Physical Disabilities Books

Helen Keller: A photographic story of a life (DK Biography)

Leslie Garrett

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 9-12 -> General
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 9-12 -> General AAS
Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Biographies -> Historical

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Traversing a Dark Valley 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

"Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." ~Helen Keller

The DK Biographies introduce children to famous and influential individuals, although I personally also enjoy reading these tiny biographies. It is a great way to gain insight into a life and Helen Keller is a symbol of overcoming limitations. She refused to live her life shut away in a dark room and instead she taught herself to speak many languages, traveled to many countries and loved to read.

Helen Keller's life is truly inspirational and although her life started out in such a bleak way, she overcame many obstacles and eventually exceeded everyone's expectations. She was actually world-famous by the age of 10. It is truly amazing to see the articles she wrote at age 12.

After we read about the initial illness that left her blind and deaf, Leslie Garrett takes us on a beautiful journey through Helen's life. She was quite the little prankster as a child and also had a great sense of humor about life in general. She also had a temper and this is where Annie Sullivan enters the picture.

We learn about Annie Sullivan's life and how Helen and Annie meet. Leslie Garrett explains how Helen learns about life and how to live in a world where few people understand her. Annie shows extreme patience in very difficult situations and eventually teaches Helen how to deal with everyday situations. She also teaches her how to read and later on attends college classes with her to spell out the lessons into her hand.

Leslie Garrett's writing style is perfect for this story and this is definitely one of my favorite DK biographies. After reading this story, you will never again think about life in the same way.

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." ~Helen Keller

~The Rebecca Review

Editorial Review:

Tells the inspirational tale of this spirited crusader.

In this groundbreaking new series, DK brings together fresh voices and DK design values to give readers the most information-packed, visually exciting biographies on the market today. Full-color photographs of people, places, and artifacts, definitions of key words, and sidebars on related subjects add dimension and relevance to stories of famous lives that students will love to read.

Everybody Is Different: A Book for Young People Who Have Brothers or Sisters With Autism

Fiona Bleach

Amazon Price: $8.76 List Price: $10.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Autism Asperger Publishing Company Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $5.25

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 4-8 -> General
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 4-8 -> General AAS
Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Family Life -> Siblings -> Nonfiction

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Not as much for Asperger as it is for Autism 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This is a short enough read that my 5th grader buzzed right through it. We skipped over several parts though, because our person in our family has Asperger syndrome and the book is geared toward Autism mainly. I did find it refreshing to find a short enough read that would help my son understand some of the things going on with his sibling, however I think we had already covered the majority of the book with him. I read the book in 1 hr. It was well written I thought.

Great info in kid language 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book is great at addressing the kinds of questions that come up for kids in a very kid-friendly way.

Everybody is different 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is specially designed to give answers to the many questions of brothers and sisters of young people on the autistic spectrum.

As well as explaining the characteristics of autism, it is full of helpful suggestions for making family life more comfortable for everyone concerned.

I found it to be interesting and helpful in explaining simple answers for little ones and more in depth info for older children and adults.

Editorial Review:

This book is different! It is specially designed to give answers to the many questions of brothers and sisters of young people on the autistic spectrum. As well as explaining the characteristics of autism, it is full of helpful suggestions for making family life more comfortable for everyone concerned.

Who Was Helen Keller? (Who Was...?)

Gare Thompson

Amazon Price: $4.99 List Price: $4.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Grosset & Dunlap Amazon Marketplace: 62 new & used starting at $0.01

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 9-12 -> General
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 9-12 -> General AAS
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Biographies for Beginners 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful introduction to biographies for the early reader set (6-10 yrs old, depending on reading ability). It provides enough info to be useful, but not so much that the child is bogged down and loses interest. The series is fabulous.

Great subject for a children book. 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great subject for a children book. I got this series of books for my daughter and she really enjoyes reading them. Great read and educational too.

Excellent for upper elementary students 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

As a teacher of fourth grade, I have found this series to be indispensable when it comes to having my students create their biography pizzas. The information is presented in an easy to read format and contains pictures throughout. When I think back to my days in school, I always found biography books dry and dull. The authors of this series manage to present the information in an engaging manner. I often have children who read more in the series after their project is finished.

Editorial Review:

At age two, Helen Keller became deaf and blind. She lived in a world of silence and darkness and she spent the rest of her life struggling to break through it. But with the help of teacher Annie Sullivan, Helen learned to read, write, and do many amazing things. This inspiring illustrated biography is perfect for young middle-grade readers. Black-and-white line drawings throughout, sidebars on related topics such as Louis Braille, a timeline, and a bibliography enhance readers' understanding of the subject.

Illustrated by John O'Brien.

