Authors | Disability advocates | Promoting HOPE
by Megan Dejarnett
No Such Things as Normal speaks to the curiosities and difficult questions that arise in a world full of diversity. Equipped with discussion questions, the story provides a creative, honest and interactive way to instill dignity and respect for all people. This book is designed to teach inclusion, diversity, and acceptance.
No Such Thing As Normal is recommended for children of all ages.
Lisa and her friends have a big problem: bullies. Billy and Joe run the neighborhood, taking allowances, stealing snacks, and pushing people around. After a run-in with the boys one day, Lisa's wheelchair breaks, but her kind neighbor Mr. Gringle gives her a new one, painted colorfully and brimming with magic, he says. She doesn't believe him at first, but Lisa soon realizes that with this magical chair, she has the power to stand up to the bullies that she didn't before! As she watches her bravery and courage inspire other kids around her, Lisa will learn a very important lesson about inner strength and believing in your own abilities, and about the magic that lies inside all of us.
How does a small provincial city in southern Japan become the site of a world-famous wheelchair marathon that has been attracting the best international athletes since 1981?
In More Than Medals, Dennis J. Frost answers this question and addresses the histories of individuals, institutions, and events―the 1964 Paralympics, the FESPIC Games, the Ōita International Wheelchair Marathon, the Nagano Winter Paralympics, and the 2021 Tokyo Summer Games that played important roles in the development of disability sports in Japan. Sporting events in the postwar era, Frost shows, have repeatedly served as forums for addressing the concerns of individuals with disabilities. More Than Medalsprovides new insights on the cultural and historical nature of disability and demonstrates how sporting events have challenged some stigmas associated with disability, while reinforcing or generating others.
Frost analyzes institutional materials and uses close readings of media, biographical sources, and interviews with Japanese athletes to highlight the profound―though often ambiguous―ways in which sports have shaped how postwar Japan has perceived and addressed disability. His novel approach highlights the importance of the Paralympics and the impact that disability sports have had on Japanese society.
by Antony John
This witty, heartfelt story about perseverance in the face of adversity is perfect for fans of R. J. Palacio, Cammie McGovern, and John David Anderson.
Noah Savino has been stuck in a wheelchair for months. He hates the way people treat him like he’s helpless now. He’s sick of going to physical therapy, where he isn’t making any progress. He’s tired of not having control over his own body. And he misses playing baseball - but not as much as he misses his dad, who died in the car accident that paralyzed Noah.
Noah is scared he’ll never feel like his old self again. He doesn’t want people to think of him as different for the rest of his life. With the help of family and friends, he’ll have to throw off the mask he’s been hiding behind and face the fears that have kept him on the sidelines if he ever wants to move forward.
by Jodi Bainter
On Good Friday 2004, an unthinkable accident forced Brett and Jodi to make a decision no parent should ever face. When Brett decided to mow the lawn that afternoon, he had no idea it would change their lives forever.
In this true, gripping story, Jodi takes you back to the day when their three-year old son was accidentally backed over by a riding lawnmower. She shares intimate details about overcoming grief, the unbelievable guilt of a father, and how she and Brett fought to hold their marriage together. Ultimately, young Jake's will is unrelenting, when faced with a decision beyond his comprehension.
This story is filled with hope, sadness, laughter, pain and countless sleepless nights, as Jodi, Brett and Jake desperately try to find healing for their family. In the dark of night, Jake asks his mother to "make it morning," so that they can begin anew. You will be inspired by their steadfast approach to managing their struggles. And their realization that life does not always take the path you had hoped, but if you embrace the unexpected turns, you may land somewhere more beautiful than you ever dreamed.
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Lucas fell, and now he lives with a disability. A story of grit and resilience.
When Lucas falls off a ladder, he damages his spine and can't use his legs anymore. He can't stand on them and he can't walk on them.
Read about how, with self-determination as well as with the love of friends and family, Lucas can drive a car, play sports, and be a teacher again!
Inspirational, humorous, and thought provoking, Noah Galloway's Living with No Excuses sheds light on his upbringing in rural Alabama, his military experience, and the battle he faced to overcome losing two limbs during Operation Iraqi Freedom. From reliving the early days of life to his acceptance of his "new normal" after losing his arm and leg in combat, Noah reveals his ambition to succeed against all odds.
Noah's gripping story is a shining example that with laughter and the right amount of perspective, you can tackle anything. Whether it's overcoming injury, conquering the Dancing with the Stars ballroom, or taking the next steps forward in life with his young family, Noah demonstrates how to live life to the fullest, with no excuses.
by Cory Lee
With a can-do attitude, Cor Cor shows that with enough determination anything is possible. Cor Cor's readers learn about places around the world, as he explores exciting destinations from his wheelchair. Whether admiring the northern lights in Iceland or meeting kangaroos in Australia, no adventure is off-limits.
As a wheelchair user that has visited all seven continents, co-author Cory Lee (founder of the award-winning accessible travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee) always wanted to read a book that he could relate to while growing up. Collaborating with his mom, co-author Sandy Gilbreath, they created this children’s picture book to show that the possibilities for all children are limitless, regardless of their abilities. Let’s Explore with Cor Cor is both fun and colorful, while teaching children about various landmarks and destinations from all over the world.
Kindness is Golden is the debut book in The Golden Stories: An Inclusive Children's Book Series. All of the books in this series follow a first grade class from Golden Elementary School, which sets the gold standard for disability awareness and inclusion. In Kindness is Golden, Miss Clarke's class, which is made up of both students with and without disabilities, goes on a field trip to the aquarium. During the field trip, one of the students, who is in a wheelchair, is unable to participate in one of the exhibits, so all of his classmates problem solve to bring the exhibit to him! Join the Golden Elementary School students as they set out to remind the world that kindness is golden.
