More and more, authors of children's books are tackling issues faced by families with special needs children. Their books allow parents and children to openly discuss and explore their personal feelings and thoughts about what society deems as “normal”. Talking to your special needs child about his or her condition isn't always easy. Here are 10 books to help you get started.
1. Xilef by Augie Rivera
Overview (from Adarna.com.ph):
Xilef is the first Filipino children's story that helps develop greater understanding and acceptance of dyslexic children. [This book] can be used to teach about learning disabilities.
In 2005 it was recognized by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) as one of the Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities. It also won third prize in the Best Children's Story category in the 1999 Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards.
Real mom says:
“At first I wanted to get it to show my dyslexic son that he wasn't alone. It turns out that it was also good to read it to my younger kid, because it helped them to understand a little bit more about their sibling's personal challenges. [It was] a really good read.” - Jules, mom to John, 6, and Jannah, 3.
Where to get it:
Adarna House, Scout Torillo corner Scout Fernandez Streets, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City 1103 Philippines. Online orders available at www.adarna.com.ph
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2. Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Raquel by Luis Gatmaitan, MD
Overview (from Adarna.com.ph):
Raquel is a girl to be envied. She has the most admirable traits and her long, flowing hair has the most wonderful colors - red, yellow, and blue! Little did her cousin know that underneath Raquel's wonderful hair lies a sad secret. [This book] can be used to teach courage and coping with serious illness.
In 1998, this book was given an honorable mention by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), Salanga Prize.
Real mom says:
“I loved the creativity and heart in this book. It was nice to see so much positivity in an otherwise sad circumstance.” - Luisa, mom to Marco, 7, and Carlo, 5.
Where to get it:
Adarna House, Scout Torillo corner Scout Fernandez Streets, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City 1103 Philippines. Online orders available at www.adarna.com.ph
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3. Ang Madyik Silya ni Titoy by Russell Molina
Overview (from Adarna.com.ph):
Here comes Titoy's magic chair! Watch it turn into a car, a plane, or a train, and take Titoy to many wondrous places! Here is a heartwarming story about how a child's boundless imagination helps him overcome his limitations.
Real mom says:
“My son was diagnosed with a rare disease when he was just five, and this book helped me to encourage him to reach for the stars, imagine big, and dream big despite his medical limitations.” - Ayra, mom to Nio, 7, Kayla, 4, and Alexia, 2.
Where to get it:
Adarna House, Scout Torillo corner Scout Fernandez Streets, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City 1103 Philippines. Online orders available at www.adarna.com.ph
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4. Sampu Pataas, Sampu Pababa by Russell Molina
Overview (from Adarna.com.ph):
Do you know how many steps you have to take if you're walking from your room to the kitchen? This is the story of Mak-mak, a boy who sees numbers. Everywhere. Here’s an excerpt:
“Kabisado ng aking kaibigan ang bilang ng baitang ng hagdan papuntang eskuwela. Bilang na bilang niya ang bawat hakbang kahit saan man siya magpunta. Kakaiba si Mak-Mak. Sa utak niya'y puro numero ang nagsisirko. Marami siyang mga tanong sa akin--tulungan ninyo akong sagutin!"
Real mom says:
“I bought this as a gift for my niece who was considered “gifted”. But then, when I read the book myself, I discovered this was a good way to teach counting, too, so I bought one for my own daughter!” - Elsie, mom to Maia, 6.
Where to get it:
Adarna House, Scout Torillo corner Scout Fernandez Streets, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City 1103 Philippines. Online orders available at www.adarna.com.ph
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5. Haluhalo Espesyal by Yvette Fernandez
Overview:
Jackie has been sick for a week! Her mother has been giving her all the medicine she needs but nothing seems to work. Suddenly, Lola Itang comes to visit. Can Lola Itang's enchanted kitchen restore Jackie's healthy, happy self?
Real mom says:
“I loved that the book emphasizes not the sickness but the love and its power to heal. Even though [the book's character] Jackie doesn't have a disability, I think kids with special needs can still relate to her.” - Vicki, mom to Leah, 5, and Nebby, 2.
Where to get it:
Adarna House, Scout Torillo corner Scout Fernandez Streets, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City 1103 Philippines. Online orders available at www.adarna.com.ph
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6. Rules by Cynthia Lord
Overview (from the book):
Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She’s spent years trying to teach David the rules from “a peach is not a funny-looking apple” to “keep your pants on in public” - in order to head off David’s embarrassing behaviors. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a surprising, new sort-of friend, and Kristi, the next-door friend she’s always wished for, it’s her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?
Real mom says:
“My autistic son has 2 'normal' siblings, and I know they often have a hard time dealing with it because they feel that the family is consumed by my son's condition. This book helped them understand their feelings better, and it has even helped me see the world from their perspectives as siblings of a special needs child.” - Mariel, mom of Kyla, 10, Jillian, 8, and Angelo, 4.
Where to get it:
Fully Booked Stores; visit www.fullybookedonline.com for store locations.
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7. I Want To Be Your Friend by Angela Baublitz
Overview from the book):
Emma, a young girl with apraxia of speech, talks about what her life is like. She shares her activities, hobbies, to show that she is just like other kids. She also shares her feelings about not being able to say what she wants in a way that other people can understand.
Real mom says:
“This book was instrumental in helping my child not feel so different than other kids. Hearing about [the character] Emma's feelings about her apraxia helped him realize he wasn't alone in his thinking.” – Sherrie, mom to John, 6.
Where to get it:
Order online at the Amazon bookstore, www.amazon.com
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8. Different Like Me by Jennifer Elder
Overview:
The book's narrator, Quinn, is a child with Asperger Syndrome. Quinn introduces to the readers some inspirational historical figures who were all diagnosed with autism, like Albert Einstein and Lewis Carroll, naming their achievements and significant contributions in the world of science, art, and other fields of study.
Real mom says:
“I was surprised at how educational this book was even for us [the parents]! We had no idea that big historical people from the past had the same challenges as our son With autism. I think it gives hope not just to children with autism but to their family and friends as well.” - Irene, mom to Pete, 9, and Roger, 4.
Where to get it:
Order online at the Amazon bookstore, www.amazon.com
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9. Views From Our Shoes by Donald Joseph Meyer
Overview (from the book):
45 siblings share their experiences as the brother or sister of someone with a disability. The children whose essays are featured here range from four to eighteen and are the siblings of youngsters with a variety of special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, ADD, hydrocephalus, visual and hearing impairments, Down and Tourette syndromes. Their personal tales introduce young siblings to others like them, perhaps for the first time, and allow them to compare experiences.
Real mom says:
“Every story in this book has something different to teach, and I like that. Each of our kids has his own favorite story, and for me, that's touching, because it lets me know that they're touched in their own unique way. I highly recommend it to any parent or healthcare professional who deals with special needs children.” - Eileen, mom to Harry, 8, and George, 7.
Where to get it:
Order online at the Amazon bookstore, www.amazon.com
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10. My Friend Isabelle by Eliza Woloson
Overview (taken from the book):
Isabelle and Charlie are friends. They both like to draw, dance, read, and play at the park. They both like to eat Cheerios. They both cry if their feelings are hurt. And, like most friends, they are also different from each other. Isabelle has Down Syndrome. Charlie doesn’t. Written by Isabelle’s mother, this charming tale encourages readers to think about what makes a friendship special.
Real mom says:
“My 5 year old daughter has Down Syndrome, and this book made her older brother cry. I was so touched, I've never had a book do that before.” – Gina, mom to Nate, 8, and Fatima, 5.
Where to get it:
Order online at the Amazon bookstore, www.amazon.com
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