner of analyzing her family life, her work life, and her intellectual life, while staying true to her desire to tell her own personal story.

This wonderful book about healing and discovery should not be missed. It's incredibly well crafted. The story is fascinating, painful and uplifting.

Mary Mason, a critically acclaimed author and professor of English Literature bravely examines her own life to give an honest and revealing look at how our culture treats disabilities in particular women with disabilities.

I was completely engaged by this compelling story of this little girl growing up in the thirties with polio who overcame this incredible obstacle in addition to other tragedies to achieve success.

This book is an inspiration not only for women with disabilities but for all women. It examines the struggles we all face with tough odds to beat.

I highly reccommend it. It will touch you deeply.

This memoir is an inspiring insight into the personal life of a successful professor of English literature at a woman's college in Boston.

We gradually discover that her cheerful outward appearance at times masks a deep and profound private pain. The revelations in this book make it a spellbinding read.

Mason's account of her extraordinarily rich and productive life--traveler, educator, writer as well as wife and mother--makes us question our conventional response to what constitutes a "disability." Despite her inability to walk without crutches, Mason covered more ground than many able-bodied contemporaries. The book is a revelation and inspiration.

Life Prints: A Memoir Of Healing And Discovery is the story of Mary Grimley, who at the age of 6 years became America's first "poster child", dining with President Roosevelt at the Warm Springs rehabilitation center and posing in her wheelchair for publicity shots. Mary went on to became a remarkable scholar in the 1950s and 60s, refusing to focus on her disability and making herself a part of the revolution of ideas. Mason has spent her life struggling against the common cultural prejudice against disabled people, including the sexism of mentors, friends, family, and even herself. It was only after many years of physical therapy and social isolation, that she could emerge from the social and psychological handicaps imposed upon her because of her physical disability to embrace feminism, discover her life's work, and come to terms with herself. Life Prints is a candid, revealing, informative, and exceptionally well written autobiography that is highly recommended for women's studies and disability issues reading lists.