Disabilities Books

Not reading the books that have endured in their reputation as literary gems for generation after generation of readers is akin to starving in the midst of an orchard of ripe, pluckable fruit. Jane Mallison is a self-acknowledged passionate and life-long reader of books. She was head of the New York Trinity School English Department from 1982 to 2004 and therefore employs a very special experience-based expertise in "Book Smart: Your Essential Reading List For Becoming A Literary Genius In 365 Days". This is a literary guide to be employed every day of a single year, at the end of which the reader will benefit from a month-by-month plan involving 120 of the most compelling books of our universal literary heritage. Presented on a January through December calendar, the suggested titles are organized thematically, ranging from titles that are 'Towering Works to Read in Translation' from Beowulf to The Aeneid; to 'Some Notable Biographies' from Flaubert's Parrot to "The Life and Times of Cotton Mather; to 'Winners of Major Awards' from Herzog to All the King's Men. The authors of these 120 recommended literary works range from Charlotte Bronte, Sophocles, Thomas Hardy, and Benjamin Franklin, to Joseph Conrad, Evelyn Waugh, James Thurber, and Voltaire. Each title is presented with a succinct description that includes historical notes, highlights on key themes and characters. Of special note is the cogent advice on how to approach reading. Ideal as a curriculum guide for highschool and college level English Literature curriculums, "Book Smart" is especially recommended for individual readers wishing to acquire a basic literary literacy. Especially since every single recommended title can be acquired for reading through a local public library, either directly or through their community library's free InterLibrary Loan System.

This book is the real thing. The author's choices are solidly based and could well form the basis of fourteen to twenty-one year old students' literary education. But two other factors are very much present in this book and provide its true worth--Mallison clearly loves literature and she writes about her choices with remarkable brevity and wit. I do not remember such a graceful combination present in the myriad of Great Books and Great Literature guides published over the past forty years. Much needed and highly recommended.

This story centres around Gunther, a German boy crippled from rickets during World War I, who is sent to Bethel, a Christian colony near Bielefeld, by his father and grandmother. It tells of his experiences and education, and his relationships with the other children; the emotional strains of entering adulthood; and the unique personalities of the pastors, including one bearded pastor who constantly plays hymns appropriate to the situation on the trumpet he carries around with him. There is a particularly moving episode about the death of Kurt, a severely epileptic child, at Christmas. Near the end is the account of how, during World War II, the leader of the community makes contact with Hitler's personal doctor and, while the community prays, spends hours eloquently giving reasons why the unique and responsive disabled children should be saved from death under the Nazis' economy plans; the doctor is sufficiently moved to exempt the community from extermination.

Well worth reading - my only reservation is how many of the minor incidents actually happened - the broader story is true, and Gunther was a real person who the author met, but the conversations are invented. But it's a very moving book and a good, thought-provoking read.

The story of Gunther, abandoned and abused by his family, finding a place of love and safety among Christians who care for all is so moving. The story is told from Gunther's perspective as he grapples with rejection and feelings of worthlessness. Pastor Fritz's love for him as well as all the others is remarkable. The whole community embraces those society rejects. All of this takes place during Nazi Germany when the Nazis are killing all who don't measure up. Yet Pastor Fritz, through prayer and courage, protects them all.

This is a book that I have read and reread. It was one we read at the dinner table and discussed. If you can locate the book, it is a "must read".

Americans who have been learning lately about Deaf Culture in America will appreciate reading this book about Deaf people who are not as fortunate in overcoming discrimination or having a rich source of education available for them, and will understand where Deaf Americans have come from. A must-read for educators and advocates who want to undertand what Deaf people face in demanding equality in their lives. Written by a daughter of Deaf parents who saw first-hand what life is like in America, and then learned what it is like to be deaf in a country where Deaf people are not so fortunate. At the same time, the book shows the beauty of the country itself, their culture and customs through photographs made by the author when she took side trips from her base in Kathmandu.

"Buddhas in Disguise" is a richly illustrated and knowledgeable portrayal of the life, environment and culture of the deaf in Nepal, written by a woman who spent three years living and working with these forgotten but brave people. The book is worth getting for the photography alone, which is wonderful, but the photos are accompanied by a fascinating description of a people about which the world is nearly completely ignorant. If you are interested in Nepal, in foreign cultures, in excellent photography, or deafness, I highly recommed this book

This book gives amazing perpective. The stories of the children that ride this "special bus" are heart-warming. This book made me smile and laugh one minute and cry the next. It is truly a well written book!