Don't Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability

Pat Thomas

Amazon Price: $6.95 List Price: $6.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Barron''s Educational Series Amazon Marketplace: 35 new & used starting at $3.08

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 4-8 -> General
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

A misguided attempt 2 out of 5 stars.
13 of 70 people found this review helpful.

This book is subtitled, a first look at disability. I ask this though; wouldn't kids get a much better first look across the lunch table at their neighbourhood school? I'm not sure why authors think that we need all of these books to teach us about disability, It seems like an n out-of-date notion to me. Give us an engaging storyline not a medical lesson.

Editorial Review:

This delightful picture book explores questions and concerns about physical disabilities in a simple and reassuring way. Younger children can find out about individual disabilities, special equipment that is available to help the disabled, and how people of all ages can deal with disabilities and live happy and full lives. Titles in this series for younger children explore emotional issues that boys and girls encounter as part of the growing-up process. Books are focused to appeal to kids of preschool through early school age. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, A First Look At books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers, and encourage kids to ask questions and confront social and emotional questions that sometimes present problems. Books feature appealing full-color illustrations on every page plus a page of advice to parents and teachers.

Helen Keller: From Tragedy to Triumph (The Childhood of Famous Americans Series)

Katharine Wilkie, Robert Doremus

Amazon Price: $5.99 List Price: $5.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Aladdin Amazon Marketplace: 106 new & used starting at $0.01

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Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> General
Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> General AAS
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 9-12 -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A GOOD INTERMEDIATE BIOGRAPHY 3 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This book covers Helen Keller's life from her precocious babyhood wherein she greeted people with "how d'ye" and "tea, tea, tea" to her impressive adulthood as a crusader for persons who are blind.

Helen became blind and deaf after an extended, unidentified illness she suffered at 1 1/2. Unable to see, hear or speak, Helen communicated by a series of rudimentary signs and showed great precocity in learning to fold clothing and recognizing her own. She was also unruly and given to fits of temper, which was understandable considering her lack of access to ready communication.

When Helen was 3 months off 7, her now famous teacher, Annie Sullivan was hired to work with her. The redoubtable Ms. Sullivan taught Helen the manual alphabet and from her stellar progress at identifying familiar objects, taught her Braille as well. Helen's progress is nothing short of spectacular and she makes an impressive academic showing at the Perkins Institute for the Blind in Boston.

I liked the fact that this book did not dwell on that now tired scene at the water pump when Helen learns after having "water" spelled onto her fingers that "all things have a name." Instead of gasping and losing speed after the now overworked water pump scene, this biography picks up speed and the reader is treated to following Helen's academic progress at Perkins and later as a Radcliffe alumna.

This book glosses over Helen's radical socialism during her adulthood and also glosses over the challenges she and Annie faced as they matured together. It's a nice biography, but you do end up wanting more.

Editorial Review:

A biography, focusing on the childhood years, of the blind and deaf woman who overcame her handicaps with the help of her teacher, Annie Sullivan.

My Friend Has Down Syndrome (Let's Talk About It)

Jennifer Moore-Mallinos

Amazon Price: $6.99 List Price: $6.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Barron's Educational Series Amazon Marketplace: 27 new & used starting at $3.84

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Editorial Review:

The sensitively written Let’s Talk About It Books encourage preschool-age and early-grades children to explore their feelings, deal with problems that trouble them, and understand others who have problems of their own. Each title speaks to a particular concern that children might encounter in the course of growing up. All books in this series have appealing color illustrations on every page, and are available in both English and Spanish language editions. A short section at the back of each book offers related advice to parents. My Friend Has Down Syndrome describes a condition that affects many families. Younger children are normally puzzled when they encounter other kids who suffer from Down Syndrome. Here is a heartwarming and reassuring story of how an ordinary child comes to understand and befriend another child who has Down Syndrome.

This Is Asperger Syndrome

Elisa Ganon, Brenda Smith Myles

Amazon Price: $14.95 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Autism Asperger Publishing Company Amazon Marketplace: 10 new & used starting at $7.30

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 9-12 -> General
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Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Social Issues -> Special Needs -> Nonfiction

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 28 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

This book is a GREAT way to explain Asperger Syndrome 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful.

This book explains Asperger Syndrome is a very simple way for adults and children. I have a 5 year old son with Asperger and I showed this book to his grandparents, my friends and his after-school care takers. After they read it, they finaly understood all the information that I had tried to explain to them before. Plus there were some things in there that I didn't realise were related to Asperger so it was a learning experience for me as well. Not all of the symptoms will fit to your child and you'll find yourself saying, "Does that" & "Nope, doesn't do that", etc. This really is a great way to explain Asperger to others and it's a very fast read.

