Just Don't Fall

by Josh Sundquist

This winning memoir of triumph over tragedy tells a story that has deeply affected thousands of readers. When he was just nine years old, Josh Sundquist was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a virulent cancer strain that eventually claimed his left leg. Told in a wide-eyed, often heartbreaking voice, Just Don't Fall is the astounding story of the boy Josh was and of the young man he became—an utterly heroic struggle through numerous hospitalizations and worse to become an award-winning skier in the Paralympics and renowned motivational speaker. What emerges is one of the most fresh and sincere works of inspiration to come along in years.

Genres:
Memoir

Genres:
Picture Book

Excerpt:

Just Because

by Rebecca Elliott

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My big sister Clemmie is my best friend. She can't walk, talk, move around much, cook macaroni, pilot a plane, juggle or do algebra. I don't know why she doesn't do these things. Just because.' This heartwarming picture book about being perfectly loved, no matter what, tells of a brother's love for his sister. He is so enthusiastic about just how loving and special she is, and delights in telling us about all the fun things they do together. Only as his tale unfolds does the reader begin to realize that his sister has special needs... and by then we just accept as he does all the wonderful things about her. This amusing and often touching story encompasses the issue of disability in a charming celebration of sibling friendship to which all children can relate.

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Genres:
Picture Book

Excerpt:

Ivy the Very Determined Dog

by Chris & Maureen Harrington

Who is Ivy? The bravest (and cutest) French Bulldog you will ever meet! On her third birthday (of all days), Ivy became suddenly paralyzed in her back legs due to a rare genetic spinal disease. That has not stopped Ivy from living life to her absolute fullest.

Ivy inspires us all to never give up. Embrace your individuality. And most importantly, to always keep on rolling whatever you do, and never let anything get the better of you.

Genres:
Non-Fiction

Excerpt:

Individual Sports at the Paralympics

by Matt Bowers

A photo-illustrated book for elementary readers about Paralympic athletics, cycling, archery, and triathlon events. Includes descriptions of each of these men's and women's individual sports. Readers will be introduced to some rules and how they differ from their Olympic counterpart. Includes Q & A features, table of contents, photo captions, glossary, further resources, and index.

Genres:
Picture Book

Excerpt:

I Will Dance

by Nancy Bo Flood

Like many young girls, Eva longs to dance. But unlike many would-be dancers, Eva has cerebral palsy. She doesn’t know what dance looks like for someone who uses a wheelchair.

Then Eva learns of a place that has created a class for dancers of all abilities. Her first movements in the studio are tentative, but with the encouragement of her instructor and fellow students, Eva becomes more confident. Eva knows she’s found a place where she belongs. At last her dream of dancing has come true.

Genres:
Picture Book

Excerpt:

I See Without My Eyes

by Mark Brauner Hayward

A young blind girl tells how she adapts and functions with her disability and how she does not let it stand in her way of living her life as best she can. The story teaches children about Braille, senses, guide dogs, and more.

Genres:
Picture Book

Excerpt:

Howie Helps Himself

by Joan Fassler

Though he enjoys life with his family and attends school, Howie, a child with cerebral palsy, wants more than anything else to be able to move his wheelchair by himself.

Genres:
Memoir

Excerpt:

How Far Can You Go?: My 25-Year Quest to Walk Again

by John Maclean

An inspirational memoir by a man who became an elite wheelchair athlete after suffering a catastrophic spinal injury and who finally walked again 25 years after his accident.

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After two years of intense physical therapy following his crippling accident, John Maclean set a new course for himself when his father encouraged him to embrace his new reality and asked: "How far can you go"? Inspired, Maclean became the first paraplegic to complete the Ironman World Championship and swim the English Channel before going on to win a silver medal for rowing at the 2008 Paralympic Games - yet these achievements did not come easy or on his first try. But with fierce tenacity, determination, and the love of family and friends Maclean was able to see each dream realized.

Yet he longed for one more victory: To walk on the beach with his family, holding his wife's hand. Through a radical therapy, he retrained his mind and challenged conventional thinking to walk again after 25 years in a wheelchair. How Far Can You Go? is his amazing story.

 

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Genres:
Memoir

Excerpt:

1% Better: Reaching My Full Potential and How You Can Too

by Chris Nikic

What would life look like if you measured your success by improvements instead of victories? Nik Nikic shares the incredible story of his son Chris’s journey to become the first person with Down syndrome to ever complete an IRONMAN® triathlon, inspiring others to achieve their goals by getting 1 percent better every day.

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From the moment Chris Nikic was born, his parents knew he could achieve anything he set his mind to do. So when he became involved in triathlons with the Special Olympics, his dad, Nik, took on the role of coach and encouraged Chris to aim even higher. Together, they set their sights on making history—Chris becoming the first person with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN® triathlon.

Written from Chris’s father’s perspective, Nik shares the 1% Better mindset that has helped Chris achieve many of his goals—and the underlying principles of the 1% Better system can help you pursue and achieve your dreams too! Through Chris and Nik’s story, learn the benefits of applying the model to your own life and discover how to:

  • Overcome the mental hurdles of pain
  • Stay motivated using three irrefutable laws of motivation
  • See failures as opportunities for improvement
  • Form a lifelong habit of success

You may never be the best. But you can be better than your best when you stop imposing self-limitations and begin the journey to reach your goals—one confident step at a time.

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Genres:
Picture Book

Excerpt:

Hiya Moriah

by Victoria Nelson

A beautifully illustrated, rhythmic story about a young girl's life with special needs. Through her brave attitude, and silly humor, Moriah is an inspiration for us all. This is a book that families can enjoy together with a timeless message about love and acceptance, and just saying "hiya" when making a new friend with different abilities. The bonus picture glossary and "What's This? What's That?" page in Hiya Moriah creates a space for children to celebrate how special and unique each of them were made to be.