This book is a short collection of humorous and poignant short stories about a school bus of unusual students. One word.. FUNNY

Busy Body: My Life with Tourette's Syndrome by Nick van Bloss is the most powerful and touching TS autobiography I have ever read. His descriptions for this very challenging condition are quite clear, revealing and help the reader get an idea of what it may be like to go through this ordeal day after day after day. TS is such an unusual disorder. Sure there are more painful and more life threatening conditions (I don't mean to dismiss any other disorder as "not difficult"), but TS is unusual and particularly difficult because you often have no choice but to let everyone know that "something is wrong." TS "tries" to break every social convention and rule." It is astounding how many social situations require silence or general quietness - most every classroom situation, movies, waiting in line, traveling in a public setting, shopping, theatre, etc. Until you experience TS (yourself or with a family member or friend), you have no idea how much of our society requires participants to "not make a scene" and "stay reasonably quiet." This book was difficult for me to read because I have a son with a pretty strong case of TS. I noticed many connections between Nick and my son. It helped me develop a better understanding of what my son is going through. I really don't think most people understand how painful TS can be and Nick pointed this out pretty clearly. He didn't elaborate too much on this point and based on my son's experiences, I know that Nick must be dealing with pain all the time and is actually pretty heroic about it. Although it was painful, I found this to be the most uplifting book on TS I have ever read. It reinforced teh idea that a TS sufferer can live a pretty good life and that many gifts may be associated with the condition. Nick is also a VERY humble human being who is compassionate, intelligent, sensitive and perceptive, not to mention his incredible sense of dedication and perseverance. This book is worth the read just to know him as a human being, whether he had TS or not. I only hope that this book is read by a great number of people. If anyone knows how I could e-mail or write to him, please let me know.

I heard about this book on a TS webboard and decided to order it. I was not sorry I did. It is an excellent book and he really portrays what it is like to have TS in a candid, funny way. I recommend this to anyone who has TS or would like to know what it is like to have it.

This is a well-organized, readable guide to figuring out a daunting and complex problem - how to care for our aging parents in a way that preserves their dignity and everyone's quality of life.
Terry Lynch writes with an understanding of the fact that this is a process most of us go into without the benefit of past experience. He offers lots of references and plenty of reassurance.

This book is an eye opener for children wanting the best for their aging parents. As a babyboomer, it is increasingly obvious that I know far too little about helping them with the right diet, exercise, medicines, living arrangements, etc.. This new release goes a long way to ease that burden. The writing is straight-forward and the layout and indexing make it easy for me to use it as a future reference guide as issues arise.

Bobbie Bartz
Sheboygan, WI

A fascinating read. I never knew how taxes played such a large affect on marriages and on working women. After reading this book, I suddenly understood that some of the root causes of the economic dilemmas for working mothers are actually caused by our tax system.

McCaffery is right--we need change, and this book explains why.

Taxing Women is a must-read for working women across America. Any woman who works while raising a family knows how hard it is to balance all of life's responsibilities. However, few women know how the tax system makes it even harder.

Taxing Women explains how the system operating today was created by males with a 50's mentality (think Pleasantville or Ozzie and Harriet). His well researched discussion elaborates on this philosophy and how the system it engendered is ill-equipped to deal with the two-earner family reality of today. By the way, don't let the word "tax" scare you. McCaffery provides easy to understand examples of situations where women are penalized for working.

I highly recommend this compelling book.

Educational,humorous,sad and thoughtful. I would like to get in touch with Ms. Geraldi for more info on how to care for my daughter

This book shows the true compassion,strength, and love of Camille and her whole family. There should be more people like her. This book gives people with or without a child with special needs ways in which they can help children with Down Syndrome or any other disability. I hope that Ms.Geraldi and Ms.Burris would write another book to let us know how her wonderful family is doing.

Can I play, Too? is an inspiring book. It deals with the disability of a young boy named Teddy. As a teacher of the Handicapped, I chose to read this book with my 5th grade students. This book had an impact on us all! My students have learned that it is okay to be different and that acceptance is important. We also had the opportunity to meet the author. K. Scott Conover has made an impact in the lives of several children with this sensitive book. I am looking forward to the publishing of his second book!

This book is an inspiring story of a child's comeback over a leg injury and contains many characters. It is interesting to read, and would be great for any 3rd to 6th grader. As an added side note, most of the proceeds go to the K. Scott Conover foundation, a foundation designed to help children overcome crippling diseases. Buy it and you won't be dissapointed.

I took a class on assessment methods and of all reviewed, the Carolina proved to be one of the best. However, people need to be aware that it is NOT a formal assessment tool and should be used as a guide. The great thing about the Carolina is that it is very user friendly, making it a great tool for parents to use with ease.

This book, or should I say this manual, is really important and helpful. I am a Ph.D student and I know exactly what it does mean to have a manual like this in schools. The manual gives you a chance to evaluate your students with special needs. Additionally, the manual follows the new trends in assessment and evaluation process through linking the assessment results with educational or intervention purposes. By using the Assessment Log and the Developmental Progress Chart, you, as a teacher, can link the ongoing assessment information with the IEP information for your students.
This manual will help you understand the developmental level and deviance for your students, as well as how to plan for age appropriate and functional interventions.
Thanks Amazon for the wonderful book.