Good starting point 4 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This book is a good place to start. It has very remedial information on how Asperger's Syndrome (AS) appears to others. In this way it can be informative to those who don't have AS (why is he doing that?) as well as to those who have AS (how am I different?). The book is very short and only seeks to explain the perceptions and actions of a person with AS. It does a very good job of not condemning the behavior, merely pointing out that it is sometimes outside of the norm.

Asperger Syndrome: An Owner's Manual--What You, Your Parents and Your Teachers Need to Know: An Interactive Guide and Workbook

Ellen S. Heller Korin

Amazon Price: $14.93 List Price: $21.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Autism Asperger Publishing Company Amazon Marketplace: 27 new & used starting at $11.16

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Science, Nature & How It Works -> Health -> Physical Disabilities
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Personal Health -> Children's Health -> Autism & Asperger's Syndrome
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Psychology & Counseling -> Mental Illness

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A 10 Star Help for those with AS! 5 out of 5 stars.
21 of 21 people found this review helpful.

This excellent book is clear, well thought out,and easy to use. Those challenged by AS are presented with opportunities for self exploration and an understanding of what AS is and how it might be effecting their lives. They are encouraged, validated, and this interactive workbook helps THEM come out with solutions!!! As a parent I can't recommend this book enough! I can see it being adapted for use with many ages.

Editorial Review:

"An Owner’s Manual" is an interactive workbook designed for young people grades 5 through 8 for use with guidance from a helping adult. Astutely written to be understood by these particular adolescents, "An Owner’s Manual" describes what Asperger Syndrome is and how it can affect daily life. With the help of a trusted adult, the child completes a series of exercises related to learning style, sensory issues, emotions, relationships, and more, culminating in a written plan for each major area of his life that will serve as a constant guide and reinforcement. "An Owner’s Manual" is designed to be used at different times throughout the child’s life, including diagnosis and when problems arise. This unique workbook not only reassures the young person that the things he is struggling with can improve, but also empowers him by providing a chance to identify his needs and to participate in developing interventions and future planning.

We Can Do It!

Laura Dwight

Amazon Price: $6.50 List Price: $6.50 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Star Bright Books Amazon Marketplace: 23 new & used starting at $3.20

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A lively book of photographs of special children as children 5 out of 5 stars.
20 of 20 people found this review helpful.

We Can Do It has photographs of 5 children with Down Syndrome, spina bifida, blindness and cerebral palsy having fun and enjoying ordinary activities at home and at school. The unposed (I think!) photographs are refreshing and inspiring to anyone who has an interest in special needs children, focusing on their abilities. I think it will become a classic.

children first, disabilities second 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 12 people found this review helpful.

This marvelous book shows five different children going about their lives with their disabilities visible, but demystified. The title really says it all: We can do it! We can do lots of things! The journalistically styled photos show each child in ordinary situations as a child first, and a child with a disability second.

My favorite photo is the one of the boy in his walker playing in the sprinkler; seeing his joy reminds of another famous photo of children playing under a street sprinkler, and of my own childhood. This must be why little children love this book. They get to examine children who are a little different having fun. Perhaps it helps them answer their unasked questions. But believe me, small children LOVE this book.

Editorial Review:

Photographs show five pre-school children, each with a disability, leading full, productive ad happy lives because they believe We Can Do It!


Glossary and resource list included.

Finalist, Benjamin Franklin Award

First Signs (Early Sign Language)

Stanley Collins

Amazon Price: $6.95 List Price: $6.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Garlic Press Amazon Marketplace: 28 new & used starting at $0.01

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Baby-3 -> General
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Baby-3 -> General AAS
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Reference & Nonfiction -> Language Arts -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great sign language starter book for 6 - 16 months 5 out of 5 stars.
30 of 30 people found this review helpful.

Babies love to look at the actual photos of other babies. Durable 6 x 6" board book. The photos are clean and simple and have an adjoining cartoon illustration with arrows showing hand movements and a short narrative phrase explaining the movement. Signs include Mom/ Mother, Dad/ Father, please, thank you, drink, eat, done, more, banana, apple, cookie, milk, help, hurt/pain, go, stop, ball, book, cat, dog, car, airplane, toilet/potty, bath, bed/sleep, play, and I love you. It makes me want to check out the other books in this Garlic Press series.

Very useful 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Fit perfectly in diaperbag or purse
Kept his attention
Signs were very clear
Colorful

Good except for cookie 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 14 people found this review helpful.

Each page is a different word with a picture of the item and a drawing of how to do the sign. If a person is in the photo, they are often doing the sign. I am surprised they have a cookie in a book for such young children. Kids this age don't need cookies and it seems unwise to teach them this. We would have told our son the sign means "cracker" except the pictue of the cookie is a gingerbread man. Don't know how we're going to get around that one. Cracker would have been a much better word to include. Had I realized "cookie" was in the book, I wouldn't have bought it. I gave it 4 stars because overall it is a nice book.